Dual Core vs Quad Core

[MarcoVest]

I am building a new intradaytrading machine that will run 1 primary application and 2 seconday app’s utilizing streaming realtime data . The primary app is multithreading using multiprocessors but on a couple critical processes use single threads utilizing single core. Speed is important for the primary application. I have got a couple questions.

When a Core 2 Duo (Dual Core) or Core 2 Quad (Quad Core) stipulates a clock rating, is that for each core or cumulative for all cores? When applications are processed, are cores accessed equally or on demand, ie, one core is fully utilized, then second core, etc? With my application above, is it more important to look at individual core clock speed or number of cores? I am trying to decide between a Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz FSB1333MHz 4Mb Shared Cache or Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz FSB1066MHz 2x4Mb Cache.

Thanks.

[perkster]

the clock speed is for each processor.

the quad obviously has more processors, so for 3 or more things at once i would think its your best best and more future proof.

i believe each program would use a separate core until they had to share resources. a lot programs are not multi threaded yet

[glc]

If speed is really critical and your budget can stand it, get a faster quad core.