I am thinking about building a new system, and I was wondering what was better, a dual cpu system, or a single cpu system?

Definitely Dual CPU system. While the clock speed may be slightly slower, overall performance is much better in terms of multitasking and such. Not to mention from what I have read, power consumption is lower as well.

However, I would personally recommend only a Dual-Core processor now even though there are Quad and Triple Core processors. As most software don't support that many cores yet. Here's some links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core_(computing)
http://www.broadberry.com/technology...technology.htm
http://multicore.amd.com/Resources/3...Core_WP_en.pdf

Now wait - there is a mix up in terminology here.

Dual CPU means there are TWO separate CPUs installed in TWO separate CPU sockets on a specially made motherboard that accepts TWO separate CPUs. And in this case, there are no slower clock speed issues. These are primarily used in servers.

Dual Core on the other hand means there are two CPU cores in the same SINGLE CPU die that mounts on a motherboard with a SINGLE CPU socket.

Thanks for the replays guys! I didnt relaise that there was two differant types!

Heres some specs from the build that I was considering. I take it that it means that their are two cpu cores in the single cpu die.

Intel Dual Core E2180 2 x 2.0Ghz
1GB 240Pin 667 DDR2 RAM DIMM 1.8V
Micro ATX
Intel 946GZ + ICH7
Intel Dual Core E2180 2 x 2.0Ghz

Scott

Oops. Thanks Dig for correcting me. I was unaware of the mixup and assumed Scott was talking about home desktops lol.

May I know what's the new computer meant for? And yes the Intel E2180 is 2 cores in a single die. However I personally would opt for Core 2 Duo instead of Dual Core. They are essentially the same, except that apparently the Dual-Core series is a stripped down version of Core 2 Duo. Not too sure however, since I can't find documentation for this.

Here's a useful site to compare the different processors though.

Intel Comparison

In Malaysia there's a slight difference in price though, so it would depend on our budget and usage. But DEFINITELY Dual Cores to Single Cores. Lol.

Hope the information have been useful. =)

Oops. Thanks Dig for correcting me. I was unaware of the mixup and assumed Scott was talking about home desktops lol.

No problem - and that IS the normal assumption, and as it turns out, was the correct assumption. But it might not have been and that's the problem - and so the need for an understanding of the correct terminology - not only for us now, but for future readers that may stumble upon this thread through a search for a solution to their own problems.

Originally Posted by Tmwar

Intel Dual Core E2180 2 x 2.0Ghz
1GB 240Pin 667 DDR2 RAM DIMM 1.8V
Micro ATX
Intel 946GZ + ICH7
Intel Dual Core E2180 2 x 2.0Ghz

(my bold for emphasis) Boy, Scott sure is trying to get TWO CPUs in there, isn't he? lol

But I agree - go for the Duo - according to the Tom's Hardware CPU Charts - at the very least, even the entry level DUOs have twice the L2 cache - and that can be nothing but good.

Thanks guys, the info has been helpful! The new machine is really for general use, with some game playing thrown in.

I didnt realise that the extract I posted has some info twice, tho just like a Scot to try and get more! lol

I didnt realise that the extract I posted has some info twice, tho just like a Scot to try and get more! lol

lol