The Processor or the CPU

The Processor or the Central Processing Unit

November 14, 2024

By Thals Volmar

The term processor is simple in that it is a machine that performs an operation. However, the processor we are talking about is more complex than that by definition. In computer language, the processor also known as the central processing unit, CPU, is the set of electronic circuits that runs the operating system of a device that includes a computer, tablet, smartphone, and so on. The processor is considered as the integrated circuitry, IC, in an electronic device or computer for its crucial role as it performs the basic operations that related to arithmetic calculations, logic, data input and output information, distribution of instructions or commands to other chips or at least components that operate in an electronic device or computer.

Some basic elements of the processor

1. The Control Unit, CU, is the component that channels the operations of the processor. Such a unit orders the memory of the electronic device in question, the calculation or logic unit as well as input and output devices how they must proceed with the commands sent to the processor.
2. The Arithmetic Logic Unit, ALU, is the component responsible for the arithmetic and logic operations of the CPU.
3. The Registers are the components responsible for storing and handling data into the CPU.
4. The Cache is the component of the CPU that is responsible for storing copies of the data a program frequently uses.

Processor types

Talking about processor types brings us right back to the number of cores that a processor has. The latter can have one or several core(s), nevertheless, it is rare today to see a processor with a single core, they are preferably multi-core, i.e., the integrated circuitry has more than one processor with the aim of improving performance, lower power consumption, performing tasks simultaneously, and making our work more efficient. We understand by this that the more cores a processor has, the more efficient and effective it is in executing instructions at the same time.

Today, Intel alongside other processors manufacturers such as AMD, Qualcomm, Renesas, etc., keep improving the level of performance and efficiency of their processors to perform more workloads, improve efficiency and lower energy consumption.

The idea is to make users understand which processor to choose to do their work: do you need a single-core processor, a dual core-core processor, a triple-core processor, etc., to do your work? Bear in mind if a processor can only execute one set of instructions at a time, it is a single-core processor, for two sets of instructions at a time, it is a dual-core processor, and so on, therefore, the choice of a processor depends on your needs and budget.