P-core (Performance core)
The large, powerful core type in a heterogeneous chip — optimized for maximum single-thread performance. A wide, deep out-of-order design with a high clock and large cache, for latency-sensitive and heavy tasks where speed per thread is what counts.
Properties: a P-core (Intel's term; ARM "big", Apple "Performance") has a large issue width, a deep reorder buffer, many execution units, aggressive branch prediction, and a high boost frequency — everything that gives high IPC and fast response on a single thread. Price: it draws much more power and takes much more silicon area than an E-core. It runs when it matters: opening an app quickly, a game's main thread, a latency-sensitive computation. In a heterogeneous chip a few P-cores are complemented by several E-cores → the P-cores give peak speed, the E-cores give efficient throughput and low idle consumption. Apple's P-cores (Firestorm/Avalanche) and Intel's (Golden/Raptor Cove) are extremely wide. The counterpart to the E-core. Related to E-core and issue width.