iMac Intel 3.5 Ghz i7 with 4 cores CPU activity

[RMyer2]

I am trying to understand what Intel Processor my iMac has and how it works.

Model Name: iMac

Model Identifier: iMac14,2

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 3.5 GHz

Number of Processors: 1

Total Number of Cores: 4

L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 8 MB

The CPU activity report shows 8 partitions but the number of cores is only 4.

See the attached CPU activity windows.

Can someone help me understand how this CPU works and what these reports are displaying.

Thank you,

[Jose_H_Intel1]

Hi Bob, Intel® Core processors can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The usage of the processor cores depends on the application(s) running, the power settings and how they are managed by the operating system.

The graphics show four cores being used; one of them is used more than the rest. It is perfectly normal for an Intel® processor if a single core shows more utilization than the rest of them.

For information about the exact Intel® processor model included with your system we suggest you contacting Apple*.