A multicore processor is a single computing component comprised of two or more CPUs that read and execute the actual program instructions. The individual cores can execute multiple instructions in parallel, increasing the performance of software which is written to take advantage of the unique architecture.

The first multicore processors were produced by Intel and AMD in the early 2000s. Today, processors are created with two cores (“dual-core”), four cores (“quad-core”), six cores (“hexa-core”), and eight cores (“octo-core”). Processors are made with as many as 100 physical cores, and 1000 effective independent cores using FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

CPU terms, Dual-core, Hexa-core, Quad-core, TLP

  • CPU help and support.