The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a system. Often referred to as the “brain” of the computer, the CPU executes instructions from programs by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations. It consists of multiple cores, which can execute instructions simultaneously, improving performance in multitasking environments.
The CPU interacts with other components such as memory (RAM) and storage to fetch, decode, and execute instructions. Key characteristics of a CPU include its clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), which indicates how many cycles per second it can perform, and its architecture, which defines how it handles data and instructions. Modern CPUs are designed to be energy-efficient while delivering high performance for a wide range of applications, from simple tasks like web browsing to complex computations like gaming, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.
