The CPU is the heart of the computer.
The speed of the central processing unit is a major factor in the total speed of a computer system. CPU speed is determined by a series of tests in which the CPU processes different types of data and the times are noted. This testing results in a benchmark which allows the comparison of two or more CPUs.
Intel Pentium D
Using Passmark Software's tests, the Pentium D 2.66 GHz is the slowest CPU with a benchmark of 674. The Pentium D 2.80 GHz is somewhat faster with a benchmark of 737 while the Pentium D 3.20 GHz is faster yet with a benchmark of 882. The fastest Pentium Ds however, are the Pentium D 3.40 GHz with a benchmark of 922 and the Pentium D 3.60 GHz with a benchmark of 1,004.
Intel Core 2 Duo
There are more than 20 versions of the Core 2 Duo CPU offered by Intel. Comparing the four closest to the Pentium D above, the Passmark tests show that the Core2 Duo U7700 1.33 GHz is the slowest with a benchmark of 743. The Core2 Duo T5300 1.73 GHz is faster with a benchmark of 882 while the Core2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz is faster yet with a benchmark of 920. The fastest of them all, however is the Core2 Duo T5550 1.83 GHz with a benchmark of 1,010.
Significance
These benchmarks indicate that the Intel Core2 Duo line of processors is generally faster at most computing tasks than the Pentium D line of processors.
Other Considerations
The Pentium D was Intel's first attempt at Dual core processors. The Core2 Duo is the successor to the Pentium D built on a totally different architecture. Other points to consider would be the CPU's operating temperature and overall efficiency.
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