A.P.P.L.E

If you want to buy a new PC now, everyone will talk about Intel Core Duo processor. But what is it actually? I heard of this Core Duo and Core 2 Duo. But in fact, I know nothing much about this two. So I decided to do a little research and this is my summary.

First of all, let’s see…What is Intel Core?
The Intel Core series is a 32-bit processor that runs on two cores packaged in a single silicon chip. It is more similar to Pentium M rather than Intel Core 2. (Can’t believe it leh?!) But then, what is Pentium M? In short, Pentium M is originally designed for laptop PC (thus “M” for Mobile); lower clock speed compare with Pentium 4 Mobile (or P4-M), but similar performance; and it’s actually a heavily modified P3 Tualatin design processor.

Okay, enough of Intel Core…how about Intel Core 2?
It’s a 64-bit processor. It doesn’t carry an integrated DDR2 memory controller. Whereas, every AMD64 processor has an integrated part of the DDR2 memory controller, thus, increase power consumption. (A brief comparison between Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD64 processors)

Before we look into the difference of this two Intel processor, I would like to mention L2 cache. Just in case you don’t know what on earth is an L2 cache, here is a simple and easy-to-understand explanation from Cyberwalker.com:

Cache is a place where stuff is processed or reserved separately from other processes.Some memory caches are built into the architecture of microprocessor chips. Those internal caches are often called Level 1 or L1 caches. Where you hear people refer to a computer’s cache, it usual means they are referring to Level 2 or L2 cache. It is cache memory that is outside the processor chip.

Data is transmitted from the processor chip into main memory through the L2 cache.

Okay…now, what’s the difference between Intel Core Duo and Intel Core 2 Duo? This is what I’ve learnt:

Intel Core Duo	Intel Core 2 Duo
The first dual-core CPU made by Intel. 2 chips in 1 package.	Having the same 2 chips in 1 package, but faster clock speed.
L2 cache	L2 cache, but the silicon architecture changes, thus more sophisticated processing abilities
32-bit architecture	64-bit architecture, more “future-proof”
Price wise, getting more expensive because it is no longer actively selling in the desktop market	Compare to Core Duo, now it’s cheaper

You will spend at least double the money on a quad core processor versus a dual core, and many applications still don’t benefit from the additional cores. At the same time, having a dual core versus a single core CPU is more important than fighting over a few hundred megahertz. The existing quad core products (Core 2 Quad) will be replaced by next-generation products in the third quarter of 2007.

Reference:
Link 1
Link 2

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