Dual Core and Multi Core Processors

Processor manufacturers are now producing or designing several dual- and multi- core processor products. A multi-core CPU consists of two or more equally functional processor cores residing on a single semiconductor die. While such CPU architectures have been manufactured before, they have never been as available or as cost-effective as the new multi-core products for 2005 and beyond.

Dual or multi-core processors are ideal for handling multithreaded, parallel high-performance computing tasks. Compute-intensive applications, such as financial analysis and scientific simulations will experience superior performance using multi-core processors. Compile time for applications is also reduced.

Though dual core CPUs are not fully twice as fast as a single core processor, and are not as fast as dual processor systems, there are many advantages to dual- or multi- core architecture. One of these advantages is a reduction in latency, as two sets of instructions are carried out simultaneously. In initial versions of dual core processors, each core will have its own cache. However, since multiple cores with a single cache would theoretically speed up each core's access to data, this type of design is expected in the future.

Placing two cores on a single chip also helps control power consumption. Because lower clock speeds mean less power consumption and heat, two or more lower speed cores can be combined in a single unit to achieve the performance of a single core CPU with higher clock speed, while using less power and generating less heat. This increased performance without increased power consumption means better performance per watt. In addition, dual- to multi- core processors can save space and money by increasing system performance while occupying the same amount of physical shelf or rack space.

Aspen Systems offers the latest dual- or multi- core products from both Intel and AMD in its high-performance clusters and systems. Contact us to receive a free price quote and to discuss your specific high-performance system requirements.