CPU is an acronym that stands for central processing unit. The central processing unit is responsible for performing all of the mathematical calculations that are required for a computer to function properly. Because a computer cannot function without the CPU (which may also be referred to as the central processor or just the processor), it is not uncommon to hear people refer to the CPU as the "brains" of a computer.How does the CPU work?
To properly perform its job, the CPU must complete a cycle of four steps. The first step in this cycle is to fetch a instruction from a software program's memory. Once the CPU fetches the instruction, its second step is to decode the instruction. By decoding the instruction, the CPU is able to organize the information from the instruction in a manner that allows the CPU to complete the next step, which is executing.
During the execution step, the CPU completes the instruction. It accomplishes this by following the information gained during the decoding step. Once the CPU has finished executing the instruction, the final step in this cycle is to write-back the results that occurred during the execution step. The CPU can write-back the results to its own internal register, or to the main memory of the computer.
What companies make CPUs?
While there are numerous companies that make CPUs for different purposes, the two best known makers of CPUs for consumer computers are AMD and Intel. AMD's current line of processors includes Athlon, Phenom, Sempron and Turion processors, while Intel's current line of processors includes the Celeron, Pentium, Core 2, Centrino and Centrino 2
processors.
On large machines, CPUs require one or more printed circuit board. On personal computer and small workstation , the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor Since the 1970's the microprocessor class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations.
The CPU itself is an internal component of the computer. Modern CPUs are small and square and contain multiple metallic connectors or pins on the underside. The CPU is inserted directly into a CPU socket, pin side down, on the motherboard. Each motherboard will support only a specific type or range of CPU so you must check the motherboard manufacturer's specifications before attempting to replace or upgrade a CPU. Modern CPUs also have an attached heatsink and small fan that go directly on top of the CPU to help dissipate heat.
The CPU is Also Known As
processor, microprocessor, central processor, "the brains of the computer"
Important CPU Facts
Not all CPUs have pins on their bottom sides, but in the ones that do, the pins are easily bent. Take great care when handling, especially when installing onto themotherboard
Each motherboard supports only a certain range of CPU types so always check with your motherboard
If you’re in the market for a newcomputer, it’s necessary to understand the function of a CPU. Also known as the Central Processing Unit or processor, the CPU is essentially the “brains” of your computer. Without the CPU, you wouldn’t be able to play games, type research papers, or surf the Internet. Your computer would basically be a very expensive paperweight.
Sometimes people mistakenly believe the case or chassis of a computer is the CPU. However, a CPU is an internal component of the computer. You can’t see it from the outside of the system; you’d have to peek inside and remove both the CPU heatsink and fan to get a good look.
The first CPUs were used in the early 1960s. They were custom designed as part of a larger computer, making them prohibitively expensive. Once engineers figured out how to mass produce the CPU, personal computers became more affordable for the average American. With the introduction of the integrated circuit in the late 1970s, it became possible for smaller CPUs to be manufactured as well. This helped transform computers from large, bulky devices that took up entire rooms to more manageable desktop and laptop models.
Today, Intel is the best-known manufacturer of computer CPUs. No matter what type of computer you have, however, your CPU works by executing a series of stored instructions known as a program. Most CPUs conform to the von Neumann architecture, which says that the CPU must fetch, decode, execute, and writeback the data in a fairly rapid succession.
Since the CPU is one of the most important parts of a computer, it should come as no surprise that it is also the most expensive. In fact, if your computer is more than three years old and your CPU has been damaged by static electricity or some other factor, you may want to consider upgrading to an entirely new computer. A newer, faster CPU will often provide enough additional computing power to make the purchase a wise investment.
CPUs are sometimes called microprocessors, although these two terms are not quite interchangeable. The microprocessor , first introduced in the 1970s, reduces the word size of a CPU from 32 bits to 4 bits in an attempt to allow the transistors of the logic circuits to fit on a single part. Often, it takes more than one microprocessor to perform all of the functions of a CPU. Microprocessors are also commonly used in cell phones, automobiles, and children’s electronic toys.
How does the CPU work?
To properly perform its job, the CPU must complete a cycle of four steps. The first step in this cycle is to fetch a instruction from a software program's memory. Once the CPU fetches the instruction, its second step is to decode the instruction. By decoding the instruction, the CPU is able to organize the information from the instruction in a manner that allows the CPU to complete the next step, which is executing.
During the execution step, the CPU completes the instruction. It accomplishes this by following the information gained during the decoding step. Once the CPU has finished executing the instruction, the final step in this cycle is to write-back the results that occurred during the execution step. The CPU can write-back the results to its own internal register, or to the main memory of the computer.
What companies make CPUs?
While there are numerous companies that make CPUs for different purposes, the two best known makers of CPUs for consumer computers are AMD and Intel. AMD's current line of processors includes Athlon, Phenom, Sempron and Turion processors, while Intel's current line of processors includes the Celeron, Pentium, Core 2, Centrino and Centrino
On large machines, CPUs require one or more printed circuit board. On personal computer and small workstation , the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor Since the 1970's the microprocessor class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations.
The CPU itself is an internal component of the computer. Modern CPUs are small and square and contain multiple metallic connectors or pins on the underside. The CPU is inserted directly into a CPU socket, pin side down, on the motherboard. Each motherboard will support only a specific type or range of CPU so you must check the motherboard manufacturer's specifications before attempting to replace or upgrade a CPU. Modern CPUs also have an attached heatsink and small fan that go directly on top of the CPU to help dissipate heat.
The CPU is Also Known As
processor, microprocessor, central processor, "the brains of the computer"
Important CPU Facts
Not all CPUs have pins on their bottom sides, but in the ones that do, the pins are easily bent. Take great care when handling, especially when installing onto themotherboard
Each motherboard supports only a certain range of CPU types so always check with your motherboard
If you’re in the market for a newcomputer, it’s necessary to understand the function of a CPU. Also known as the Central Processing Unit or processor, the CPU is essentially the “brains” of your computer. Without the CPU, you wouldn’t be able to play games, type research papers, or surf the Internet. Your computer would basically be a very expensive paperweight.
Sometimes people mistakenly believe the case or chassis of a computer is the CPU. However, a CPU is an internal component of the computer. You can’t see it from the outside of the system; you’d have to peek inside and remove both the CPU heatsink and fan to get a good look.
The first CPUs were used in the early 1960s. They were custom designed as part of a larger computer, making them prohibitively expensive. Once engineers figured out how to mass produce the CPU, personal computers became more affordable for the average American. With the introduction of the integrated circuit in the late 1970s, it became possible for smaller CPUs to be manufactured as well. This helped transform computers from large, bulky devices that took up entire rooms to more manageable desktop and laptop models.
Today, Intel is the best-known manufacturer of computer CPUs. No matter what type of computer you have, however, your CPU works by executing a series of stored instructions known as a program. Most CPUs conform to the von Neumann architecture, which says that the CPU must fetch, decode, execute, and writeback the data in a fairly rapid succession.
Since the CPU is one of the most important parts of a computer, it should come as no surprise that it is also the most expensive. In fact, if your computer is more than three years old and your CPU has been damaged by static electricity or some other factor, you may want to consider upgrading to an entirely new computer. A newer, faster CPU will often provide enough additional computing power to make the purchase a wise investment.
CPUs are sometimes called microprocessors, although these two terms are not quite interchangeable. The microprocessor , first introduced in the 1970s, reduces the word size of a CPU from 32 bits to 4 bits in an attempt to allow the transistors of the logic circuits to fit on a single part. Often, it takes more than one microprocessor to perform all of the functions of a CPU. Microprocessors are also commonly used in cell phones, automobiles, and children’s electronic toys.
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