Asingle-core processor is a microprocessor with a singleCPU on itsdie.[1] It performs thefetch-decode-execute cycle one at a time, as it only runs on onethread. A computer using a single core CPU is generally slower than a multi-core system.
Single core processors used to be widespread in desktop computers, but as applications demanded more processing power, the slower speed of single core systems became a detriment to performance. Windows supported single-core processors up until the release ofWindows 11, where a dual-core processor is required.[2]
Single core processors are still in use in some niche circumstances. Some older legacy systems like those running antiquated operating systems (e.g.Windows 98) cannot gain any benefit from multi-core processors. Single core processors are also used in hobbyist computers like theRaspberry Pi andSingle-board microcontrollers. The production of single-core desktop processors ended in 2013 with theCeleron G440, G460, G465 & G470.[3]
The first single core processor was theIntel 4004, which was commercially released on November 15, 1971 byIntel.[4] Since then many improvements have been made to single core processors, going from the 740 kHz of the Intel 4004 to the 2 GHz Celeron G470.[5]