heyman421

Just a quick question i couldn't find a definitive answer to by searching, if you guys don't mind.

I've had a lot of reluctancy to buy a multi-core processor because the clock speeds are typically lower than single core processors (my current processor is a single core p4 3.6ghz with HT.

And everything i've been reading says that a program must be properly written to use more than one core of the processor, otherwise it will only be running on one, effectively slower than my current processor, of course.

But what i couldn't find a definitive answer to was whether or not a multi-core processor can run multiple single-threaded programs on separate cores or not?

Like, i understand that my typical winrar, utorrent, internet explorer, etc. will all only be working on a single core, since they're not coded to properly take advantage of the multiple cores of the processor, but if i'm doing a huge decompression job, while browsing the web, and watching a movie all at once, will the threads be divided up among the seperate cores? Or will my computer be running all these tasks on the same core, same as the computer i'm using right now.

I couldn't find a straightforward answer to this question for some reason. Intel obviously never tells you the downsides, and that obviously most programs don't even use multiple cores, but they don't do a good job of explaining whether or not different cores will be doing different threads while multitasking.

I would assume yes, but i didn't want to assume, and then be really disappointed when i spend upwards of 500 bucks on a processor that's realistically slower than the one i already have.

And another thing i had a question about was that a lot of the multicore intel processors claim "64 bit compatability" but they don't actually say whether or not they are 64 bit processors. Are they simply 32 bit processors, that can break down 64 bit instructions, or are they full-blown 64 bit processors that can take advantage of the increased memory useage, and speed increases while doing huge floating point operations such as decryptions and decompression tasks when vista x64 comes out?

There is NO straight forward answer to this! All they want to talk about is how it's 64bit capable, but never says if it's a true 64bit core or not.

So i'm wondering if it isn't a true 64bit core, would i be better future-prepared by getting an amd64 processor, which may not perform as well as the intel xtreme's in 32-bit mode, but is fully 64bit capable?

Sorry for dragging on, it's just i've been searching for a WEEK straight to try and find STRAIGHT answers from intel, and they're a really wishy-washy company when it comes to straight-up telling you what their processors CAN and CANT do. I realize they're amazing processors, running the intel right now of course, but when it comes down to explaining their products to morons like me, they do a terrible job.

Thanks guys.

jedijeff123

yes, almost all intel CPUs are 64 bit cpus. u just need a 64 bit OS. as for the multi- core question, there is considerable improvement in multitasking or multi- threading in quad core CPUs. not to mention that a 1.8 ghz core 2 duo craps all over a 3.6 ghz P4 prescott.

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heyman421

good stuff, thanks alot jeff

Jonyboy

i think the awnser is yes.

pdc76

you can't compare processors by their clock speeds like you used to be able to do. the newer processors get alot more done per clock cycle, so they don't have to be as ''fast'' to be able to outperform older cpu's.

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