What is CPU?
A central processing unit (CPU) is a central unit or main processor, an electronic circuit that executes information from a computer program.
It performs basic arithmetic, controlling, logic, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by program instructions. It contrasts with the main memory, input, or output circuit, external components, and specialized processors such as graphic processing units (GPUs).
However, fundamental operations of the CPU remain the same, but the form of the CPU, design, and implementation change over time.
Moreover, the primary function of the CPU is to perform arithmetic and logic operations, but the processor register provides operands to the arithmetic logic unit, which stores the results of ALU operations.
It also helps to control, arrange, and organize in collecting, decoding, and executing information by directing coordinated operations of ALU, register, and other components.
What is Core?
The core is called the brain or backbone of the CPU. It is a processor which is built into the CPU or CPU socket.
However, the core can perform or process all the computational tasks independently in the CPU. So, from this point of view, the core is a smaller processor within the bigger processor.
Core and CPU are different in terms of their functioning. The main difference between a core and a CPU is that a CPU is an electronic circuit within the computer that carries information to perform arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations.
While the core is the execution unit within the CPU that receives and executes information and instruction.
What is vCPU?
vCPU is a virtual centralized processor unit. In computing, vCPU shares the underlying portion of a physical CPU which is allocated or confined to a specific virtual machine (VM).
In essence, virtual machines are independent operating systems that function as apps inside of another operating system.
Virtual machines (VMs) are employed for a range of tasks, including the safe testing of new software, the running of several operating systems (such as Windows and Linux) on the same machine, and the consolidation of several physical servers into a single server to save space and money.
The operating system of the VM treats each virtual CPU as if it were a single physical CPU core. vCPU is within the CPU and acts as software rather than a hardware-like CPU.
Difference Between CPU, Core and vCPU
A central processing unit (CPU) is a central or main processor; an electronic circuit executes information from a computer program.
While the core is called the brain or backbone of the CPU, it is a processor built into the CPU or CPU socket.
At the same time, vCPU shares the underlying portion of a physical CPU allocated or confined to a specific virtual machine (VM).
Comparison Between CPU, Core and vCPU
| Parameter of Comparison | CPU | Core | vCPU |
| Definition | A central processing unit (CPU) is the main processor or an electronic circuit that executes information from a computer program. | A core is the brain of the CPU, and it is a processor built into the CPU or CPU socket. | vCPU shares the underlying portion of a physical CPU allocated or confined to a specific virtual machine (VM). |
| Used Numbers | Computers that can hold more than one CPU. | Processors can hold one or more cores. | There are 4 vCPUs in the core. |
| Location | It is also located on the top of a motherboard in the PC. | It is located within the CPU as a brain. | It is present within the CPU and is software. |
| Working | It processes input or output data and stores it. | It fetches, decodes, and executes the data. | The operating system of the VM treats each virtual CPU as if it were a single physical CPU core. |
| Cost | CPU is also expensive. | A core is very expensive compared to a processor. | vCPU is cost-effective. |
References
- ^ “IBM100 – The IBM 700 Series”. www-03.ibm.com. 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ “Megaprocessor.” www.megaprocessor.com. Retrieved 2022-01-28.