Knowing about quad-core processor vs. dual-core and other basic specifications for PC/laptop will helpful for your not only in purchasing a new PC/laptop but also improving the performance of an existing one.

You will get an excellent chance to explore such specifications here.

Quad-core Processor vs. Dual-core

Processors are the brain of the computer that executes different programs.

All tasks that you perform on your PC pass through the processor. The speed of applications is highly dependent on the clock speed of the processor.

The number of cores decides how much power your PC needs, i.e., will it be used for simple tasks like checking emails and web browsing or highly intensive tasks like 3D modeling, gaming, and animation.

Before knowing the difference between dual-core and a quad-core processor, let us first have a look at what cores are.

CPU vs. Core

CPU, the ‘Central processing unit,’ is the one that calculates and executes program instructions.

Its fundamental operation includes ALU, processor register, and control unit.

Modern PCs have CPU on an integrated chip along with other components. Moreover, some CPUs have a multi-core processor, which refers to 2 or more than 2 CPUs on a single chip.

The core is the main component of CPU that gathers instructions and execute them. These computing components have the ability to run multiple instructions at a time.

What is the Core in the Computer?

This is a self-contained CPU.

Computers have a processor, and these processors have cores.

These are the processor’s functional units where different processing happens.

GHz identifies them. GHz refers to the frequency at which the cores perform different stuff in the processing.

The number of cores in a processor refers to more functional units, which in turn mean more processing power.

What Do Cores Do in a CPU?

Cores run a process in the CPU.

They go through 4 steps in processing. These include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

Single-core Processor

The single-core processors have a single core on their chip. Such microprocessors run a single thread at a time.

They complete the instruction cycle within that single core.

These processors have a single thread active at a time.

What is a Quad-core Processor?

They have four independent units (cores) on a chip.

Each of these components functions with other components like memory management, cache, and I/O ports.

The cores in such processors have the capability to run more than one instructions at a time.

This increases the speed of the programs that support parallel processing.

It is a successor to the dual-core and offers much faster processing power.

Here the two separate dual cores make use of processor cache to communicate with each other.

Dual-core vs. Quad-core vs. Octa-core

The dual-core processor is composed of 3 cores.

The quad-core process has four independent units for reading and executing different tasks while the octa-core processor deals with eight autonomous cores.

Multitasking and Multithreading

The higher the number of cores in a processor, the more tasks it can perform.

Thus an octa-core processor can be much faster. Many programs run linearly, while some can run on four-thread.

In contrast, there are very few programs that use eight threads.

Thus if a program runs on all eight-thread, then it can result in an improvement in performance.

Useful Read High-Performance Computing Cluster Explained

Speed

It also depends on speed.

If the dual-core is 3Ghz and the quad-core and octa-core are below 2Ghz, and the process/program is dependent on speed and not the core than the dual-core processor will be a better choice.

Memory Sticks

With the fast processor, you also need to consider the RAM.

This is because a slow RAM won’t be able to work with the fast processor, and this will result in a bottleneck.

Turbo Boost Technology

This technology by Intel allows the processors to run at a faster pace.

CPUs most often get into overheating.

This turbo boost technology holds the responsibility of monitoring the heat and power consumption of CPU. This way, it removes the throttle.

Dual-core vs. Quad-core MacBook Pro

Choosing the processors for Mac is a confusing task.

The key differences between different models of MacBook are their processors.

From 2006 all MacBooks come with Intel processors. Apple refers to them as Core i5 and Core i7.

The CPU cores are the other difference.

In terms of speed, quad-core is faster, and the dual-core is slowest.

Well, the more cores the processor has, the more problems it can solve efficiently.

Dual-core vs. Quad-core Gaming

For gaming, quad-core is preferred because some games aren’t compatible with the dual-core processor.

Also, CPU intensive games won’t work well with a dual-core processor.

Using a dual-core processor for this will result in a bottleneck. Even hyperthreading in dual-core won’t give you the price that a quad-core offers.

Dual-core vs. Quad-core: Which is Better?

It is dependent on the applications that you are using.

If the application you are using supports breaking down the problem, then higher the number of core, the faster that application will perform.

With more and more cores, you will be able to run multiple programs simultaneously.

For example, playing a video game and communicating with your friends at the same time.

Both dual cores and quad cores processors can perform such, but the quad-core offers additional benefits.

This is because, in the quad-core processor, each task can be completed by one core at an instant.

In contrast, you won’t find any big difference between the two processors if you desire to do basic multitasking or simple daily tasks.

You can go ahead with the dual-core if you do not intend to run any big application and also the applications you desire to don’t support quad-core.

Intel Core i3 vs. i5 vs. i7

Core i7 is better than i5, and i5 is better than i3.

Well, the core i3 only means that it is a three-core processor. This name refers to the performance.

The Core i3 series comes with a dual-core processor.

On the other hand, the core i5 and core i7 support both dual and quad-core processors.

Have a Look at the Generation of Processors

Hyperthreading

The physical CPUs no doubt relate to the processor’s speed, but you can get a lot more through the virtual cores too that are activated by hyperthreading.

By hyperthreading, you can make a single physical core work like two virtual cores.

This way, they can work together, and there will be no need to activate the other physical core.

The Core i3 and i7 support hyperthreading while the core i5 doesn’t have hyperthreading.

Turbo Boost

Core i3 doesn’t have a turbo boost while the core i5 and i7 use a turbo boost.

This fantastic technology increases the clock speed of the processor on the application’s demand.

Cache

The cache size of core i3 is around 3MB, while the core i5 has a cache of size 3MB-6MB.

The cache size of core i7 is between 4MB-8MB.

Which is Better?

Core i3 is best for basic users. This refers to the people who intend to do web browsing and social networking like stuff. This is not for professionals

Core i5 is suitable for intermediate users. It is good for gaming too.

Core i7 is for power users. Those who desire to do multitasking and use apps with a lot of horsepowers can have this one as it won’t make you wait for the application to load.

Also Checkout Dual CPU Motherboard For Gaming

Final Words

The difference between the dual-core and quad-core processor is actually the performance and power consumption.

The quad-core processors offer higher performance and consume less power.

So if you intend to do some professional-level tasks, then go ahead with the quad-core processors.

Also, you can run the latest apps with the quad-core.

Whereas if you desire to do the simple daily task, then the dual-core is right for you too.

The excess power might go waste so you can opt for the dual-core if you don’t have high processing takes.

Quad-core processor vs. dual-core will also help you in finding performance issues in your PC and upgrading it.