PROCESSOR / CPU/ MICROPROCESSOR

PROCESSOR / CPU/ MICROPROCESSOR

• handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer

• Tip: The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer. However, it is more appropriate to refer to software as the brain and the CPU as a very efficient calculator.

• The processor is placed and secured into a compatible CPU socket found on the motherboard. Processors produce heat so are covered with a heat sink to keep them cool and running smoothly.

• CPU chip is usually in the shape of a square or rectangle and has one notched corner to help place the chip properly into the CPU socket

• On the bottom of the chip are hundreds of connector pins that plug into each of the corresponding holes in the socket

Components of CPU

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) that performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations

• CU (Control Unit) that directs all of the processors operations.

• the first microprocessor was the Intel 4004 that was released November 15, 1971

had 2,300 transistors and performed 60,000 operations per second

The Intel Pentium processor pictured above has 3,300,000 transistors and performs around 188,000,000 instructions per second.

Types of Processor

1. Intel Processor

2. AMD Processor Located at Sunnyvale, California, United States, United

States Formally incorporated on May 1, 1969 by Jerry Sanders

and his seven (7) of his colleagues from Fairchild Semiconductor (American Semiconductor company)

Intel Processor

AMD Processor

• Brands• Since the inception of mainstream computing into the homes

of society, but there has been consumer and commercial level computer processor manufacturers. The Intel Corporation is undoubtedly the first name when any consumer thinks of the word processor is mentioned. Intel has been producing the most top-line computer processors for several decades now. AMD or Advanced Micro Devices is Intel's only true competitor in the computer processor market producing computer processors, which rival the speed and power of Intel's.

• Architecture• When considering the architecture of a computer processor,

there are really only a few key factors to consider. Whether the processor has a 32-bit or 64-bit core determines whether or not the processor can run your software correctly. The amount of on die processor cache memory is also of importance, as this integrated memory space is where processor instructions are held before execution. Finally, is the system a single, dual or quad core processor? While multicore processors do have their advantages there is still a lack of software able to utilize multicore processors.

• Clock Speed• The clock speed of a computer processor determines

the rate at which a processor executes instructions on data. Today this rate of execution is expressed in billions of instructions per second. Though having a computer processor with a high clock speed is advantageous, it alone is not the only factor that dictates overall system performance. Higher clock speeds increase all system tasks, such as web browsing, movie encoding, and system utilities like anti-virus software.

• Maintenance• Computer processors must be maintained according to their

manufacturer's specifications in order to perform at their full potential. All too often consumers will pick an expensive cutting edge processor while neglecting support hardware for their processor. Different processors require different power supplies, proper heat sink/ fan combos, and adequate memory in order to function correctly. Above all, different processors require different cooling solutions. Each processor has its own TDP (Thermal Design Power) which is an indication of heat output which must be dissipated.

• Current Models• The most recent offerings from Intel and AMD are the

Core i7 quad core and Phenom II quad core processors respectively. The Core i7 supersedes the Core 2 series of dual and quad core Intel processors and the Phenom II supersedes the Phenom I dual and quad core model AMD processors. Outside of extreme gaming or high-end 3D graphics applications, even the Phenom II and Core 2 older model processors are more than adequate for the home user and come at a much lower price point in most cases.

Reference/s

http://computer-help-tips.blogspot.com/2011/04/different-types-of-computer-processors.html