Processor Technologies: Dual Core Vs Hyper threading.

Hyper Threading Technology enables Partially Parallel execution.

The Multi Core Technology enables Truly Parallel execution.

Latest processors from intel delivers great processing capability with its Multi-Core Hyper Threading design.

So which one is good. I would say Multi Core.. And if you have Hyper Threading available on the same processor.. Even better.

A very good demo explaining these technologies is available @
 
www.intel.com/technology/product/demos/multi/demo.htm

Multi Core Technology

Combines two or more independent processor cores in one physical package. Processors run at the same frequency and share up to  L2 cache and Front Side Bus (FSB).


Intel Documentation : www.intel.com/technology/computing/dual-core/

"The Intel dual-core processor consists of two complete execution cores in one physical processor. Imagine that a dual-core processor is like a four-lane highway—it can handle up to twice as many cars as a two-lane road without making each car drive twice as fast."

Intel multi-core technology enables each core to run at a lower frequency, dividing the power normally given to a single core.


Hyper Therading Technology

To improve performance in the past, threading was enabled in software by splitting instructions into multiple streams. With today's Hyper-Threading Technology (HT Technology)¹ you get thread-level parallelism on each processor resulting in more efficient use of processor resources–higher processing throughput–and improved performance.

www.intel.com/technology/platform-technology/hyper-threading/