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central processing unit

Central computer component that executes instructions

Also known as processor · CPU

Instance of: processor type
Subclass of: processor
, computer hardware
Part of: computer

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

A central processing unit (CPU), also known as a central processor, main processor, or simply processor, is the primary processor in a given computer. Its electronic circuitry executes instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations. This role contrasts with that of external components, such as main memory and I/O circuitry, and specialized coprocessors such as graphics processing units (GPUs).

Overview

All data

62 statements · 13% with external sources · numbers in brackets are citations

On other databases

33 identifiers linking central processing unit across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

13%

externally sourced

Source last edited September 27, 2026. AIDB refreshes this page daily.

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AIDB. (2026). central processing unit (Q5300). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/central-processing-unit-Q5300