A dual core processor for a computer is a central processing unit (CPU) that has two separate [1] cores on the same die, each with its own cache. It essentially is two microprocessors in one. This type of CPU is widely available from many manufacturers. Other types of multi-core processors also have been developed, including figure1 shown below quad-core processors with four cores each, hexa-core processors with six, octa-core processors with eight and many-core processors with an even larger number of cores.

Figure1: Dual Core Processor

Advantages over Single-core

Dual core processor has excellent performance compare to single core processor. It is [2] capable to spit their data for processing by several units. Dual core processor has to move between different types of threads compare to single core processor because single core processor can manage two threads at once. Due to use of “Hyper-Threading”, its clock’s speed cannot be increased.

Advantages over Multi-core

Dual core processor lets you excellent battery life on your mobile compare to like same speed of multi core processor. Dual core has great clock speed to multi core processor.

Disadvantages over Single-core

You know, that single core processor’s performance is getting down compare to dual core processor. But some time, single core can perform outstanding to dual core when CPU’s clock speed is getting higher that is measured into GHz. 3.8 GHz single core processor is capable to outperform then 1.8 GHz dual core processor while processing in single task. Few programs are not able to run on multiple cores then single core CPU helps to execute those programs to dual core processor. Single core processor has good battery life on the mobile compare to dual core processor because single core consumes less electricity.

Disadvantages over Multi-core

Dual core processor has not good ability to control multiple tasks at once but multi core processor can perform it easily. Multi core processor has four cores so it can handle for threads otherwise 8 hyper threading at same time duration, that can decrease the need to alter threads than dual core processor.

Dual-core refers to a CPU that includes two complete execution cores per physical processor. It has [3] combined two processors and their caches and cache controllers onto a single integrated circuit (silicon chip). Dual-core processors are well-suited for multitasking environments because there are two complete execution cores instead of one, each with an independent interface to the frontside bus. Since each core has its own cache, the operating systemhas sufficient resources to handle most compute intensive tasks in parallel.

References:

1. https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-dual-core-processor.htm
2. http://digitalthinkerhelp.com/what-is-dual-core-processor-meaning-advantages-disadvantages/
3. https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/dual-core/

Cite this article:

Nandhinidwaraka. S (2021), A Process of Dual Core Processor, Anatechmaz, pp. 31