A part of multi-core processor family; a dual core processor is a relatively new and better CPU that comes with two individual cores on a single die. Each core uses its own cache, making the computing experience much better than before. Virtually, a dual core processor can be considered as two processors in one. Both cores run in parallel; hence almost doubling the processing speeds. Unlike multi-processors, multi-core processors increase processing speeds without affecting the power consumption. Dual core processors allow the user to carry out processor hungry tasks like those related with graphics, multi-media or other heavier business workloads. Today, multi-core processors like the dual core or quad core processors are used for graphics purposes, gaming purposes, Digital signal processing etc.

One important performance aspect here is that the change in performance when upgrading from single core to multi-core processor is more apparent if the software used by the user is SMT aware. One such example is the adobe Photo Shop which is SMT aware and gives better picture of the difference in performance between a single core and multi-core processor like dual core. Moreover, dual core processor doesn’t require a new motherboard to be installed; all it needs is a correct socket.

Technical difference between single core and dual core:

In a single core processor, the CPU is fed instruction strings that it order and execute. The CPU then stores the instructions in its cache for a quick retrieval since cache is much more fasters than RAM. Whenever the CPU requires any data that is not located in its Cache then it is retrieved using RAM through the system bus. This put a limitation on the speed which is equivalent to the speed of the bus which is far less as compared to the CPU speed. The problem arise when the user perform multi-tasking as in that case the CPU has to continuously switch between different programs back and forth; hence degrading the performance.

On the other hand, a dual core processor acts as if it has two hands instead of one. Now the CPU can execute one code while simultaneously it can retrieve data using the system bus from the RAM; hence increasing the performance and efficiency of the system. That is why dual-core processors or other multi-core processors are considered ideal for multi-tasking.

Operating System Requirements for Dual Core:

In order to efficiently utilize the potential capabilities of a Dual Core Processor, the operating system in use must have the knowledge of multi-threading and the softwares in use must be SMT compatible. SMT stands for Simultaneous Multi-threading Technology which allows multi-threading and provides multi-threaded instructions to the CPU. If software is not SMT coded, then it won’t recognize the multi-core; so the software and the operating system has to be SMT aware in order to make the best out of the dual core processor.

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