Chapter 3 9/6/20 -

Processor Overview

CPU: Central processing unit, largely determines the power of the computer. Intel & AMD currently own the market on desktop & laptop processors. Different motherboards for different manufacturers.

Processor Basics

Speed measured in Gigahertz(Ghz , cycles per second). Electrical lines called buses move the 1’s and 0’s around, which is the language that the processor uses (binary). Current processors use 64 or 128 concurrent data bus lines. External data bus connects the cpu to external adaptors. ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit does all the calculations and comparison logic. The larger the bus, the more lanes, the better the performance. Pipelines operate simultaneously to perform processes faster and more efficiently.You can determine the speed by looking at the model number. Clock: the speed of a processor's internal clock (Ghz). Bus Speed: the speed at which a particular bus delivers data. CPU Speed: the speed at which the CPU operates, can be changed.

Cache

Registers: High speed memory storage in the processor, also used to temporarily store data or calculations. Cache memory, hard drives, and motherboard memory are the primary places where CPU instructions and data are stored. Cache Memory: very fast memory type designed to increase the speed of the CPU. Hard drive memory is the slowest, then RAM memory, then cache memory. L1, L2, and L3 Cache types are all caches located on the CPU (L1), on the CPU packaging (L2), or on the motherboard or CPU case (L3). Cache efficiency also depends on the cache controller. All parts of a system's memory (Cache memory, RAM, and Hard drives) must work in harmony to provide maximum efficiency.

Clocking

Clock signals in the shape of sine waves are used to transport 1’s and 0’s. Current memory systems are able to send data 4 times during one clock cycle. GPU Graphical Processing Unit (GPU): video processing units that can be external to the processor, or integrated into it. GPU’s contain hundreds of smaller cores and can also perform other functions not related to graphics. Computer systems can have multiple GPUs, ex. 4 AMD CPUs = 4 cores + 1 integrated GPU = 2 cores = 6 cores. Integrated GPUs can share RAM or use separate memory, and can also share cache memory or have their own. Processor Cooling Maintaining a cool temperature for the CPU is a top priority. Heat sink: A piece of metal attached to the top of the processor, where heat from the CPU is transferred to it then blown away by a fan. Fans: attached to the processor case or the computer case to reduce heat. Thermal Paste: paste used to secure the heat sink which also helps to disperse heat uniformly. Liquid Cooling: Liquid is circulated through the system to the heat sink, which transfers heat to the liquid, which then is circulated to the back and released out of the case.Other components of the computer can also have heat sinks or fans.

Chipsets

Chipset: The principal chip on the motherboard that works with the processor. Chipsets also allow certain features of the computer such as the maximum amount of motherboard, the type of RAM memory, and other specifications of the computer. Proper Handling of the CPU When installing or handling the processor, ensure that the computer is unplugged and off. Ground yourself using an antistatic glove or wrist strap. Keep in mind never to touch the bottom metal portion of the processor and hold it by its edges.