With evolving technology, tiny processors are becoming smaller in size and better in terms of performance. Not only that, but they now include more and more processing cores. The most modern processors now have up to 24 physical cores (that are publically available), whereas according to rumors, AMD is currently working on processors having 256 cores each! If you are confused about the difference between a processor and a core, or having trouble selecting a processor for your new build and cannot decide how many cores it ought to have, then this is the article for you. Let us dig into the details of the different types of processor cores and their differences.
What is a Processor
A processor, also referred to as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), is a computing engine inside a device. In layman’s terms, it is the brain of the computer. It provides the processing power for the tasks to achieve them.
What is a Processor What is a Processor Core What is a Multi-Core Processor Hexadeca Core Processor Tetradeca Core Processor Dodeca Core Processor Deca Core Processor Octa Core Processor Hexa Core Processor Quad Core Processor Dual Core Processor Multi-Core Processor Considerations Type of Work Power Consumption Heat Dissipation Multitasking Costs Are More Processor Cores Good? Do You Need a Deca Core Processor? How to Check Number of Processor Cores Takeaway
A processor is a miniature, logical circuit that performs the tasks delivered by different software. It is not necessary that a processor may have the same form factor as in the image above. For example, a mobile device’s processor may look something entirely different. Initially, a processor was only designed with a single “core.” Over time, additional technologies were developed to improve its performance, including the following:
Multiple Cores: Processor manufacturers, such as Intel and AMD, started to include multiple cores into a single silicon chip (a processor). This enabled each core to receive and perform individual tasks, simultaneously. Hyper-Threading: Hyper-threading, a technological term by Intel, is a core’s ability to receive and process 2 individual tasks simultaneously, virtually splitting a single core into two. Clock Speed: Each processor has a clock speed. This is the number at which a processor processes a stream of data. The greater the clock speed, the faster a processor will be, increasing the system’s performance. Clock speeds range from a few MegaHertz to several GigaHertz.
Some advanced systems have multiple processors embedded in them, each of them having multiple cores as well. this is done to maximize productivity and performance.
What is a Processor Core
A processing core is a component that reads instructions and carries them out inside a processor. Most modern-day processors include multiple cores. The commonly-available processors today can have cores anywhere between 2 and 24. The more cores, the merrier. Each core can handle a different thread of data and process them at the same time. This results in faster loading times, less lag, and a greater overall user experience. A core functions on the following 4 principles, which is known as the “instruction cycle“:
Fetch: The processor core retrieves the awaiting instructions, typically from some type of memory. Decode: Each component of the fetched data has a feature known as an “opcode” that instructs the processor core what to do with the data that follows it. The various parts of the processor core can then begin working once the core has worked everything out. Execute: The processor now knows what needs to be done and actually performs the task at hand. Writeback: At this stage, the core moves the processed data back to where it should go.
All of this is done in one instruction cycle. Now imagine a ridiculously-fast core with extreme clock rates, and the processor has multiple cores to handle multiple threads at the same time. It would result in an absurd amount of data being processed in the blink of an eye.
What is a Multi-Core Processor
“Multi” stands for more than one. A processor having more than one core will be considered a multi-core processor. When a processor has multiple cores integrated into the chipset, they are usually designed differently. For example, an octa-core processor may have 4 e-cores, which are the low-powered cores designed to handle less critical tasks, and the other 4 would be p-cores, which are performance cores, designed to handle power-intensive tasks.
Hexadeca Core Processor
The hexadeca-core processors have 16 cores embedded in the silicon chipset. Below are the recent currently-available hexadeca-core processors in the market:
Tetradeca Core Processor
The tetradeca-core processors have 14 cores embedded in the silicon chipset. Below are the recent currently-available tetradeca-core processors in the market:
Dodeca Core Processor
The dodeca-core processors have 12 cores embedded in the silicon chipset. Below are the recent currently-available dodeca-core processors in the market:
Deca Core Processor
A deca-core processor has 10 cores, or 10 physical CPUs, integrated into the chipset. The most talked-about deca-core processor is MediaTek’s Helios X20 since it was one of the early birds. Below are the recent currently-available deca-core processors in the market:
Octa Core Processor
Octa means eight. All processors that have 8 cores fall into this category. Usually, octa-core processors are made up of two sets of quad-core setups. This allows them to process the data rather quickly by receiving it through separate threads. Below is a list of the recent currently-available deca-core processors in the market:
Hexa Core Processor
Hexa-core processors have 6 physical cores that work in conjecture to process the data stream as quickly as possible. Below is a list of the recent currently-available hexa-core processors in the market:
Quad Core Processor
A quad-core processor has 4 cores inside of it. Each of those cores functions independently to process a data string. Below is a list of the recent currently-available quad-core processors in the market:
Dual Core Processor
As the name suggests, dual-core processors have a total of 2 physical cores. This technology is somewhat outdated and may only be found in older computers. Below is a list of the currently-available dual-core processors in the market:
Multi-Core Processor Considerations
When selecting a computer or even an individual processor, there are a few considerations that you need to make before investing your money in it.
Type of Work
The first and most important consideration to make is what type of work you’ll be performing atop the processor. Will it be CPU-intensive, like graphic designing and image rendering, or will you only use it to edit your daily files or folders? If you plan on using it for day-to-day tasks, like editing an Excel sheet, then a dual or quad-core processor with a good clock speed may do the trick. However, if you are looking to play graphics-intensive games on the computer, then you may want to have an octa or deca-core processor.
Power Consumption
Another significant factor that should impact your decision is power consumption. Will be mostly on the go and not have frequent access to a power outlet, or do you plan on being always plugged in? If you want your laptop’s or phone’s battery to last longer, then you may want to choose a device with fewer cores, as the more cores there are, the faster your battery will drain. At this point, you may also want to glance at the core types. Are they all P-cores, or are their low-powered cores available on the chipset as well?
Heat Dissipation
The hat dissipation of a device is often overlooked. You need to make sure that your device will dissipate the heat as quickly as it generates it. More processing cores working in conjecture will mean more heat is produced. Therefore, you must be prepared to compensate for the extensive heat with cooling fans, liquid-cooled radiators, or other means. If you choose a dual or quad-core processor, then heat management would be easier and more cost-effective.
Multitasking
Do you plan on running 10 or more applications at the same time? If so, then you must go for the deca-core processors. The more cores there are, the more data threads your processor could handle simultaneously. This, in turn, will increase your system’s performance, and hence, your productivity. Of course, a decision cannot be made on multitasking alone. You must also consider the factors we have discussed above, like heat dissipation and power consumption. If you run maybe 5-6 apps at a time, then even a good quad-core processor might fulfill your needs.
Costs
Your budget is where it all comes to a halt. It will cost you more as you go higher up the ladder in terms of processor cores. Processors with a lower number of cores are relatively cheaper and abundantly available, whereas finding a processor with 10 or 12 cores might need some homework first. At this point, consider again what you will be doing with a processor if you choose one, and whether it is worth the price.
Are More Processor Cores Good?
It goes without saying; the more cores your processor has, the better performance it will give. Since it is then able to process more threads at the same time. However, we would like to add that you must also take into consideration the points that we have discussed above, like heat dissipation, costs, and power consumption.
Do You Need a Deca Core Processor?
Deca-core processors, or even octa-core ones, are sufficient for any vivid gamers, given that there isn’t another bottleneck on the system. You may also want a deca-core processor if you are a 3-D animator, or perform any sort of image and video rendering. However, if you have no dedicated goal of what you will do with your new PC or processor, then we recommend that you do not get a deca-core processor right now. Instead, go for a quad or a hexa-core, since those are sufficient to perform daily average tasks.
How to Check Number of Processor Cores
If you want to check how many physical and virtual cores your current processor has, here are the steps (for Windows PC):
Takeaway
The number of processor cores makes all the difference in your system’s performance. It is true that the more cores you have, the greater your computer or phone will perform, and the more responsive it will be. However, there are other things you must also consider before “going big.” In conclusion, you should get a device with a processor that meets your needs, with a little extra legroom to compensate for any unforeseen workloads that may befall you.
