The best answer is, it depends on the computer architecture. In a personal computer, CPU and microprocessor are one and the same. In a larger computer such as an AS400, the CPU is a separate unit with lots of microprocessors and other chips. The larger the computer system, the more spread out the CPU functions are among components.Another AnswerThe CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the core of any computer, while the microprocessor refers to the whole functional chip that is inserted into a motherboard. The CPU is the sub architecture of the microprocessor that interprets the program instructions and cascade triggers the sub-functions of each instruction.