This paper examines the real-world advantages of dual-core processors; specifically how the new dual-core AMD Opteron processors benefit users in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment.

The next step in advanced processor technology, following the ongoing transition to 64-bit computing, is the introduction of dual-core processors. Typical processors chips contain one processor core (the brains of the processor) surrounded by supporting circuitry, such as on-chip L2 cache, a memory controller (in some designs), and so on. A 2-way server in this case would have two processor sockets, each containing one single-core chip. By contrast, dual-core processors contain two complete processor cores within one chip, along with dual L2 caches and the other supporting circuitry. This offers the potential for greater performance and reduced latency, with lower power draw and heat output, than two physical processors would provide.