Does Quad Core processors perform much better than dual core processors ?

In layman's terms a dual-core processor is like having two computers in one box and a quad-core like having four. The MhZ of each processor is a lot less (than say a P4) but they are doing each a SPECIFIC task. If you have a lot of windows open or you are doing intensive projects (more than one) then you are bound to see a difference. While you are working on the internet (one core) and ripping a movie from your camcorder (second core) and doing web design on another (another core) and you operating system is keeping up with the new bloated Vista (uugghhh) then yes you should see a difference. The thing is you can run computers that are not nearly as powerful as what are out there and get just as much response out of them. The major components for MOST PEOPLE is having enough RAM (at least one gig for Vista preferably 2 gig) and cache (1meg preferably 2meg) is going to be the bigger factor than having a dual-core or quad-core. Now... if you are running a server... this is where the Quad-core is really going to shine. Let's say you are running a server that has 300 web sites on it (very common for shared hosting to have this many if not more web sites on it). If just half of these sites are requesting information at the same time that is 150 requests that are being made (and need to be answered and fulfilled). If you have two processors (pseudo-computers) answering these requests then that is twice as nice (in theory). Quad-core takes that to another level. With all that said, if you don't have a fast FSB (Front Side Bus), Cache (2MB), and Ram (2/4 GIG) then having a Quad-core will help you in the least.