For an Intel based system keeping the number of cores constant how much difference would there be between two dual core processors and one quad core processor? We run Oracle OLTP databases on two dual core processors. With fewer dual core processors available we may need to switch to quad core, but we are limited to four cores due to licensing issues, so will have to switch to one processor. If we make the switch should I expect to see a change in real world processing speed?
Two Dual Core vs. One Quad Core
central-processing-unitintelmulti-core
Best Answer
Should be very little difference in performance between two dual core CPUs and a single quad core CPU, if you are using current Intel Xeons.
However, you might expect to see slightly better performance from the quad-core CPU if it is a "true" Quad core design, ala the new AMD Opterons or the new Xeon W5xxx (aka the Core i7 / Nehalem) series.
http://techreport.com/articles.x/16656/12