Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Processors are electronic circuits that execute instructions and perform calculations. They act as the brain of a computer system, handling various tasks such as running programs, managing memory, and controlling input/output operations.
Cores are individual processing units within a processor that can independently execute instructions. A processor may have multiple cores working together to enhance performance.
Clock Speed: Clock speed refers to how fast a processor's internal clock ticks, determining how many instructions it can execute per second. Higher clock speeds generally result in faster processing.
Cache Memory: Cache memory is high-speed memory located close to the processor. It stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.