Dual Core Processors: The Next Step in Technology

AMD's and Intel newest processor chips are dual core processors. What are dual core processors and what advantages do they have you ask?

Dual-core chips build in two processing cores, in effect giving you two CPU's in a single processor chip.These processors also Included two L2 memory caches, one for each core. These features will increase performance for working with multiple applications at once or when using multi threaded software that has a design to recognize more than one processor.

The Dual-Core processors calculate on two streams of data. This will increase efficiency and speed while working with multiple programs and the future generation of multi-threaded software. This should mean a significant increase in response and performance when running multiple applications at the same time.

This will work great for the office workplace. The dual-core processor will deliver true multi-tasking allowing users to switch from one software program to another with out being slowed down by computer hesitation. This will greatly increase the office workplace productivity.

Dual core processing also has it place for digital media software and its demands of simultaneous processing of data streams. Users will get high-definition video and photo editing, content creation and audio mixing. The dual core processor will be great for using power-hungry digital media software.

Computer users may perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and Playing graphic intensive games all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. These processors are for users today have that have high expectations for PC performance with little tolerance for degradation in experience.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core will be a socket 939 offering 4200+, 4400+, 4600+ and 4800+ with two caches of 512 Mb or 1Mb depending on the processor. AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processors provide the same level of system features of the AMD Athlon 64 processor family. The features include 32 and 64-bit software compatible, AMD’s Enhanced Virus Protection for Microsoft ® Windows ® XP SP2*, Cool'n'Quiet™ technology for a quieter computer and lower power costs, HyperTransport™ technology and an integrated DDR memory controller for maximum performance and system efficiency

The Intel Pentium D processor brings this power at three performance levels [3.20, 3.00 and 2.80 GHz]. These processors are Socket-LGA775 running at 800 Mhz front side bus with two caches of 1 Mb. Intel features include Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology which enables cooler and quieter PC designs,depending on system implementation and usage (Not available on 820). Execute Disable Bit this can help to prevent some classes of viruses and worms that exploit buffer overrun vulnerabilities thus helping to improve the overall security of the system. Finally Intel extended memory 64 technology, processors with Intel EM64T allow platforms to access larger amounts of memory and will support 64-bit extended operating systems.

Written by JR Computers Staff

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High-Performance PC Terminology

Interested in learning high-performance computer terminology? This information may help when shopping for a high-performance PC, custom gaming computer or home entertainment PC. These are some of the main components in these computers and give explanations of new terminology and what advantages they provide.

CPU: Newer technology Central Processing Units usually run hotter than their predecessors. Along with new CPU’s you will see larger CPU fans and sometimes case standard modifications to accommodate better airflow to help cool the CPU. CPU’s rarely go bad unless they overheat due to poor airflow. This usually caused by bad CPU fan or excessive dust that collects on the CPU fan causing fan failure. Overclocking your CPU also will cause it to run at extreme temperatures. It is imperative to keep the CPU within recommended operating temperatures.

Memory: Modern memory technology is also constantly changing. Modern memory modules usually offer better performance for your computer. DDR2 is currently the memory offering the greatest performance. The memory module inserts into the motherboard memory slots. The motherboard does need to be designed to accommodate the correct memory types. Dual channel memory also offers greater performance than single channel memory. When your computer does not have sufficient memory your data flow will be trapped in a bottleneck not allowing maximum performance from your computer. Adding memory is the best cost effective method of improving your computers performance.

PCI Express Video: Most High-performance PCs or gaming computers use PCI Express expansion slots. The PCIe slots provide up to 30 times the data transfer of the standard PCI bus and will eventually replace all the PCI and AGP slots. PCIe slots come in different lengths in relation to the amount of data they can move.

PCIe x1 slots are equivalent to standard PCI port and are about 1 inch or 26mm in length. Data moves at the speed of about 250 MBps in each direction at once. The PCIe x16 slot currently is the newest technology replacing the AGP graphics-card slot. This slot is about 3.5 inches or 90mm in length. About the same size as a standard PCI slot. The PCI x16 slot moves data up to 16 times faster than the PCIx1 as fast 4GBps in each direction simultaneously.

SATA bus: Serial ATA is the modern technology replacement for the slower ATA or EIDE technology. SATA supports more bandwidth than PATA (Parallel ATA) SATA has been on new motherboards for the past two years along with PATA (EIDE) connectors. SATA connectors are smaller than PATA connectors and will only accommodate one drive per connector. The advantage is you do not have to configure master, slave drive as on the PATA connectors. The SATA cable is also thinner so it does not clutter the inside of your computer case. This allows better airflow for cooling inside your case. You may also find these connectors as an external connector giving a faster connector than a USB or Firewire connection. The power cable to the SATA drive is also a different connector than the PATA standard 5v power connector.

Video and Audio

DVI port: Digital video interface accommodate modern technology monitors. These replace the VGA connectors used by analog CRT and some LCD monitors. DVI delivers digital video.

HDMI port: High Definition Multimedia Interface ports are incorporated in some home entertainment PCs, High-Performance PCs and gaming computers. This modern technology will most probably replace the DVI in the future. The connector resembles a slimmed down USB connector and is easier to handle than the DVI connector. The HDMI does not only deliver digital video but, also digital audio. This technology works great for home entertainment systems.

S/PDIF: Sony/ Philips Digital Interface Format uses a small square connector called a TOSlink connector. This connector is usually on the back of home entertainment PCs, high-performance computers or gaming computers. This carries the digital signal directly from the motherboard to the speakers bypassing any soundcard or external device.

Every digital signal must be converted to analog in order to drive the flexible diaphragm in a speaker that creates the sound. On most computers the sound card converts digital audio to analog signals which are then sent to the speakers. Digital speakers perform the digital to analog conversion inside the speaker. The longer an audio signal stays digital the better the sound quality.

Written by JR Computers Staff

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