[motor_angel]

I have a question about the clock speed of a dual core processor. Let's say I buy Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Dual Core Processor (3.16GHz, 2x6MB, 1333MHz FSB, LGA775 Socket T). So 3.16GHZ is the total speed or it's the speed of each of the cores(which means the speed is 2x3.16=6.12GZH)?

 

[pat mcgroin]

Each core is running at 3.16 but the speeds arent doubled.
It just means that each core can be working as partners at 3.16
as compared to one core at 3.16 thus giving you up to 75% more throughput.

 

[Tyree]

The stock speed of the E8400 is 3.16GHz. Multi Cores enable the CPU to divert data to make it flow faster.