What are the functions of the processor core?

The computer consists of many different parts, each of which performs its specific functions. All together, they ensure the stable operation of the entire system as a whole. Many people say that the most important element is the processor, but it is also quite complex. Speaking of its architecture, we often consider the core of the processor, since it determines the capabilities.

Why should we consider the processor as one of the most important elements, especially when assembling? Because in many respects it is he who determines the qualitative and functional capabilities of the computer as such. The uninitiated user is difficult to understand in all aspects, even after reading the relevant literature, and the forums do not give an unambiguous answer at all, because they are filled with disputes as to which brand is better - AMD or Intel. And sometimes in these disputes the core of the processor and its functions and capabilities are not considered at all.

If any moments related directly to the operation of a particular processor, you can still find out on forums, then specific characteristics should be considered most. Manufacturers always provide this information in detail, if, of course, it tells about something to the user.

CPU Characteristics

Now the market is dominated by multi-core processors. Accordingly, the core of the processor, or rather their combination, primarily determine the performance. The main characteristic is the frequency of the processor, i.e. Its speed and efficiency.

Advanced users are aware of the overclocking capabilities of the processor, i.e. Increasing its frequency. Virtually any model can increase the performance, however, not all will be effective. In other words, if we take two processors that operate at approximately the same frequency, then they can have different overclocking potential. Therefore, the prospects and opportunities are different.

As a rule, the main limitation is the core temperature of the processor, because when the frequency increases, the load increases, it starts to heat up, and this already has a disastrous effect on its state. With a long operation in this mode, the processor core will start to break down and fail, after all, the chip will just burn.

However, one focus on only one frequency is incorrect - the cache and bus frequency also have an important influence on the capabilities and the resulting characteristics. The processor constantly processes various information, but it does not come directly, but stores some time in the cache, an intermediate link between the main memory and the processor. The speed of the cache often depends on the speed of the system. The bus frequency determines the speed of communication between the processor and the motherboard.

Number of Cores

The notorious number of nuclei is being actively discussed now, because some say that the more, the better, others say that it's better not to rush into choosing a processor with a large number of cores.

The most common options are the dual-core models. Such chips have already begun to be implemented even in mobile devices, so it's hard to surprise someone. The question arises, is it worth to switch to quad-core or more processors? Now the situation is the same as with the introduction of the first multi-core models - the performance gain in fact is not so great. Users do not know how to disable the core of the processor or force an application to use all the features, because not all applications are optimized for such models. At the same time, the price increase is quite substantial, but sometimes it is worth choosing a simpler, but faster and more productive model than chasing the number of cores.