What Are CPU Cores and Threads? Differences and How to Check Explained

The CPU is often called the “brain” of a computer. This article will go a step further and explain about “cores,” which are directly related to CPU performance, and “threads,” which are involved in how processing works.

By knowing this information, it becomes easier to choose the right CPU smoothly.

This article also explains the basics of how to read CPU manufacturers and model numbers, performance benchmarks, and how to choose a CPU from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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About CPU Cores and Threads

Understanding CPU cores and threads is important for understanding computer performance.

A core is a calculation unit that processes instructions, and a thread is the number of tasks that can be processed at the same time.

Core: The Calculation Unit That Processes Instructions

A core is a physical hardware calculation unit inside the CPU that processes instructions.

It is common for CPUs to have multiple cores. Consumer CPUs usually have 6 to 24 cores, while server and workstation CPUs can have 16 to 128 cores.

These cores execute instructions independently, so they can process multiple tasks at the same time.

For example, a CPU with 24 cores has 24 physical cores and can process 24 tasks at the same time.

Thread: The Number of Tasks That Can Be Processed at the Same Time

A thread shows the number of tasks that can be processed at the same time.

Originally, 1 core could process 1 thread, but with multithreading technology, 1 core can process 2 threads at the same time, allowing multiple tasks to be executed.

For example, if a CPU has 6 cores and each core has 2 threads, it can process a total of 12 tasks at the same time.

The more threads a CPU has, the more efficiently it can process many tasks, so performance improves.

However, not all CPUs support multithreading.

Recently, most CPUs support it, but if not, 1 core can process only 1 thread. If supported, 1 core can process 2 threads.

Cooking is often used as an example to explain multithreading.

In reality, it might be dangerous, but multithreading is like a chef (1 core) cooking with both hands at the same time (2 threads).

If multithreading is not supported, 1 chef can only cook 1 dish at a time.

Also, modern CPUs usually have multiple cores, so it is like having many chefs, each cooking with both hands.

Difference Between Cores and Threads (With Example)

The difference is that cores are physical processing units, while threads are the units of tasks processed by those cores.

Specifically, a core is an actual calculation device inside the CPU, and a CPU with multiple cores can process multiple tasks at the same time.

On the other hand, a thread is a flow of instructions executed by software, and 1 core can process 2 threads.

On Windows, 1 physical core is recognized as 2 virtual cores, called logical cores.

About CPU Cores

CPU cores are an important part that greatly affects computer performance.

Also, Intel CPUs are a bit special, as they are divided into two types: P-cores and E-cores.

How the Number of Cores Affects Performance

CPU performance is mainly determined by the number of cores and clock speed, so more cores mean better system performance.

It is like having more workers (cores) with the same working speed (clock speed).

Let’s compare CPUs with different numbers of cores (but the same clock speed).

There is a slight difference in maximum clock speed, but the base clock speed is the same.

Also, to avoid differences due to CPU design or structure, both CPUs are from the same manufacturer, brand, and generation (Ryzen 8000 series).

Ryzen 7 has 2 more cores than Ryzen 5, and the score is higher accordingly.

The score per core is about 4,000 points for both, with only a small difference.

So, Ryzen 7’s higher performance is simply due to having more cores.

Performance is not determined by core count alone, but generally, more cores mean higher performance.

Also, CPUs with more cores are better for running multiple programs at the same time, complex calculations, or programs that need a lot of processing.

For example, high-load tasks like 3D games or video encoding need complex and heavy calculations.

If playing a 3D game while encoding a video, multiple cores can share the tasks, so both jobs run smoothly.

On the other hand, for light everyday or business use, many cores may not be fully used.

Choosing a high-performance CPU with many cores is fine, but it will make the CPU and PC more expensive, so consider if that is acceptable.

By the way, in this example, the clock speeds are the same, but when choosing parts, the candidate CPUs rarely have the same clock speed.

So, it is not possible to compare CPU performance by core count alone. Use benchmark scores for comparison.

Intel CPUs Have Two Types: P-cores and E-cores

Since the 12th generation Alder Lake, Intel CPUs use a hybrid architecture with two types of cores: P-cores and E-cores.

With this new design, the CPU can use the best core for each task, improving both performance and power efficiency.

About P-cores

P-cores are Performance cores, with high single-thread performance, best for heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

These cores have high clock speeds and are good at handling complex calculations.

About E-cores

E-cores are Efficiency cores, designed to process many tasks in parallel while saving power.

They run at lower clock speeds and are suitable for background or light tasks, efficiently handling simple jobs.

By combining these two types of cores, Intel CPUs achieve both high performance and power saving.

About CPU Threads

CPU threads are an important factor for improving a computer’s processing power.

A thread is a unit of program execution, and running multiple threads at the same time allows efficient work.

About Multithreading Technology

Multithreading technology has different names depending on the CPU manufacturer.

• Intel: Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
• AMD: Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)

Basically, 1 CPU core can only process 1 thread.

However, with multithreading technology, 1 core can process 2 threads at the same time.

Thanks to these technologies, CPUs can process more tasks efficiently, especially in multitasking or high-load applications.

Most modern CPUs support multithreading, but some, like Intel’s E-cores, do not.

How to Tell if a CPU Supports Multithreading

There are two ways to check if a CPU supports multithreading:

• Check if the number of cores and threads is different
• Check if it supports multithreading technology

If a CPU supports multithreading, the number of cores and threads will always be different, so if these numbers are not the same, it supports multithreading.

For example, 8 cores / 16 threads means it supports multithreading, while 8 cores / 8 threads means it does not.

Also, for Intel CPUs with P-cores and E-cores, only P-cores support multithreading, so the number of threads is not always double the number of cores.

Another way is to check the product specifications to see if it supports multithreading technology.

For Intel CPUs, look for Intel Hyper-Threading Technology; for AMD, look for Simultaneous Multithreading.

Price comparison sites, benchmark sites, and CPU review sites often list the number of cores and threads, but may not mention multithreading support.

In that case, it is easier to judge by looking at the number of cores and threads rather than checking the specs.

However, in the last four generations, all CPUs support multithreading, so it may not be necessary to check in detail.

About 10 years ago, whether a CPU supported multithreading was an important factor, but now it is not so important.

Which Should Be Prioritized: Number of Cores or Threads?

If two CPUs have the same number of physical and logical cores, which one performs better? The answer is that more physical cores are better.

For example, consider these CPUs:

• 4 cores / 8 threads
• 8 cores / 8 threads

Both CPUs can process 8 tasks at the same time, but the one with “8 cores / 8 threads” will process them faster.

In other words, more physical cores are better.

With multithreading, 1 core can process 2 different types of tasks at the same time.

A CPU core can handle various types of information processing, such as arithmetic, logic, floating-point operations, control units, and memory management.

When a core is doing a specific task, it can assign another task to an idle part, so two tasks can be processed at the same time.

However, if both tasks are the same type, they cannot be processed at the same time, so more physical cores mean higher performance.

How to Check the Number of CPU Cores and Threads

Here is how to check the number of CPU cores and threads.

How to Check the CPU Installed in Your Computer

To check the number of cores and threads of the CPU in your computer, use Task Manager.

Task Manager

There are two ways to open Task Manager:

• Right-click the taskbar(*) and click [Task Manager]
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time

*The bar at the bottom of the screen with the Windows logo, apps, clock, etc.

Once Task Manager is open, click the [Performance] tab and select [CPU] from the menu on the left.

In the lower right area, you can check the number of cores and logical processors (threads).

Check from CPU Product Specifications

If you want to check the CPU before buying a computer or building a custom PC, check the product specifications.

Let’s explain using Intel and AMD CPUs as examples.

You can see the items [Number of Physical Cores] and [Total Number of Threads].

Further down, there is [Intel Hyper-Threading Technology]. If this is [Yes], it means each core can process 2 threads.

However, recent Intel CPUs are divided into P-cores and E-cores, and only P-cores support multithreading, so the number of threads is not simply cores × 2.

For this CPU, there are 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, so 8 (P-cores) × 2 + 16 (E-cores) = 32 threads.

You can see the items [CPU Core Count] and [Thread Count].

Since Multithreading (SMT) is [Yes], each core can process 2 threads, so the number of threads is double the number of cores.

 
 
A tool is available that lets you “estimate,” “check compatibility,” and “calculate power consumption” just by selecting PC parts.

This tool summarizes not only the number of CPU cores and threads, but also scores and prices for easy comparison, so it should be helpful when choosing a CPU. Please try using it.

≫ Related tool: Custom PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Summary: Cores Are the Number of Calculation Units, Threads Are the Number of Tasks That Can Be Processed at the Same Time

This article explained cores and threads, which often come up when choosing a CPU for a computer or custom PC.

CPU performance also depends on clock speed, so it cannot be compared by core count alone.

Therefore, benchmark scores are used to compare CPU performance, but when choosing parts for a custom PC, it is important to understand not only the numbers but also the concepts and mechanisms of cores and threads.

This article also explains the basics of how to read CPU manufacturers and model numbers, performance benchmarks, and how to choose a CPU from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.