OxScience

CPU is the abbreviation for central processing unit or ” central processing unit ” in Spanish. Sometimes it can be thought of as the “ brain ”, a correct biological metaphor in this case. The most common types of CPU in ordinary devices have x86 architecture for PCs and tablets and ARM-based architectures for phone and light tablets. The PC processors are primarily for Intel and AMD.

All the tasks that our computer performs will be carried out, at least for the most part, by our CPU. Depending on the speed and how modern our CPU is, it will be the speed with which our computer responds.

Some classify CPUs as a mere classification of cabinets and computers in general, but this classification is wrong and imprecise. There are two major brands in charge of CPU production: ADM and Intel. In turn, we can classify them in single-core, two, three or four-core CPUs.

CPU types by manufacturer

As we said, the market is usually dominated by AMD and Intel, although it does not mean that there are no other brands or that other competitors are not going to emerge, but so far they are the ones that supply the majority of computer microprocessors to the market.

• Intel Corporation: Intel is, according to its figures, the multinational company that mobilizes the most money annually. On the other hand, it is very common to see it on the vast majority of computers and it has always been a guarantee of trust. On the other hand, it has been one of the companies that have innovated the most in terms of new products: from different types of USB ports to processors capable of carrying out totally different tasks. It is considered one of the most innovative companies in the world, as it spends more than 15% of its profits on research and development.

• AMD: The North American Semiconductor Giant. Unlike Intel, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) specializes in a wide variety of products, although as we have already said, it is the mother of all semiconductors that we probably find circulating in the markets. Not only does it compete fiercely with Intel, but in the field of graphics, it competes with another giant: Nvidia. In addition, it is one of the largest chipset generators worldwide.

CPU types based on number of cores

Before starting to list and explain what processors with one or many cores consist of, it is important to make a clarification: The number of cores does not necessarily match operating speed; that is, if a processor is three-core, it does not necessarily mean that it will respond three times faster. The number of cores mainly refers to a multitask capacity. By multitasking, we understand the ability of a computer or processor to perform different tasks and run different programs at the same time.

The more cores our processor has, the greater the capacity to be able to execute many commands and perform many tasks without our computer reacting slowly or late. This directly influences the overall responsiveness of our computer, although as we said earlier, the number of cores does not directly allude to the response speed.

Single-core CPUs: Early computers had only one core. This generated a delayed response and that the “heavier” tasks were much slower. This caused a small part of the second process to start two operations at the same time before the end of the first, and still, the process was very cumbersome.

Dual-core CPUs: Dual-core CPUs represented a huge leap compared to single-core processors. Its ability to run multiple tasks at once, with a specialized startup processor, made it easier for ordinary and demanding users. They used a special code, called SMT, Simultaneous Multithreading Technology. Many not-so-old processors still use these types of processors, although today’s programs and operating systems require more powerful processors each time.

Quad-core CPUs: Normally known as quadcore, quad-core processors are the kings of the moment. Its response speed is much higher than that of dual-core CPUs, ideal for so-called gamers (video game fans) and people who need to multitask with their computer.

Six and Eight Core CPUs: The latest developments in CPUs have shown us six and even eight-core processors. The most ambitious projects speak of multi – microprocessors, capable of solving endless commands and executing thousands of tasks at once. As always, technology is unchecked in this regard.

Some important clarifications about CPUs

1. Core or core is the same; therefore, quadcore, hexacore, and octacore are just different ways of saying “quad core,” “six core,” or “eight core.”
2. CPUs are not exclusive to PCs : Smartphones and tablets (especially new phones) bring more than powerful CPUs, even many computers with only a few years of life.
3. When opting for a smarthpone, a tablet or a PC, although the processor is a crucial factor, we must take into account other factors such as RAM (Random Access Memory, the short-term answer), among many others. factors.