A dual-core processor is probably the best choice for users seeking to future proof their systems, but single core devices in multi-processor systems in this conjecture in history are far from obsolete. For starters, if you now compare the costs for a reasonable dual-processor computer platform that runs two single-core processors versus a cutting-edge, dual-core system, you will find amazing results.

Both AMD and Intel's top dual-core processors cost about $1,000, which is as much as most users probably spend to buy their entire PC. However, a single-core processor that runs at the same clock speeds costs only about $300-$350, which gave us the idea to compare a single-processor, dual-core machine to a dual-processor, single-core system.

We looked at professional-grade processors for this comparison, which meant checking prices for AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon processors. Here, the situation is even worse: AMD charges approximately $ 1,100 for the dual-core Opteron 275 (2.2 GHz), while two single-core Opteron 248 CPUs only cost $700.

Looking at Intel's offerings does not reveal anything different, as the Xeon dual-core at 2.8 GHz retails for $1,100, while two comparable 2.8 GHz Xeons only cost around $550. Two 3.2 GHz Xeons cost $700.