Work faster and smarter with dual-core technology

But this time, chip manufacturers may have outflanked software writers. The advent of dual-core processors attacks this basic problem by putting two discrete processor cores onto a single CPU – a computer with two brains. HP has released a broad portfolio of desktops, workstations, and servers that will help small and medium-sized businesses take full advantage of this breakthrough technology.

The basic idea is pretty much as it sounds: one chip footprint, two processors worth of power. This allows for the kind of parallel computing performance that’s normally reserved for higher-end cluster systems. Although the technology is still new, analysts expect it to dominate server computing within a few generations. Customers may expect up to 20 percent performance gains in these application environments with the dual-core processor.

Dual-core technology will have the biggest impact for workers who regularly stretch their PCs to the limit—drafters, designers, and architects running CAD; analysts and managers accessing massive Oracle or SQL databases, or SAS applications; researchers and scientists running high performance computing applications; artists, musicians, and producers who spend all day tweaking audio or video content. Even computer users doing little more than navigating spreadsheets while listening to an online music stream, working with a browser, and sending email will see improvements.

Those looking to use dual-core processors on the desktop will find what they are looking for from the HP Compaq dc7600 Business Desktop PC. Starting at a street price of only $564, the HP Compaq dc7600 features dual-channel DDR2 memory, which offers more bandwidth without increasing power consumption, SATA 3.0Gb/s hard drives, and integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, offering up to two times the performance of the GMA 900.

Workstation users will be drawn to the workstations such as HP xw6200, the HP xw8200, but most notably the HP xw4300 Workstation, with prices starting at $849. Built on the choice of either Intel's single- and 2MB dual-core Pentium processors with speeds of 3.4 GHz, the HP xw4300 packs increased memory support of up to 8GB and up to 667-MHz memory bandwidth, a flexible range of graphics choices such as professional 2D, OpenGL certified 3D graphics and ATI, as well as integrated SATA 3.0Gb/s, and RAID functionality that is more commonly found on higher-end workstation and server platforms.

Built with a customized thermal design to help ensure all components in the desktop remain cool as power demands increase, the HP Compaq dc7600 and the HP xw4300 maintain the small size and expandability customers expect, but also come equipped with security features and built-in manageability that meet the security and performance requirements for Microsoft's forthcoming Longhorn operating system.

HP has also released a series of servers featuring dual-core technology. Small businesses looking for their first server will appreciate the HP ProLiant 145 server, an award-winning platform that comes in a variety of configurations. Those seeking a more robust configuration, or small businesses that need 24-hour uptime, will be drawn to the beefy HP ProLiant 380, the best-selling SMB server in the world.