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What is a CPU and what does it do

The CPU (processor) is the main chip that runs all programs on your computer. Clock speed (GHz) and core count matter, but the generation and design matter just as much. A newer processor at lower speed outperforms an older one at higher speed.

The CPU executes all instructions for every program running on your computer. Key specs: clock speed (GHz) — how fast it runs, core count — how many tasks it can run in parallel, and generation — newer is better. Major CPU families: Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, and Apple Silicon.

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