Simple definition needed for quad core and threads

[yakkowarner epi]

I am going to write a review for my new iMac and I don't understand how quad core and threads are used in applications. Can someone give me a laymans description on how programs use this technology? Is it like dual cpu's or .....
thx.

 

[JonyHolt]

It counts for the amount of processes at any given time. Quad Core means you have 4 "Cores" inside of your processor that can work individually or all together. Threads are actions taken by the computer in the very basic of terms. A task or a job.

 

[tsugaru]

I am going to write a review for my new iMac and I don't understand how quad core and threads are used in applications. Can someone give me a laymans description on how programs use this technology? Is it like dual cpu's or .....
thx.

Think of a CPU as a toll booth, and cores as lanes passing through.
More cores should allow for more traffic throughput.

 

[iSayuSay]

Think of a CPU as a toll booth, and cores as lanes passing through.
More cores should allow for more traffic throughput.

And how about threads? i7 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while i5 only 4 cores, what's the best analogy for it?

Can I say i7 is like toll gate with 4 booths and each booth contain 2 officers, makes total 8 officers can serve 8 vehicles at a time?

And i5 is like 4 toll booths with 1 officer / booth?