Processor vs CPU vs Core – Difference and Comparison

What is Processor?

In computer science, a processor or processing unit is an electrical circuit that executes different functions on external or outer data sources, on memory or other data flow or stream.

It is the typical form of a microprocessor that can be implemented on metal-oxide- semiconductors, an integrated circuit chip. The circuits in the past were prepared using multiple individuals or integrated transistors and multiple vacuum tubes.

Nowadays, processors are with built-in transistors. The term CPU cites the system’s central processing unit. However, it also refers to other coprocessors, such as graphic processing units or GPUs.

Typical processors are silicon-based; thus, researchers are developing experimental processors based on alternative materials, such as carbon mono-tubes, different alloys, and graphene.

Transistors are made up of single-sheet silicon atoms in which one atom is tall and 2D material has been researched to use in processors. Quantum processors are formed. They use superposition to represent bits called qubits instead of only on and off state.

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.

Difference Between Processor, CPU and Core

A processor is an electrical circuit that executes different functions on external or outer data sources, on memory or other data flow or stream.

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.

Comparison Table Between Processor, CPU and Core

References

1. “Oxford English Dictionary.” Lexico. Archived from the original on March 25, 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
2. ^ Garner, Robert; Dill, Frederick (Rick) (Winter 2010). “The Legendary IBM 1401 Data Processing System” (PDF). IEEE Solid-State Circuits Magazine. 2 (1): 28–39. doi:10.1109/MSSC.2009.935295. S2CID 31608817.