Fitting Dual-Core To Desktops

Simply put, dual-core chips bring extra performance to desktops without the cost and architecture penalties associated with a traditional multiprocessor system. With that in mind, Test Center engineers examined an entry-level dual-core platform, the Intel Pentium D 820, a 2.8GHz design with an 800MHz front-side bus and 2 Mbytes of L2 cache.

To understand how dual core fits in, system builders need to understand its impact on Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP), a system&'s ability to run multiple concurrent processes. To leverage SMP, applications need to be SMP-aware. Graphics applications such as PhotoShop and AutoCAD thrive in multiprocessor environments, and operating systems such as Windows XP Professional or Media Center Edition 2005 can benefit from SMP-compatible systems. But XP Home or the typical Office suite implementation will ignore the second processor.

System builders will be pleased to know that assembling a dual-core system is no different than building a single-core system. Initial testing shows the Pentium D 820 offers excellent performance for the money. With an initial PCMark04 CPU Module score of 5,640, the Pentium D 820 bested the single-core Intel Pentium 4 processor 630, which mustered a 4,664.

While that benchmark only indicates raw processor speed, additional speed may be found when using multithreaded apps. The real news is that the Pentium D 820 sells for around $245, while the Pentium 4 630 has a street price of $240.

Ideally, the market will shake out of its own accord, positioning single-core technology as the entry-level path with dual-core systems being adopted for high-end desktops and workstations, and multiprocessor systems becoming the de facto standard for white-box servers.

PRODUCT SNAPSHOT:
> Name: Intel Pentium D 820
> Price: $245
> Authorization requirements: None
> Distributors/Integrators: Direct to VARs
> Company: Intel
Santa Clara, Calif.
(408) 765-8080
www.intel.com