Quad Core Pros & Cons
Quad core processors, as the name suggests, allow four instructions to be processed simultaneously. These types of chips have been in the PC market for a while, but are rapidly becoming a part of mobile devices. While quadruple processing capability sounds like an all-around benefit, not every program can harness multicore capabilities. The new processors have some downsides, including high heat output and cache sharing, which users should consider.
Pro: Increased Multitasking
The obvious benefit to quad-core processors is the performance increase. Not through sheer speed, as measured in clock speed, but in the ability to perform more tasks without any hiccups. Multitasking on a single-core processor merely manages the different programs at such a fast rate that it appear as if multiple programs can run simultaneously. However, when one of those programs consumes a large amount of resources, such as a video player, a single core processor will quickly choke while running another program. Four cores theoretically enables that video player to use its own core, while allowing a word processor or other program to utilize a different core.
Quad-core processors, even when optimized, threaten to use more energy than their dual- or single-core predecessors. This is due to more electricity-consuming technology packed into the same size package as a dual-core processor. For PCs and laptops, the result is a significant amount of heat, necessitating a more expensive cooling system. Mobile devices, however, don’t have the room for large copper heatsinks, liquid cooling pumps or fans. As a result, tablets and smart phones may experience significant heating issues when overworked.
Pro: Efficient Performance
It’s easy to assume that four cores would consume more energy than two. However, these power-hogging fears have largely proven to be a myth, due in part to new efficiency innovations. These innovation span from automatic CPU clock throttling, to a secret “fifth” core designed to handle non-processor-intensive tasks, such as music playing. As a result, quad core processors could actually consume less power outside of heavy usage times.
Con: Shared Cache
The development of multiple cores is not always matched by growth in other parts of the technology. In the case of quad-core chips, the four cores are actually connected to a single bus, and a single shared pool of processor cache. The cache is where constantly accessed routines are stored, and a good processor can easily include 8 MB of cache per core. A quad-core with only 8 MB of shared cache, therefore, reserves only 2 MB per core. Similarly, the Front Side Bus, or FSB, which connects the processor to the memory, can become a bottleneck as four cores choke up writing to the memory. As a result, you may need to spend more than expected to get a quad core with sufficient L2 cache.
Jacob Andrew previously worked as an A+ and CCNA-certified technology specialist. After receiving his BA in journalism from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2012, he turned his focus towards writing about travel, politics and current technology.