A Processor – The ‘Brain’ Behind Every System or Device

A processor, otherwise known as a central processing unit (CPU), is the piece of hardware responsible for computing data in a computer system or device. It is the single most important component in a computer and sits at the foundation for the entire operating system.

Essentially, the processor receives, processes and transfers data from the operating system to applications and hardware. The ‘brain’ that powers every system or device, it has the task of interpreting data and executing stored programs, directions that are given by the operating system. As such, it helps application programs understand what they are supposed to do and how they should work.

Processor Specifications

In order to understand the power of a processor and what it can do, it is important to understand its specifications. The two main specs to consider are core speed and number of cores.

The core speed of a processor is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and indicates how much work the CPU can do in one clock cycle. The higher the clock rate, the more instructions the processor can execute. The more powerful a CPU is, the higher the clock rate.

The number of cores of a processor refers to the number of individual processors in one processor. Some processors have four cores, others have eight and some even have 16. In other words, the more cores a processor has, the faster and smoother it can run multiple tasks at once. However, the higher the number of cores, the more expensive the processor is.

It is important to note that processor speed and number of cores are not the only factors that determine processor performance. Other specs, such as cache size and the type of processor architecture (AMD or Intel) also have an impact on performance.

The Different Types of Processors

There are two main types of processors; desktop processors and mobile processors.

Desktop processors are more powerful than mobile processors and are designed for desktop computers and gaming machines. They can handle multiple heavy applications simultaneously, such as editing photos, playing 3D games and editing video.

On the other hand, mobile processors are more economical and are best suited for laptops and tablets. While they are not as powerful as desktop processors, they provide sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and streaming media content.

Conclusion

A processor is a key component of every system and device and helps application programs understand and execute instructions from the operating system. It is important to understand the specs of a processor, such as its core speed, number of cores and type of processor architecture, when choosing one for your needs. There are two main types of processors – desktop processor for desktop computers and gaming machines, and mobile processor for laptops and tablets.