What is the difference between processor (CPU) and microprocessor?

microprocessors
user3035481 picture user3035481 · Dec 18, 2013 · Viewed 14.6k times · Source

what is the difference between "processor (CPU)" and "microprocessor" in the sense of computer architecture? These terms confuse me.

Answer

oakad picture oakad · Dec 18, 2013

The difference is purely historical. In the old days of lore, the CPU used to sit in a separate enclosure, like here:

Processor (CPU) unit of a Vax 11/750

A microprocessor is a particular implementation of processor which happens to fit in a single electronic component (chip) package:

PowerPC 601 microprocessor

Clearly, nowadays all processors are microprocessors, so the distinction is completely blurred.

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