Central processing unit
"CPU" redirects here. For other uses, see CPU (disambiguation). "Computer processor" redirects here. For other uses, see Processor. @media all and (max-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .tmulti>.thumbinner{width:100%!important;max-width:none!important}.mw-parser-output .tmulti .tsingle{float:none!important;max-width:none!important;width:100%!important;text-align:center}} An Intel 80486DX2 CPU, as seen from above Bottom side of an Intel 80486DX2, showing its pins A central processing unit ( CPU ), also called a central processor or main processor , is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. The computer industry has used the term "central processing unit" at least since the early 1960s. [1] Traditionally, the term "CPU" refers to a processor, more spec