What is a CPU?

A central processor, or CPU, is arguably the most important component of any computing device. It handles basic instructions and allocates the more complicated tasks to other specific chips to get them to do what they do best. It's the core of your PC, smartphone, or tablet. read more

The CPU is the hardware device in a computer that executes instructions from the software. Learn more about how it works, plus cores, clock speed, etc. The CPU is the hardware device in a computer that executes instructions from the software. read more

Alternately referred to as a processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the CPU (pronounced sea-pea-you) is the Central Processing Unit of the computer. A computer's CPU handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer. read more

CPU (pronounced as separate letters) is the abbreviation for central processing unit. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place. read more