Undoubtedly, we want our PCs to run as fast and efficiently as possible. And as manufacturers fail to satisfy us, they’re developing multi-core processors offering unprecedented performance. And if you need a custom PC, a firm like PowerGPU can build you one with a super-fast octa-core processor.
While this sounds exciting, how do you know if you need more cores in your PC? Is more always better, or can you make do with fewer?
The answer depends on how you use your PC. For example, a single-core processor should suffice if you primarily work with spreadsheets. Conversely, a multi-core processor would serve you well if you use software requiring multiple cores, such as video games or photo editing apps.
However, consider how you plan to use your PC over the coming months and years. If your usage patterns are likely to change, you may be better off investing in a processor with more cores now. That said, let’s get into the details to help you figure out whether the cost of opting for multiple cores warrants the performance boost.
Table of Contents
The Idea Behind Multi Processors
Multi-core processors aren’t a new concept. In fact, they’ve been around since the early 2000s. The idea is simple: two or more processor cores on a single die allow you to run multiple processes simultaneously, with each core taking care of a different task.
Processors with more cores can handle heavier workloads and multitasking than those with fewer cores. Because each core is autonomous, it can complete each task independently without delaying the other.
In terms of performance, most modern multi-core processors are faster than single-core variants. That means you can opt for a more affordable and energy-efficient processor while still getting the same performance you’d expect from a high-end single-core chip. To offer a better glimpse of how a multi-core processor operates, let’s discuss two critical aspects, namely:
- Threads – These are the number of tasks a processor can handle simultaneously. A thread represents the information an application needs to run a task. For instance, when you run an app, it produces threads your processor manages. Hence, having multiple cores allows them to process multiple threads simultaneously, translating to better performance.
- Clock speed – This is the frequency at which a processor core runs (measured in GHz). Usually, a processor with more cores will have a lower clock speed, as it needs to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Nonetheless, processor speed depends on whether it can handle your applications. Case in point, a dual-core processor with a base 3.6 GHz processor, would better handle a single-threaded app than a quad-core processor supporting a 3.0GHz clock speed. But, if the app you’re running uses all the cores, the latter would outperform the former.
The combination of clock speed and threads determines how fast your PC can complete its tasks. A higher clock speed allows speedier task completion, while more threads let you multitask better.
How Multithreading Impacts Processor Performance
Multi-core processors are typically software dependent. This implies the processor performance will depend on how well your applications use multiple threads.
It’s worth noting that software written to take advantage of multithreading will run faster on a multi-core processor than on a single-core unit. If the application cannot support multithreading, the performance gains won’t be noticeable as the software’s threads will be processed by a single core – resulting in degraded efficiency.
Since we’ve established that the software you plan to run on your PC will impact your system’s performance, will more cores guarantee a better performance? Well, it depends.
You can expect better output if the software you use takes advantage of multiple cores. Otherwise, you won’t notice significant improvements over single-core processors if the task isn’t thread-intensive. For example, a single-threaded app such as a word processor will benefit from a higher base clock speed but not from multiple cores.
Conversely, video encoding software, 3D rendering, or running multiple virtual machines simultaneously will benefit from a multi-core processor. That way, the app can allocate a primary thread to one of the cores and divvy up the rest of the tasks to other cores to get the most out of the processor. Still, some applications are written so they can only run on single-core processors – so don’t expect any performance gains from adding more cores.
In sum, whether or not you need a multi-core processor depends on the apps you run (as we pointed out). Thus, if your software supports multiple cores, go for a dual or quad-core processor. Otherwise, opting for an octa-core processor would only be beneficial if you intend to use your machine for complex tasks – think high-end gaming, engineering programs, complex video edits, and more.
