PROCESSOR / CPU/

MICROPROCESSOR

PROCESSOR / CPU/
MICROPROCESSOR
handles allinstructionsit receives
fromhardwareandsoftware running
on the computer
Tip:The CPU is often referred to as
thebrainof the computer. However,
it is more appropriate to refer to
softwareas the brain and the CPU as
a very efficientcalculator.

 The processor is placed and secured

into a compatible CPU socket found
on themotherboard. Processors
produce heat so are covered with a
heat sinkto 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 Intel4004

that was released November 15,1971
had 2,300transistorsand 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
cachememoryis also of importance, as this integrated
memoryspace 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
supporthardwarefor their processor. Different
processors require different power supplies, proper
heat sink/ fan combos, and adequatememoryin 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.c
om/2011/04/different-types-of-comput
er-processors.html