

How many CPU cores do I need?ĭifferent computing tasks take different resources. The more cores you have in your computer, the easier it is to work on a number of tasks at once. Over time, as computers needed to run several programs at once, it led to the introduction of more cores added to CPUs.Īs of this writing, we are on generation 10 of Intel® Core™ processors, which add more power and capabilities than ever before. These CPUs didn’t need to launch and run the variety of applications we expect today. This was because computers typically only had to work on one task at a time. In 1971, when CPUs were first invented, they only had one CPU core. For anyone interested in multi-tasking, you’ll need at least two cores to get the job done properly. The central processing unit (or CPU) is what allows your PC to perform tasks through applications and provides instructions that deliver information stored to RAM (random access memory).ĬPU cores are the pathways made up of billions of microscopic transistors within a processor that help to make it work. You can read about CPU clock speed in our HP Tech Takes article here. Clock speed of your cores is the other thing you should keep in mind. Keep in mind, though, that number of cores is only one aspect of shopping for the ideal CPU for your computer. In this guide, we break down the number of CPU cores you may need for different computing tasks and how you can choose the best CPU for you. However, knowing exactly how many cores are necessary for your optimal functionality can be tricky. Planning ahead for your computing needs can save you time, frustration, and expense down the road. These components can directly determine the type of software you can run and how many programs your PC can handle at once. Whether you want to run basic programs or you crave the most power from your new laptop or desktop PC, it’s helpful to know how many CPU cores you need before you start shopping.
