The processor, also known as the Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is the primary engine of the computer. Different processor architectures take different approaches to performance such that similar performing processors may have very different clock speeds. Within a single processor design faster clock speeds, larger caches, more cores and more processors generally improve performance. 64-bit capable processors and worksations are highly recommended for working on large or complex workloads with applications that have been designed for 64-bit operating systems.

The Processors

		Take on bigger challenges with the Intel® Xeon® processor 3500 series.  These new dual and quad-core Intel® Xeon processors with integrated memory controllers, have the new Intel® QuickPath Technology with up to 8MB cache and 1333 MHz memory. Process more tasks in less time with Intel® Xeon® processor 5500 series processors for the dual-socket workstations.  Designed for performance, Intel’s next generation processors with integrated memory controllers tackle bigger problems with the new Intel® QuickPath Technology, up to 8MB cache and 1333 MHz memory.
		Intel ®Pentium ® processors with Intel® dual-core technology deliver entry performance with 2MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front side bus.
		With Intel® Core™2 Duo dual-core processors you'll get the latest arsenal of performance-rich technologies, including up to 6 MB of shared L2 cache and up to 1333 MHz front side bus.
		Double your processing cores with the Intel® Core™2 Quad processors with up to 2 x 6 MB of shared L2 cache and up to 1333 MHz Front Side Bus.
		The high performance of the AMD Opteron®  2000 series processors feature AMD Direct Connect Architecture, AMD64 and HyperTransport Technology, as well as 1 GHz and 2.4 GHz and dual-, quad- and six-core options.

What are the benefits of Multiple Core Processors?
HP workstations with Dual-Core and Quad-Core processors are designed to help achieve:

• Greater parallelism
• Increased compute capacity in the same footprint
• Shorter project cycle times
• Increased capabilities to perform mission-critical operations in a supportive, reliable, multi-threaded, multitasking environment

Why are Multiple Core Processors so important?
Multi-core processors (multiple processor cores contained in a single package) are becoming increasingly important due to the limitations that artists, engineers, and analysts are currently encountering with regard to both the number of tasks needing to be executed as well as the need to perform more complex analysis. Adding additional processing elements, within the same processor socket, enables the size and complexity of the designs to be increased allowing more accurate and photo-realistic results. It also allows more complex analysis to be performed. Adding additional processing elements also allows the user to perform a greater number of tasks at the same time. Coupling these two benefits (greater complexity and greater number of tasks) together will cause a dramatic improvement how people get their work done.