Posts Tagged ‘core 2 duo’
What’s the difference between Intel Dual Core and Core 2 Duo?
- Intel’s Core 2 Duo & Dual Core processors
The simple answer is, “not much difference.” Both are Pentium processors and both contain two separate processing cores. Intel’s Dual Core and Core 2 Duo are two product lines. The Pentium Dual Core is the budget line and the Core 2 Duo the premium line. These CPU’s are 95% identical. The premium Core 2 Duo has higher L2 cache. That is really the only technical difference between the two lines of processors.
The Core 2 Duo has between 2 and 6 MB cache. The Pentium Dual Core line only has 1 MB cache. By the way, each processor has an Intel number, like e5200 or e7500, so you can look up the specs online. Is it worth shelling out a couple hundred bucks for more MB cache? If you know how to over clock your processor, or you are using the PC for home and small office use, the answer is no. The Pentium Dual Core will be just fine. However, for each MB of cache you probably increase system responsiveness by 10%. That means if you spend another $200 for a Core 2 Duo with 2 MB cache you will likely not feel the difference in performance. You are going to spend considerably more for 6 MB cache. Is it worth it? For most folks it isn’t.