most cores or more processors ?

Hi,
Is it more interresting to have one processor 4 cores, or tow physical processor having each one 2 cores ?

I guess second solution is better due to bus access... but processors in PC wast 99% of its time to do a NOP operation (do nothing) so ....

what s the best then ...

1 processor with 4 cores
2 processor with 2 cores
4 processors mono-core

thx

More processors means more power consumption. More cores doesn't necessarily more power consumption. At least, not in the amount of an extra processor. There are motherboards out there that can intelligently switch between processors in a multi-processor setup, but for regular consumer's use, that's way too much to pay for as they are more expensive than single multi-core processor setup.

Then again, I've seen a desktop setup a while ago with two double-processor motherboards, each holding an Intel i3 (like, the cheapest) and it outperformed a "top-line" i7 by 3-4x or so, for half the price of the setup. Used more power though...

Pro/Cons assuming similar architectures and per-core to per CPU performance.

Core Based CPU:
Pros: Coherent shared L2,L3 caches, better for thread-based loads, better power-efficiency, better space utilization (1 heatsink, etc, 1 system bus)
Cons: Usually less total cache; less beneficial to processe-based loads. Sleep-power leakage when one or more cores are in sleep but shared L2/L3 caches may reduce power savings.

Multiple CPU:
Pros: Usually more total but separate L2/L3 caches. Better for process based loads. Lower sleep-power leakage by sleeping entire processor.
Cons: Usually higher cost in materials and size. Usually much higher total power usage. L2 and L3 caches are not shared between processor meaning threads may have to transfer data across CPU interlink or even system bus to make data available to other CPU.

IMO: Multple CPU is best for running more distinct applications that do not communicate or share data. For example, hosting server with multiple XEN/VPS clients. Partition is more efficient.
Multiple Cores is the best solution for threaded-environments and typical workstation and dedicated server usage. Cost is also usually lower, materials savings.
Despite all that, neither choice is particularly bad even in worst case scenarios except in the most niche compute scenarios.

be there cache

and I saw it was good

>>5
>>4
>>5
Still copyfagging i see SFBE!

>>2
where

>>6
You do know that >>4 is the real 4ct and not SFBE fakenamefagging!