Since childhood, we have learned that the processor is the brain of the computer! However, it seems that most people are not aware of this when they have to buy a new computer. Perhaps the reason for this is that most of us were not familiar with everything revolving around the processor in terms of its mechanism and the factors that affect its efficiency. For this reason, people end up buying a processor that does not meet their long-term needs. Modern Central Processing Units (CPUs) have introduced new features that significantly impact performance, such as multi-core and multi-threading capabilities. However, these technologies or “terms” are not easily understood by those who are not computer experts. Some processors contain the same number of cores and threads, while others have a greater number of threads than cores. In this article, we will discuss the function of each and how they work, and how you can determine which is best for you.
A Simplified Explanation of Processor Cores
The core is responsible for processing data in the processor and exists physically (not programmatically) on the CPU. In the past, processors were not advanced enough and came with only one core, so they were called “Core” processors. However, technologies have evolved to the point where we now see processors with more than 64 cores on the market! The multiple cores greatly benefit multitasking, as each core can handle a different task and complete the required work faster. However, having a higher number of cores can lead to issues such as high power consumption and high temperatures.
You Might Also Like: Is a Multi-Core Processor Better or Higher Clock Speed?
How Cores Work in a Processor
Let’s agree that there are two types of processors: Single-Core Processors and Multi-Core Processors, and their operation differs slightly. Single-core processors can only execute one task at a time, and if you want to perform this task faster, you need to increase the frequency. However, this will lead to various problems such as high power consumption, resulting in increased temperature and lower processor efficiency. This is where multi-core processors come in to solve this problem by dividing large tasks into smaller ones and distributing them among the available cores, which increases processing speed while maintaining normal temperature and power consumption. For example, multi-core processors can handle tasks almost as fast as single-core processors but with lower energy consumption.
What are Threads in a Processor?
Threads can be thought of as virtual cores. As previously explained, cores are physically present on the CPU, while threads are not physically visible because they are essentially a “software technology” used by processor manufacturers like Intel and AMD. These technologies allow cores to perform multiple tasks by sharing resources through various techniques, with one of the most famous being Multi-threading.
What is Multithreading Technology and How Does it Work?
Multithreading technology allows the cores in the processor to receive multiple threads of work to execute. For example, when you open a program on your computer that requires fetching information from the internet, a circle appears in the middle of the screen indicating background processes until the program finishes fetching the data. Here, the program performs two tasks in the background: fetching the data and displaying the loading circle. This is where the multithreading technology comes into play as it manages the tasks efficiently and improves the processing speed.
Read Also: 3 Ways to Determine the Number of Processor Cores in Your Computer
Difference Between Cores and Threads
If you are still unaware of the importance of threads, consider that the processor is like a person eating a cake, with the cake representing the data being processed by the core. The core is the person’s mouth, while the hands are the threads used to transport the cake from the table to the mouth. The role of threads is to feed the core with data for processing, enhancing the efficiency of the overall process.
But how does a greater number of threads benefit? Let’s imagine in our previous example that the person eating the cake has only one hand to eat while the other hand is holding a phone. Now, imagine another person who has both hands carrying cakes. Which one will consume more cake at the same time? The second person, as they do not waste time waiting for the other hand to bring another cake from the table. Instead, they eat the cake in one hand while the other hand fetches another cake, continuing the process efficiently.
Important: Before buying an Intel processor… Understand the meanings of processor letters
How to Determine the Number of Cores and Threads in Your Processor
If you are about to buy a new processor and want to know the number of cores and threads it has, simply look at the processor’s box, where you will find the phrase “4 cores/4 ways multitask processing” indicating that your processor comes with 4 cores and 4 threads. If the phrase reads “4 cores/8 ways multitask processing,” it means the processor has 4 cores and 8 threads.
If you want to know the number of cores and threads in your current processor, simply go to the Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + delete” and selecting Task Manager. In the Performance tab, you will find the words “Cores” referring to the number of cores and “Logical processors” indicating the number of threads.
How to Choose the Right One for You
As we explained earlier, there are two types of processors in the market, one with more threads than cores and the other with an equal number of threads and cores. There is a difference in the nature of using each type, and one may be more suitable for you than the other. If you are building your setup for gaming, I recommend buying a processor with an equal number of cores and threads as games mostly rely on single core performance and do not benefit significantly from multiple threads. However, if your goal is to learn editing and Adobe programs in general, then you should definitely go for the processor with the higher number of threads as these tasks require extensive processing of many details.
