What's the difference between intel's core duo, core 2 duo, xeon processors?

Question

Is it advisable to buy and grab the newest processor available in the market for graphic design user? does the newest processor really makes a huge difference in speed, computing, multitasking, etc...?

Answer 1

Hi, with processors it is basically the law of diminishing returns. The difference between the very highest available processor compared to the one below it is usually not great, but the price difference is huge. It is all about trying to find the right balance of price/performance. I would never, unless i won the lottery, buy the very top of the range but buy a couple of levels down as you get 90% of the performance for about 40-50% of the money.

You can compare Intels processor ranges here -

http://compare.intel.com/pcc/default.asp...

http://compare.intel.com/PCC/default.asp...

If you are wanting to use it for graphic design, it would be worthwhile seeing if you can get a 64 bit version of Windows, as this will help you make use of over 4GB RAM if you require this either now or in the future.

Core 2 Duo is the successor to the Core 2 Duo range, just the next generation of dual core processors. The Xeon range is primarily used in servers or high end Workstations (often for design as well), the links above will let you compare the range and give you more information also.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Difference in compare with Xeon CPU's is that dual core has two cores in one CPU and Xeon is single core CPU but works in pairs (it can work as single too).

Depend what kind of graphic design you are planing to do.... If it is a 3D graphic design (Maya, 3D Studio etc.) then go for more expensive CPU's, but if you are planing to do 2D graphic design (Photoshop or CorelDRAW) than you do not need to spend to much money for high end CPU's, but alot of memory is highly appreciated in both cases.

Answer 3

In a way it does. The Core 2 Duo is quite a good series