On the contrary, dual core is not combined speed of both cores. It is 2 cores built on one die, each running at the specified speed. So a 3.0 ghz dual core p4 has 2 cores running at 3.0 ghz. All dual-cores seem to run on lower power and a bit cooler than their single core counterparts. So normally 1 core is used for your current program and the other might be used for background tasks. They are both used vigorously only when a multi-threaded application is opened. This allows for the other core to take on some of the work so the job is split, yealding some nice performance results. Very few games today offer multi-threading, but it's a thing of the future, creeping up on the horizon. Those that have a dual-core will already be ahead of the game. For a closing note, when you run an intenstive app., such as F.E.A.R., when you exit the game, most single core cpus will seem a bit sluggish, but with a dual core it never happened to me.

What is a DuoCore Processor?

First, let me clarify something. A dual-core chip is essentially two processors put together on a single chip. They are made by both AMD and Intel. A Duo processor is dual-core. Duo is an Intel brand name. Now, on to your question, Lee. Dual-core processors can do the same amount of work as two processors. That's in theory, anyway. So, they are ideal for people who multitask.

For example, you can work in Photoshop while listening to music in iTunes. You shouldn't notice decreased performance when you open another program.Unfortunately, you probably won't notice improved performance within individual programs. That is, unless you're working with a multithread-enabled program.

To understand this, you need to understand threading. A thread is a part of a program that can be executed independently of other parts of the program.

If a program supports multi threading, threads can be sent to both cores in a dual-core chip. This will result in the faster execution of commands.There are some multithread-enabled programs, but not many. However, Windows XP supports multithreading. It can send threads from programs to either of the processing cores. With work balanced between the two, you can run multiple programs without a noticeable slowdown.

Dual-core processors are becoming more common. If you look at Intel's or AMD's lineup, you'll notice that many of the processors are dual-core. However, a dual-core processor is not a necessity – yet.

If you only use your computer for Web surfing and e-mail, get a single-core processor. But if you're into video editing or gaming, a dual-core processor is a wise investment.Also, a dual-core chip will help you future-proof your computer. Intel and AMD already have quad-core chips. And they will likely develop chips with even more processing cores. The PlayStation 3 features a chip with eight processing cores!

Why is this important? As multi-core processors catch on, manufacturers will develop more software that will take advantage of them.

And there is one more thing that will push the adoption of multi-core chips: malware. We face new security threats from viruses and spyware every day. And security software uses processing power. With a multi-core chip, one core can run security software. Programs can use the other core(s).

Dual-core chips are all 64-bit. A 64-bit processor can work through 64 bits of data at a time. That's twice the data that 32-bit processors can handle at a time. This technology also is fairly new.

To get the most out of a 64-bit processor, you need an operating system and programs that support it. Windows XP x64 is designed for these processors; there will be versions of Vista that are designed for 64-bit processors, too.

Software and hardware manufacturers have not been so quick to adopt 64-bit technology. Hopefully that will change when Vista is released in January. But you may want to avoid a 64-bit operating system for now. The 32-bit version of Windows runs just fine on a 64-bit chip. And you'll avoid some of the hassles.