What is the difference between a CPU and a Microprocessor?

Did you know?

All CPUs are microprocessors, but all microprocessors are not CPUs. There are many striking differences between CPUs and microprocessors!

A CPU has the responsibility of working on several tasks. In contrast, the microprocessor is responsible for performing one specific task.

Without a CPU and microprocessor, a computer or laptop would be unable to perform essential functions and tasks, as the CPU is the brain of a computer.

A CPU is considered the brain in a computer as it is responsible for performing and executing all the functions in a computer. A CPU also runs each program in a computer.

A microprocessor is responsible for working the processing tasks; these are also the circuits that contain the processors of the GPU.

A microprocessor contains several pins responsible for performing specific tasks in the Central Processing Unit in the computer. With the help of an 8085 microprocessor pin diagram, it is possible to understand the functions and operations of the pins contained in the microprocessor.

Before going into the details, knowing a CPU and a Microprocessor is essential.

Overview of CPU and Microprocessor

What is a CPU?

A CPU is a computer's central part or component. It performs all computer activities, operations, and programs. It is also a processor or a microprocessor.

A computer's CPU contains several circuits and transistors that execute tasks like mathematics, calculations, running programs, and other charges. It also instructs the applications and software for their specific functions.

What are the Main Functions of a CPU?

As we all know, the CPU is considered the brain in a computer and thus has the responsibility to perform various tasks and functions in the computer.

The functions of a CPU are as follows:

1. A CPU can control every other part of a computer.

2. It Can send timing signals.

3. One of the primary functions of a CPU is to fetch instructions and data from memory.

4. Decoding instructions is another vital function of CPUs.

5. A CPU can transfer data from memory to I/O devices.

6. A CPU can conduct arithmetical and logical operations.

7. It creates a communication bridge among the I/O devices

8. The CPU can execute programs stored in memory

The CPU itself consists of several transistors and is also a microprocessor.

Features of CPU

A CPU in a computer can function all the functions mentioned above effortlessly if it contains the following features:

1. Cache Memory

The memory inside a CPU fetches data from the main memory. Cache memory can be of three types, which go in the following order according to size and work:

L1>L2>L3

2. Cores

Cores are responsible for increasing the efficiency of a CPU. Modern CPUs come with multiple cores, each having separate cache memories. These cores are independent of each other and help in parallel processing.

3. Speed

The CPU's speed largely depends on that CPU's core(s). A dual-core processor with low frequency is more efficient than a sing-core processor with high frequency. Ghz and MHz are the speed-measuring units of a CPU.

4. Multithreading

As the number of cores increases in a CPU, the efficiency and speed of a CPU also increase. The cores work parallelly in the physical unit.

5. Compatibility

The CPU can work smoothly and efficiently only if compatible with your system's motherboard. Check if it fits the memory modules too.

6. Bandwidth

As said earlier, CPUs work better in dual-core processors. Likewise, the bandwidth also increases in multi-core processors.

What is a Microprocessor?

A microprocessor is a minor or micro-sized computer processor responsible for performing computer tasks. The microprocessor also contains several transistors and diodes that work together and execute a computer's functions.

In short, microprocessors are the brains of microcomputers. It also serves similar functions in microprocessor-based computers.

The microprocessor performs several specific duties that are significantly involved in computer processing. A microprocessor, in some cases, also acts as a CPU.

Functions of Microprocessor

The functions of microprocessors are similar to that of a computer CPU:

1. A microprocessor controls all other computer parts.

2. Microprocessors send timing signals.

3. It helps to transfer data from I/O devices to memory and vice-versa.

4. A microprocessor can fetch data and instructions from memory.

5. A microprocessor is capable of decoding instructions.

6. Microprocessors can perform arithmetical and logical operations.

7. It can execute different programs that are stored in memory.

An 8085 microprocessor pin diagram states all the functions of the pin present in the microprocessor and demonstrates its features.

Features and Benefits of a Microprocessor

A microprocessor is more advanced and performs tasks and functions efficiently in the computer. The features and benefits of a microprocessor are:

Cost-Effective

Microprocessors come in different architectures like 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit. The integrated circuit technology makes higher-width processors readily available and cost-effective.

Great Speed

Thanks to advanced technology, microprocessors can perform their tasks faster. Millions of instructions are performed within seconds.

Smaller Size

As the size of a microprocessor is reduced, the size of computers has also been reduced. Hence, microprocessors are also portable.

Minimal Power Consumption

The latest microprocessors are made of metal oxide semiconductor technology. Hence, they generate less heat and consume relatively less power.

Versatile

Microprocessors are versatile. One chip can be used for different applications.

Difference Between CPU and Microprocessor

It is stated as All CPUs are microprocessors, but not all microprocessors are CPUs. Here is why they are different from each other.

CPU	Microprocessor
Performs several and wide ranges of tasks	Performs specific tasks and functions
CPU can be found in desktops and Laptops	Microprocessors can be found in electronic devices, vehicles, smartphones, etc.
A CPU contains transmitters to perform various tasks in the computer.	Microprocessors house several other processors like CPU, GPU, BIOS, etc.
CPU sends commands to the microprocessor.	A microprocessor provides data to the CPU or others as directed by the CPU.
CPUs cannot render images as fast as GPUs.	GPUs are faster in rendering images.
CPU supports lighter AI loads.	GPU supports advanced AI loads.
Processes sequentially using a few cores.	A thousand cores support parallel processing.
Compute density of a CPU is low,	Compute density of a GPU microprocessor is high.
A CPU has ROM, RAM and additional peripherals in one chip.	A microprocessor does have ROM, RAM, I/O units, and modems.

Conclusion

This article discusses the main differences between a CPU and a microprocessor.

In earlier times, these two components did not have such significant differences. Still, with the advancement of technology, the differences grew, and so did the functions of a CPU and microprocessors.

Furthermore, the question has become one of the most frequently asked rest api interview questions.