Processing units in CPUs handle multiple threads simultaneously.
Processing units in CPUs handle multiple threads simultaneously.
Yes, having more threads than cores can improve performance, especially for tasks that benefit from parallel processing like multimedia or certain scientific computations.
With equal core performance and a multithreaded task, having more cores outperforms more threads (e.g., 8700k vs 9700k). When cores and thread count are identical, the multithreaded workload favors the CPU with higher thread support.
Focus on single-core speed and cost first. Gaming, especially VR, doesn't take advantage of many cores, so prioritize the best performance per core for your budget. A 6-core processor is likely unnecessary, and most affordable 6-core chips offer 12 threads. If you're considering a workstation, compare based on actual CPU specs rather than just core count or thread numbers.