How To Build A Dual-Core System

If you're looking to create a low-cost, high-end workstation, it's time to get up to snuff on dual-core processing technology.

The benefits of dual-core will be obvious to builders with clients that love to multitask. With a dual-processor system installed, a second processor core shares the workload. For instance, if one processor is busy burning a DVD, the second is available to use for Web surfing or working on a PowerPoint presentation. And while dual-core doesn't mean your system's chip is any faster, it does mean the capability exists for one chip to "talk" to another chip or device at a faster speed and with greater data throughput.

The trick for systems builders is to determine when dual-core offers an advantage over single-core technology. At the outset, make sure the operating system leverages Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) functionality, or else it can't make use of a second physical processor. Also, most modern programs are single-threaded, meaning there's only a single current set of linked instructions. As a result, only one processor can effectively work with those single-threaded applications.

Dual-core-based systems, however, are the way to go for graphics applications such as Photoshop, and CAD applications such as AutoCAD, which thrive in multiprocessor environments. Also, OSs, including Windows XP Professional, can benefit from SMP-compatible systems, as well as Windows XP Media Center Edition. Finally, several high-end games can benefit from SMP, especially when it comes to rendering graphics and maintaining frame rates.

As the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. So let's build a dual-core system and run some benchmarks. To start this project, you'll first need to select the components (see "Ingredients," left).

Next, assembling dual-core components is not much different than building a single-core system. Intel's massive cooling fan for the CPU will need plenty of space for adequate airflow; the Antec Sonata II case offers ducting that provides both sufficient fresh air and keeps the fan quiet.

After assembly, boot the system (I chose a Windows XP Pro disk), and proceed with installing the OS. The system's speed is evident; the XP installation, along with SP2 installation, can be accomplished rather quickly. After that, install the motherboard drivers and associated support files.

Now, for the big question: How fast is the system? Well, speed is a subjective matter, but for an apples-to-apples comparison, I compared the dual-core system against an Intel Extreme edition single-core unit. The results were surprising. The Extreme edition CPU outperformed the dual-core unit on every CPU statistic reviewed. Keep in mind, however, that the Extreme edition costs significantly more than the D series. Further, while the Extreme edition has a cool name, many will prefer to have two processors instead of one. What's more, when you consider the performance boost multithreaded applications will get from a dual-core system, the Extreme edition may not seem so fast after all.

What does all of this mean for the systems builder? Simply put, dual-core CPUs offer a high level of performance for an economical price. That simple fact builds opportunity for the systems builder by opening up new markets. Dual-core systems are a natural for the media-center market, for gaming systems, and as a low-cost alternative for those looking for workstation-class systems. Dual-core proves to be a fun, effective way to get extreme performance at an affordable price.

Carol Ann Muff is operations manager for New York-based systems integrator Magnum Computer Consulting.