A CPU, or central processing unit, is like the brain of any computer or mobile device. CPUs receive data from every other part of the device, and then decide how and when to launch apps, display ...

Despite continuous improvements and incremental upgrades with each new generation, processors haven't seen any industry-shifting advancements in a long time. The transition from vacuum tubes to ...

Everyone has heard that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Well, the central processing unit (CPU) is the powerhouse of the computer. It's the brain, and without a CPU in your computer, ...

In 1998, Ask Ars was an early feature of the newly launched Ars Technica. Now, as then, it’s all about your questions and our community’s answers. Each week, we’ll dig into our question bag, provide ...

Curious about the brain of your computer? The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is crucial as it defines your computer’s capabilities and how efficiently it can run software applications. Here’s how you ...

Editor’s note: In this first of three features, processor expert Russell Fish provides his take on the future of computers, and multicore processing in particular. Contentious and opinionated, Fish ...