Journal #2 week 2 SYS - AinsleyPlayer/Journal GitHub Wiki

Processor- a chip for the motherboard that determines the power of the computer. A processor can also be called a central processing unit ( CPU or microprocessor). The processor follows instructions, solves calculations, and registers input/output operations.

Processor Basics- Processors come in different speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz), which measures in wave frequency. One gigahertz is 1 billion cycles per second. The number of bits processed at one time is the CPU's word size/register size. CPUs today use register sizes of 64 or 128 bits.

Cache- Registers = a large type of high-speed memory storage inside the CPU. They are used to briefly hold calculations, data, or instructions. The data or instruction is usually found in the: cache memory, the motherboard memory/main memory, or the hard drive. Cache memory is a very fast type of memory designed to up the speed of the CPU operations. CPU efficiency is increased when data is constantly flowing into the CPU. Cache provides the fastest access. If the information is not in cache, the processor looks for the data in motherboard RAM. If the info is not there, it's retrieved from the hard drive and put into the motherboard memory or cache. Hard drive access is the slowest of the three options. Sys performance also depends on the speed of the cache controller (the chip that manages the cache memory), the system design, the amount of available hard drive space, and the speed of the CPU. When determining memory needs, you must consider the OS used, applications used, and hardware installed.

Clocking- The motherboard generates a clock signal that's use is to control the transfer of binary to and from the CPU. A clock signal can be illustrated by a sine wave. In older computers, data was sent to the processor only once per clock cycle. When newer memory technologies evolved, they allowed data to be sent twice during every clock cycle. Today, data is sent four times during a single clock cycle.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)- Computer performance also relies on video. Computer users who want better video performance buy a separate video adapter that contains a GPU. Today’s CPUs contain multiple core processors, whereas GPUs contain hundreds of smaller core processors. GPUs can also be used for other purposes that are not directly related to graphics that increase system performance. These GPUs are sometimes referred to as a general-purpose GPU. Integrated GPUs can either share part of the motherboard RAM with the rest of the system or have a different block of memory dedicated for video. Integrated GPUs can have their own cache memory or share memory with the CPU. IGPs can be part of the chipset or included as part of the processors housing (on-die). AMD provides information about the number of “compute cores.” For example, an AMD system that has four CPUs, and two GPUs would have six compute cores.

Processor Cooling- Keeping the processor cool is VITAL for the system. Both Intel and AMD have technologies that reduce processor energy consumption (and heat) by turning off unused parts of the processor or slowing down the processor when it starts to overheat. But these measures alone are not enough. The largest chip on the motherboard with a fan or heat sink attached is recognized as the processor. Additional motherboard components can also have heat sinks attached. These are normally the chipset and/or the I/O (input/output) controller chips. Over time, thermal paste can end up acting like glue and essentially cementing it to the heat sink, but it can be removed. Do not apply power to the computer until the CPU and the heat sink, fan, and/or cooling unit are installed. Running the CPU without installing appropriate cooling mechanisms will overheat the CPU and destroy or weaken it.

Chipsets- The principal chips on the motherboard which work in conjunction with the CPU are called a chipset. Chipsets can control the limit of the motherboard's memory and the type of RAM chips, the motherboard’s ability to use two or more processors, and whether the motherboard supports the latest PCIe. Mainly, chipsets go with a particular CPU and determines which memory chip or chips a motherboard can use. Chipsets determine a lot about what a motherboard can use or make work. The chipset manages traffic to and from the motherboard pieces and the CPU.