Glossary term
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
A general-purpose processor optimized for sequential tasks; contrasts with the GPU's parallel architecture for AI workloads.
A CPU is a general-purpose processor optimized for sequential, branch-heavy tasks with a handful of powerful cores. It contrasts with the GPU, whose thousands of simpler cores suit the parallel matrix math of AI workloads. CPUs still run the orchestration, data pipeline, and serving logic around AI models, so they remain essential even in GPU-dominated systems. See Custom Silicon 101.