Multi-core processors are rapidly becoming a fact of life for data center servers. Dual-core x86 processors from both Intel and AMD are widely available. Quad-core processors from Intel are now reaching the market, with AMD only months behind.
The advantages of multi-core technology include:
- Performance increase over single core processors
- Lower power usage due to lower clock speeds
- Enhanced processor-to-processor communications (lower latency)
- Hardware assist for virtualization
- Physically more compact servers
Dual-core processors, primarily for servers, have been available for several years now. The workstation and mobile processors are finally arriving in large quantities...
