intel-processorsI donno what Intel thinks before churning out such an idiot sounding name with both a numerical 2 and a Duo in its processors name but surely their processors are selling like hot cakes. There were some days when there were two family of processors from Intel : Celeron and Pentium. And people knew that Celeron Processors are crap and Pentium Processors are good. But with this naming convention of Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Core Duo a.k.a. Intel Dual Core, they sound nearly the same and I know some people who even think that their performances are also same. But don’t worry too much, here we have come out with a simple comparison that will clear all your confusions.

1. Architecture

Core 2 Duo : Uses an architecture ton create two cores on a single die or in other words there is two chips in one package.
Dual Core : It is the first Double Core Technology from Intel. It uses a less sophisticated mechanism but basically it uses two cores in a single die.
Conclusion : Dual Core is an older architecture and Core 2 Duo is an improvement over that architecture making it more efficient.

2. Performance

Core 2 Duo : It has better performance than Dual Core Processors in almost all Benchmarking tests.
Dual Core : It is better performer than all previous processors in Pentium Series but no better than Core 2 Duo.
Conclusion : Core 2 Duo is a clear winner here.

3. Thermal Output

Core 2 Duo : Core 2 Duo Processors are significantly cooler than all other processors.
Dual Core : Remains cool but not like Core 2 Duo.
Conclusion : Core 2 Duo wins here.

4. Overclocking

Core 2 Duo : They can be easily overclocked up to 4.0 GHz with suitable coolers. Even a overclocking at 6.0GHz was made possible with Liquid Nitrogen cooling.
Dual Core : Can be overclocked upto 20-30% of its specified clock speed without much problem.
Conclusion : Core 2 Duo has better overclockability.
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5. Power Consumption

Core 2 Duo : Very good power efficient processor with max TDP of 65Watts.
Dual Core : Extremely power efficient with max TDP of 15Watts.
Conclusion : Dual Core has lower power consumption.

6. Clock Speeds

Core 2 Duo : Greater clock speeds of upto 3.33 GHz is available now. (Model No. E8600)
Dual Core : Not so high clock speeds available. Max 2.33 GHz is available for model no. T2700.
Conclusion : Core 2 Duo models are available with greater clock speeds.

7. Price

Core 2 Duo : These processors are priced from $120 to $270 for different versions of processors.
Dual Core : These processors are priced from $40 to $140 for different versions of processors.
Conclusion : Dual Core Processors are available at really low prices now.
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8. Cache

Core 2 Duo : You can get a max of 6MB L2 cache for Core 2 Duo. (E.G. Model No. E8300, E8400, E8500, E8600, …)
Dual Core : Max 2MB L2 cache is available.
Conclusion : Core 2 Duo models are available with greater clock speeds.

9. Front Side Bus Speed

Core 2 Duo : It is available with front side bus speeds of upto 1333 MHz. (E.G. Model No. E8300, E8400, E8500, E8600, …)
Dual Core : Max of 667 MHz speed is available.
Conclusion : Greater FSB Speed is available with Core 2 Duo.
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10. Overall

Core 2 Duo : It is a better processor with higher price tag.
Dual Core : It is not as good as Core 2 Duo but is available at a cheaper price tag.
Conclusion : If you are looking for a budget processor, go for Dual Core otherwise Core 2 Duo is a better choice.