terminology - What is the difference between CPU and Microprocessor?

09
2013-08
  • Questioner

    What is the difference between CPU and Microprocessor?

    • Answers
  • 8088

    A microprocessor is essentially a processor that happens to be on a chip (or a small number of chips), as opposed to one made from a large number of individual components.

    As foo says, properly CPU refers to the main processor(s) of a system, though most of the time we call any processor that is typically used in this way a CPU. For example, we might refer to the Z80 processor in a Sega Mega Drive/Genesis as a CPU even though it actually serves as an auxiliary to the main processor, which is a more powerful Motorola 68k. (I believe the Z80 is often used to control the music and sound effects, though there is no reason why it would have to be used at all in a particular game.)

    For an example of a CPU that is not a microprocessor, take a look at this 4-bit CPU:

    enter image description here

  • foo

    In everyday use: nothing, just the name.

    If you want to be correct: a CPU is the "main" microprocessor, if you have several combined - the one that controls the others. Hence, Central Processing Unit.

  • Ira Baxter

    A CPU ("central processing unit") is the core of a computer or a microprocesso, typically containing a "arithmetic/logical unit (ALU)" that does the computational work, an instruction fetcher, decoder and executer.

    A microprocessor is a packaged electronic component containing a CPU, I/O, and memory access circuits.

  • Josh Petrie

    In general I would say they're the same thing in casual conversation, but if you wanted to be pedantic, a CPU would probably be considered a specific type of microprocessor.

  • Pankaj Mittal

    Processor is a part of computer that interprets(executes) instructions and the microprocessor is a CPU just on one Chip.

  • Felice Pollano

    In order to me they are synonims, you can exchange the use even in technical discussions

  • Jonathan Rioux

    The term microprocessor is larger than CPU. Microprocessor includes more stuff than just CPU.

  • Gideon Kiplang'at Rotich

    In my view CPU is the heart of the computer that can obtain the data and instructions from the memory and process them according to the instructions given then send back the results to the memory or the output devices while the microprocessor is just integrated circuit that only carries the entire function of the CPU as well as for the entire computer systems.It performs more functions as compared to the CPU.

  • k.nithyanandan

    microprocessor is small device .arithmatic unite and control unite same ebut memory is secound part

    cpu is three part one is arithmatic unite secount one is control unite add thard one is memory


    • Related Question

    cpu - Whats the difference between intel Dual-Core and Core 2 Duo?
  • WindyCityEagle

    Whats the difference between the Intel Dual-Core(brand name) processor and the Core 2 Duo? It seems like clock speed is the only difference, but I want to make sure that is the case. It seems like anything over 2.6GHz is Core 2 Duo, and anything under 2.6GHz gets the label Dual-Core.


    • Related Answers
  • Troggy

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_Dual-Core

    The Intel Dual Core is its own product line of Intel processors.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2

    The Intel Core 2 is also another product line of Intel processors.

    The pentium dual-core processor is a one of Intel's value or basic processors available. That is why you save so much going with that processor. The Core 2 is the more powerful desktop processor from Intel, hence why you pay more for it.

    Here is a review comparing performance between the two: (This is well put together)

    http://expertester.wordpress.com/2008/05/30/core-2-duo-vs-pentium-dual-core/

    And a forum discussion about the differences:

    http://www.devhardware.com/forums/intel-processors-30/pentium-dual-core-vs-core-2-duo-188459.html

    I assume you mean the difference like on this inspiron 537 between the two middle models:

    http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-inspiron_537s?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

    If you notice next to the processor names is the intel e5200 and the intel e7500. These are the processor numbers you can look up on the internet for futher specifications and reviews.

    The E5200 is listed under the Pentium Processor for Desktop on intel's website:

    http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ParentRadio=All&ProcFam=2841&SearchKey=

    The E7500 is listed under the Core 2 Duo Desktop Processor

    http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ParentRadio=All&ProcFam=2558&SearchKey=E7500

  • Axxmasterr

    Dual core refers to a processor that contains two separate processing cores. Core 2 Duo is a brand name of a processor which is also in a dual core configuration. This is the short answer. The brand name and the descriptive name match up precisely in this one case.

  • joe

    The Core 2 Duo has two cores inside a single physical package. The Core 2 Quad has four cores in its package. In applications that utilize multithreading, such as Photoshop or video editing, you will see a tremendous improvement over a Core 2 Duo at the same clock speed. In single-threaded applications, there will be less of an improvement.

    from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_an_Intel_Core_2_Duo_and_an_Intel_Core_2_Quad

    And

    dual core is 2 cpu in a package

    2 cpu's in a die = 2 cpu's made together 2 cpu's in package = 2 cpu's on small board or linked in some way

    core 2 duo = brand name of certain kind of cpu like pentium or amd atholon