Core 2 Duo vs Dual Core i5

I'm looking to replace my 2008 MacBook Pro (2.4 ghz Core 2 Duo) with a the new Mac Mini i5 Dual Core. I'm trying to decide if this is an upgrade in performance. I already use an external monitor with bluetooth keyboard and trackpad. I don't do much fancy but I like to increase my performance every couple years. I have almost never used the MBP as a portable unit. Pretty much stays on my desk.
I can't find any definitive info I could understand to see if this is worth the change.
Thanking everyone in advance,
Paul

this is interesting. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3136777?start=0&tstart=0
points to this guy - the Echo Express: http://cl.ly/450a0n3f031S42052q3a
that might change the game. make me just stick with my MBP for a bit more to see what pans out.

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Can the imac core duo support dual band wifi?

I have a core duo 2GHz iMac intel. Can the imac core duo support dual band wifi?

Do you mean will your iMac work with a router that supports dual band? If this is correct, the answer is yes. If that isn't what you intended please look at the system specification for your machine. You can find that by clicking Support - Tech Specs

Uneven Core usage on dual core processor

Hi there
I noticed today whilst doing some video encoding (.TS files to .MP4) that my Mac Mini is not spreading the load over both of the cores in my dual core processor. Whilst Core 1 is showing nearly 100% Core 2 is hardly being used. Also I noticed that when the load on Core 1 dips then Core 2 will peak but as soon as the load goes back to Core 1 it will equally dip on Core 2 so essentially in Activity Monitor it looks like the core usage is a negative image of each other. The total CPU usage never peaked above 54%.
Could this an indication of a failing CPU or is it a case of poor core management? The software I've been using is VLC Player and also iMagiConverter.
Cheers
Jonty

What I don't understand is why software developers make software (especially video encoding that is all about CPU number crunching) that only utilises 50% of the CPU resources!
There are any number of possible reasons, from an application using a cross-platform code base that doesn't lend itself well to mulitiprocessor optimization for a particular platform, to inexperienced programmers who don't well understand programming for parallel threads, to developers who just want to crank out an application as quickly as they can (iMagiConverter seems to sort of fall into that category, given the number of applications of a similar nature that the "company" has produced). You'd have to get involved in the project development to know for sure.
Regards.

Intel core duo v dual 2.0ghz ppc

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Hi.. I’m fed up with all the hype about the new imac core duo being twice as fast as the imac g5 2.1ghz. A lot of the magazines are also saying yes the core duo beats the g5 at this, that, and the next thing. What I’d like to know is how would the core duo have compared in performance had Apple had put a dual core 2.0ghz g5 in the imac like it done with the power mac range.
Just a thought
Cheers
Gerry

I'm curious about this too. In addition to what Gerald says, I note that there's also no mention anywhere of how the new dual core Intel processors perform as compared with, say, the Pentium 4 or whatever number they are at now.
As for the heat business, I see in MacFormat this month that IBM have announced a 4ghz - 5ghz powerpc chip. Apparently they have even tested one running at 6ghz, that they now plan to go in servers. So the PowerPC chip doesn't seem to be dying out now.
I am going to have to upgrade my 6500/300 sometime in the near future and as the Intel chips are going to force me to lose all my Classic software anyway, it seems sensible to work out what all the options are, if you get my gist.
PM6500/300 (603e) Mac OS 9.1.x

What's the difference between an Intel Core 2 Duo and Dual-Core Chip?

Does someone know if there's a difference between these two chips?
Thanks,
Paul

Yes. The Core Duo is a 32-bit processor, the Core 2 Duo is a 64-bit processor. The C2D is the second generation of Intel's Core lineup and is considerably faster than a CD at the same clock speed. Core 2 Duo processors are also available with four processors on the chip and are pin for pin replacements for the processors used in the Mac Pro - thus providing 8 processors rather than 4.
You can find a basic comparison here: http://www.apple.com/macbook/intel.html.
You can visit Intel's web site to find out everything there is to know about both processors.
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Swapping the Core Duo for a Core 2 CPU

I came across this web site where they describe swapping a Core Solo CPU with a Core 2 Duo CPU. My mini has a Core Duo, but with Leopard now coming out w/true 64 bit apps, and with the future being 64, I have to wonder if this isn't worth giving a try. Here's a link:
http://www.macintouch.com/specialreports/minimonster/
Knowing a little bit about hardware, I'm somewhat apprehensive. The swap they did, they did several years ago and the 64 bit migration is recent, meaning they really couldn't truly test it in that environment. Since Mini's with Core Solo and Core Duo's aren't "true 64", my concern here is really with the addressing capabilities of the hardware. If the OS is limited to 32 bits, as in earlier OS X releases, then I think it's possible that the swapping of a Core 2 in place of a Core Duo or Core Solo would work OK as long as no 64 bit addressing took place. When a newer OS comes along and tries to do 64 bit addressing, possibly the addressing hardware on the motherboard is limited to 32 bits and this would presumably fail.
I hope that's clear. My mini is a late 2006 model FWIW, and at the time the only processors being offered with it were the Core Duo's.
Thanks.

I have a similar question.
I have a 2006 xeon macpro.
Will i beable to upgrade to lion.
I saw this on the website today.
Step 1:Make sure your Mac can run Lion.
Your Mac must have an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor to run Lion. Find out if your current Mac has one of these processors by clicking the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then choosing About This Mac.
Here is what i have.
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Will i be good to upgrade?
Thanks
AL

The difference between Intel core I7 and dual core

I have a 2.7 ghz Intel Core I7 macbook, early 2011. Can someone tell me the difference between this machine and the new macbooks, 2.4 or 2.6 ghz, dual core?
Thanks!

Benchmarks:
http://www.macworld.com/article/2057932/lab-tested-iris-graphics-provide-a-boost -to-new-13-inch-retina-macbook-pro.html

Second hand Core Duo or new Core Duo 2?

Ok, I am really in doubt at this moment. I can buy a second hand Macbook 1.83 Core Duo with 2 Gb mem. for EUR 950 which seems like a good deal to me, but... should it be a better choice to go for the second generation Core Duo processors of the current Mac Books considering the upcoming OS? Or is speed more about internal mem than CPU? Can anyone figure this one out for me?
iMac G4 1Ghz 15" Mac OS X (10.4.6) 1,25 Gb SDRAM

We really can't answer this one for you - it really comes down to personal preference and what you are planning to use the laptop for. Check out the technical differences between the two and think about whether or not the differences are really important to you. There are three big differences, off the top of my head:
- Core duo is 32-bit, while Core 2 duo is 64-bit.
- Core 2 duo ships with an 802.11n capable wireless chipset
- Battery life seems a bit longer with Core 2 duo, and it tends to run a bit cooler.
There are quite a few more minor differences between the two (and several not-so-minor ones that I'm forgetting about, I'm sure). If your price for the core duo is significantly lower than the newer core 2 duo, and if the differences between them don't really matter to you, then I see no reason not to go with the cheaper laptop.

Difference between Intel Core Duo and Intel Core 2 Duo

I bought my MBP in November of last year, before the update on the Pros. However, it says about the new Pros that they have Intel Core 2 Duo processors, which are faster than the Intel Core Duos of previous MBPs. I know I bought mine before they updated them, but my "About This Mac" says that mine has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. So, did they update the processors before this latest update, or do have one of the new Macbooks somehow, or what happened? And, is there any difference between my 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, and a 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo?

Only the original Intel machines came with Core Duo processors. The principal difference is that Core Duos are 32-bit and Core 2 Duos are 64-bit processors. There were also increases in available clock speed, L2 cache, and frontside bus speed. The first models only addressed 2 GBs of RAM. Later models had a different memory controller that enabled 3 GBs of user accessible RAM (4 GBs installed) and even later models such as yours had a memory controller that enabled accessing 4 GBs of RAM (4 GBs installed.)
The first Intel Minis came with a Core Solo processor which had only one core instead of two.

Upgrade Intel Core Duo iMac to Core 2 Duo?

I know that, in theory a Merom processor is compatible with a motherboard made for a Yonah CPU, which is what's in the original Intel iMacs. However, I know that most Wintel laptops require a BIOS flash in order to support the newer processor.
My question: do you think it will be possible for us to upgrade to the Core 2 Duo from the Core Duo? Will the speed increase be worth it? From what I've read, Merom is not that much faster than Yonah, but has anyone seen anything different?

Hello,
People have installed them in the Mac Mini CoreSolo and CoreDuo without a BIOS or Firmware update. So, it should be fine doing the same in the iMac CoreDuo.
The CPU is in a socket in the iMac CoreDuo, so installation should not be a problem (if you don't mind dismantling your computer and voiding your warranty).
Reports have varied on the speed difference. But, you do gain 64-BIT capabilities with Merom. Otherwise, Merom's specs are very similar to Yonah, so the gains are only going to come from optimized routines. Raw processing power probably isn't much different and the bus speed is the same.
At this point in time, you're going to pay a lot for a new Merom chip. So, the cost benefit probably isn't there for an upgrade. But, as they become common and new versions arrive, the chips will probably drop a bit in price and make the upgrade more cost effective.
I hope this helps.
Let us know if you have other questions.
P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.

Help me choose: Core Duo MBP v Core 2 Duo MB

Ok, for approx the same price I'm getting either
A) 1.83Ghz Core Duo Macbook Pro
80GB HDD, 15 inch, all usual bells and whistles
BUT 512MB Ram
B) 2.0gGhz Core 2 Duo Macbook
80GB HDD, 13 inch, all usual features
1 GB Ram
I'm thinking (A) is great except for the Ram, can I add RAM myself? Does that void the warranty?
Not sure if the Core 2 Duo v Core Duo is that big a deal breaker?

hey thanks everyone,
basically:
1) Primary use is work: excel, word, powerpoint, calc/pages
2) It will also be my home entertainment centre, hooked up to external speakers. All DVD watching and gaming etc
3) Want to be fairly mobile: to and from work on the train. Plane travel once a month.
I am leaning towards the pro, but have some reservations about it being 'refurbished'.
A) Is the warranty/support any different? It says 1 year limited warranty...
B) Hardware, such as battery, HDD, superdrive should be as good as new right? And software should be current, not the older versions (e.g. Tiger 10.4.6 or sommat)
One other question, which applies to both: I'm buying it in Asia Pacific but move to Germany soon, will my support be valid there too?

Quad core i7 vs. dual core i7 if limited to 2 cores

this is kind of a limited-audience question. I work with StataMP software, which purposely limits to 2 the number of cores that a machine can use. This is very computationally intensive statistical software. I am looking to upgrade, and cannot find info on whether a top of the line i7 sandy bridge dual core machine would perform better or worse than a top of the line quad core machine that is limited by software to 2 cores.
Any ideas???
thanks!

If you don't run anything else when you run the program (just let the computer sit and run calculations) then the dual core would be the most cost effective for performance. The nice thing about having a quad core machine is that your program would be able to take full advantadge of two cores leaving the other cores free to handle any other processing the computer needs to do (operating system, other programs running at the same time). If you plan on using this program mostly when you have access to power then the quad core i7 2820QM actually can achive the same turboboost speed as the dual core (3.4ghz, the 2920XM can achive 3.5ghz) making it the faster option. One more thing to consider is how long you plan on having this laptop and if the program will eventually end up supporting a quad core system within the time you plan on having this laptop. Is this an older version of the program becuase according to this page http://www.stata.com/statamp/ it supports quad cores.

Power Mac MDD G4 1.25 Single Core vs. Dual Core

I am purchasing a 1.25 MDD G4 that has the single core processor. I am going to be using it for music recording and creation.
Am I going to wish I had the dual core? Or will I not notice the difference? I was previously using a 700mhz imac with 765mb of ram and overloaded it pretty quickly.
This machine, with 1 (which is has) or 2 (which I might install) gigs of ram should outshine that pretty significantly even with a single core shouldn't it?

Dual if you can, especially if you're looking to go to Leopard during the life of the machine. Single G4 CPU and Leopard is painfully slow, even at 1.67GHz.
Even the current entry level iMac blows away most of the G5's, except maybe the quad cores) so G5's should be reasonably priced.

Single Core vs. Dual Core - Temperature Differences

Does anyone else notice that CPU temperature is affected by turning off one of the cores using the apple CHUD tools? For me, the extensions report that it's running 15-20C hotter when I'm running single core. The case temperature seems to confirm this fact as well. Can someone with CHUD installed please try to duplicate this?
I've got a stock 15.4" MBP 1.83GHz/512MB - W8613.
Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

it also uses the battery more. I conjecture that disabling a processor also disables power management. This solves the hiss because the hiss is due to power management, but at the cost of more heat and battery usage.
I suggest using quietmbp rather than disabling a core.

Has anyone run Maya 7 on their MacBook Pro/iMac Core Duo/Mac Mini Core Duo?

Hi,
I plan on getting a MacBook Pro to replace my Powerbook 1.25 GHz.
I cannot find any info on a universal binary for Maya and was just wondering if anyone has actually tried it on an Intel based Mac.
If so, how is it? Is it like a G4, faster/slower? Does it even install?
I tried looking in these forums and the rest of the internet but couldn't really find anyone who has actually got it up and running on an Intel Mac.
Also, probably worth noting that the only other PPC apps I have tested on a MacBook Pro that are quite resource hungry are Cinema 4D, another 3D app that still takes advantage of dual processors even under rosetta and Google Earth. Both of these apps actually run quite a bit faster than my PowerBook and the universal binary version of Cinema 4D is breathtakingly fast.
Navigating around Google Earth esp. with 3D buildings turned on in New York is very smooth in contrast to the "choppy-ness" of my PowerBook.
Any real world feedback would be superb,
Thanks in advance!
Ren

this is from creativemac.com and their 3d benchmark article
Autodesk Maya
Our Maya tests are also pitiful for the poor MacBook. Maya, like LightWave, has not yet been ported to Intel hardware for Mac OS X. It lost out in every single test to every other piece of hardware. However, if you look at the results of the slightly more powerful MacBook Pro, you can see the potential for Maya on the 13-inch MacBook once it is finally ported.

Core 2 Duo vs Dual Core i5

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