| A central processing unit, or CPU, enables your | | | | are being run at the same time -- four, for example -- |
| computer to run programs and software applications | | | | a quad-core processor will use a different core to |
| such as Microsoft Word, AVG Anti-Virus and Internet | | | | handle each application. |
| Explorer. The faster your CPU is, the faster programs | | | | In addition to improving system performance, multi-core |
| are loaded and opened by your computer. | | | | CPUs can lower your power consumption. These new |
| Computer processors were once available with only | | | | computer components consume less electricity than |
| one processing unit. With advancements in computer | | | | the single-core processor. Consequently -- and as an |
| hardware technology, however, it is now possible to | | | | added benefit -- multi-core CPUs can run cooler than |
| buy dual-core and quad-core processors. Collectively | | | | their predecessors and minimize your computer |
| called multi-core processors, a dual-core CPU has two | | | | overheating issues. |
| processing units while a quad-core CPU has four | | | | If you are thinking of replacing your computer CPU, |
| processing units. | | | | you should try and get a multi-core processor. AMD |
| Unfortunately, computer programs have to be specially | | | | and Intel offer an impressive lineup of CPUs, both |
| designed to take advantage of the speed and | | | | single-core and multi-core. |
| features of the new multi-core processors. That being | | | | You may also need to replace your motherboard if |
| said, you can drastically increase your computer | | | | you decide to upgrade to a multi-core processor. |
| system's performance by upgrading to a multi-core | | | | Motherboards can only accommodate certain CPU |
| processor. These computer CPUs can distribute | | | | models. Multi-core CPUs need to be fitted into |
| workload amongst their cores. If multiple applications | | | | motherboards that supports the technology. |