Core 2 Duo Computer CPUs/Processors

Dual-Core 2 Duo Computer Processors

The Dual-Core 2 Duo computer processors were one of the first dual-core and 64-bit processors ever developed by the American technology company Intel. Released in a short period between July 2006 and January 2008, the Core 2 Duo encompasses a large range of Intel processors for desktop and laptop computers. Each of them contains different architectures, frequencies, features, and memory.

The Core 2 Duo is a series of dual-core 64-bit processors that are generally based on Intels Core micro-architecture. They are made with either a 45 nanometers or 65 nanometers process. This determines the number of transistors that can fit on a single chip. The actual clock speed of these chips can vary widely. The best models can achieve a frequency of 3.33 GHz, while the lowest run at around 1.87 GHz. The thermal design power of all Duos (meaning the maximum amount of heat that the chip can reasonably dissipate) is 65 watts. Another important feature is the amount of L2 cache. A CPU cache is a small pool of memory that reduces the average time and energy it takes to access data from the main memory. The L2 memory in the Core 2 Duo varies between 2MB and 6MB in size. In addition, all models of the Duo fit into an LGA 775 socket on a computers motherboard. The only exception is the Conroe-CL, which is instead compatible with the LGA 771 socket on certain computers.

Apart from its dual-core design, the Core 2 Duo supports some advanced features that result in a more secure and streamlined performance:

• Intel SpeedStep technology dynamically alters the frequency of the chip to better meet the needs of the software program.
• Intel XD bit technology is designed to prevent certain types of malicious software and buffer overflow attacks from inserting their code into a programs data storage area and executing that code on your system.
• Virtualization technology can create a second virtual system on the same computer.
• All models of the Core 2 Duo support MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, and SSSE3 instruction sets while only the more advanced models support SSE4.1.

The main advantage of a dual-core design over a simple single-core design is that it is generally better at multi-tasking. Dual-core chips can process entirely separate workloads in parallel with each other (for example, a video game and an anti-virus program) while sharing the same architecture and memory. The efficacy of the parallel processing depends on how it is implemented by the software program, but in general, a multi-core CPU has a distinct advantage over a single-core CPU. In addition, the Core 2 Duo offers plenty of speed and security, making it a more attractive option if you wish to upgrade your computer from a more basic CPU.