CPU core

Chip's processing element

A CPU core is an independent processing unit within a computer's central processor, capable of executing instructions on its own.

Modern CPUs typically contain multiple cores—dual-core, quad-core, octa-core—allowing them to handle several tasks simultaneously.

This laptop has a six-core processor.

More cores generally means better performance for multitasking and parallel workloads.

Related

threadFiber for stitching
clockDevice displaying time
clock speedProcessor cycle rate
turbo boostCompressor-driven power increase
siliconMetalloid in electronics

chip · transistor · multicore · hyperthreading · frequency · pipeline · architecture · AMD · Intel · socket · heat · overclock · benchmark · compute · execution · register · cycle · nanometer

Categories

Coresnucleus, kernel
processorsmicroprocessor, Pentium, microchip, chip, Celeron
chip componentsGPU, ALU, DSP, ISP, coprocessor
chip designASIC, CMOS, fab, layout, die
mobile chipschipset

Opposites

processing vs storage components

CPU coreRAM

Temporary data storage hardware

memory · storage · hard drive · SSD · HDD

computation vs data transfer

CPU corebus

Large passenger vehicle

data bus · network interface · peripheral · GPU · coprocessor

active processing vs passive components

CPU coreheatsink

Passive heat dispersal device

capacitor · resistor · power supply · motherboard · chassis

Family

CPU, core, cores, cored, coring, corer, center, centre, centralize

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G