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Core 2 is a brand encompassing a range of Intel's consumer 64-bit x86-64 single-, dual-, and quad-core microprocessors based on the Core microarchitecture. The single- and dual-core models are single-die, whereas the quad-core models comprise two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a multi-chip module.[1] The introduction of Core 2 relegated the Pentium brand to the mid-range market, and reunified laptop and desktop CPU lines, which previously had been divided into the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and Pentium M brands.
The Core 2 brand was introduced on 27 July 2006,[2] comprising the Solo (single-core), Duo (dual-core), Quad (quad-core), and in 2007, the Extreme (dual- or quad-core CPUs for enthusiasts) subbrands.[3] Intel Core 2 processors with vPro technology (designed for businesses) include the dual-core and quad-core branches.[4]

Summary:
1. Dual core is the generic name given to processors that have 2 cores on the same chip
2. Core 2 Duo is the second line of dual core processors from Intel
3. Other dual core processors aside from Core 2 Duo are the Core Duo from Intel and the X2 series from AMD
4. All Core 2 Duo processors are dual core but not all dual core processors are Core 2 Duo

First of all let me tell you that Dual Core is a name of "class" or architecture of processors which refers to any processor (weather its Intel or AMD) with two cores on the same chip. Whereas Intel Core or Intel Core2Duo is a registered trademark [â?¢] of the Intel Corporation. Many peoples (even geeks) sometimes gets confusion between Core 2 Duo & Dual Core or Dual Core & Core Duo. The fact is all the above mentioned processors are Dual Core processors.

What is Dual Core Architecture :

Once upon a time when human realized that in a normal atmosphere its not possible to increase the CPU Clock speed above standard levels because of too much heat generated by CPU, Both Intel & AMD have hit the Clock speed boundary line. Heat is enemy of any processor and high clock speed means high heat and that means errors or â??BOOMâ??. Desperate need of more speed ( faster processing) is the basic reason of why technology turned or shifted to Dual Core. So rather then increasing the clock speed of Processor it was decided to put two CPUs in One. That is what we call Two Cores or Dual Core. Nowadays Quad Cores (4 cores) and even Dual Quad Cores (8 Cores) are there in market.

In a laymanâ??s tongue here's an example. Let's say a single core (Pentium 4) is a two lane road with traffic running at 100kmph, and a Dual Core is a four lane road with a traffic running at 100kmph, and a Quad core is eight lanes running at 100kmph. All lanes (cores) are running at the same speed, but more lanes (cores) can pass a lot more traffic (Information or Data) than a single.

Dual core technology refers to two individual microprocessors on a single die cast chip. This is essentially two processing units (CPUs) in one. The advantage of a dual core chip is that tasks can be carried out in parallel streams, decreasing processing time.

Now lets see the difference & Compare all of them line by line as per their release sequence. Intel has, several dual core processors mentioned below.

1. Intel Pentium D - The early model for desktops. CPU comprised two dies, each containing a single core residing next to each other on a multi chip module.

Pentium D is slower than any one of the below, It consumes higher power and so it gives more heat and even its not good in terms of Over Clocking.

2. Intel Core Duo - The Core brand refers to Intelâ??s 32-bit mobile dual-core x86 CPUs that derived from the Pentium M branded processors. The Core brand comprised two branches: Duo (dual-core) and Solo (Duo with one disabled core, which replaced the Pentium M brand of single-core mobile processor). Core Duo was Intel's first dual-core CPU for laptops. It's a whole new architecture, using two cores on a single die, which simply, gives you two chips in one package. Running at lower speeds than the old Pentium line.

The Core Duo conserves substantial power & racketing up clock speed while offering what was, at the time, record-breaking performance.

3. Intel Core 2 Duo - The Core 2 brand refers to a range of Intel's consumer 64-bit x86-64 Single, Dual and Quad Core CPUs based on the Intel Core micro architecture. The single and Dual Core models are single die, whereas the Quad Core models comprise of two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a multi-chip module.

Core 2 Duo processors are much popular these days, It has more powerful Dual Core chip, The best performer, It consumes less power in comparison to any of the above mentioned CPU. No over heating issues, it runs cool and a perfect Over Clocker. Once â??Iâ?? overclocked my Core 2 Duo E6750 (2.66Ghz) to 4 Ghz on air with Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer. System was completely stable and temps were awesome.

4. Intel Pentium Dual Core -The Pentium Dual Core, which we found to be an excellence choice for overclockers on a low budget, is based on the popular Core 2 architecture. In fact, the processor cores are the same, but the CPU comes with only 1 MB L2 cache instead of 2 MB or even 4 MB. In addition, some features, such as Intel's Virtualization Technology (VT) are disabled. The result is a castrated Core 2 Duo processor, using the small cache size and limited to 1.6 to 2.0 GHz clock speed at FSB 800 system speed.

Intel Pentium Dual Core are based on either the 32-bit Yonah (T2060, T2080, and T2130 for notebooks with 1mb L2 cache) or 64-bit Allendale (E2140, E2160 and E2180 for desktops with 1mb L2 cache)

Later on Aug 2008, the 45nm E5200 Wolfdale Launched for mobile or desktop computers with larger 2mb L2 cache and 2.5 Ghz clock speed. This model is highly suggested in terms of over clocking. The best over clocker in such cheap price, with some enthusiasts reaching over 6GHz clock speed using Liquid Nitrogen cooling.

Intel Dual Core processors are downgraded version of Core 2 Duo, less expensive with smaller cache, but still very adequate for general mainstream computer use. In terms of performance its more or less equal to Core 2 Duos. Intel launched it with very low cost to grab the lower end market. Intel Pentium Dual Core Processors are less power consumer (65W) in comparison of Pentium D (130W). Though it has a smaller L2 cache, it has proven to be much faster than the Pentium D under the test of CPU hungry applications.

Intel Core 2 Duo processors are next gen processors from Intel on 65 nm platformâ?¦ developed from Ground up with new Architecture called Coreâ?¦ so they are whole new Processors just Jump like Pentium 2 to Pentium 3 or Pentium 4â?¦ Expect one Core 2 Duo Lowest End Processors like E4400/E4300 taking up and beating Intel Pentium D 3.8 GHz ones with ease..... runs damn cool and super over clickerâ?¦

Intel Dual Core Processors are just launched striped down version of Core 2 Duos.. there are 2 in Market for Desktop range, E2140 runs at 1.6 GHz with 1 MB L2 and 800 MHz FSB and E2160 with 1.8 GHz with same specs of E2140â?¦. these are not Pentium D rather they are same batch like Core 2 Duo based on the new Core Technologyâ?¦. they perform same like Core 2 Duos but they were launched with a very low price to counter the market of super low cost but high performer AMD X2 range line up to AMD X2 4000â?¦.