Homework - Processor Terms

Define or answer the following from the Chapter 3 reading of your textbook:

Cache: The Cache memory is a fast type of memory. It’s used to speed up processing by storing calculations and data.

Clocking: The motherboard of the computer makes a signal called a clock signal. It controls the rate that 1’s and 0’s are transferred to and from the processor.

ALU: An ALU is an arithmetic logic unit. It’s a part of the computer that does all of the calculations and comparison logic.

Busses: Busses are electronic lines that are used to move 1’s and 0’s around. There are internal data busses and external data busses. Internal data busses are within the processor. External data busses let the processor communicate with devices outside of the processor.

Pipelines: Pipelines are separate internal data buses that work together. Having more pipelines is like having more people working to complete a task.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): The GPU is a processor used for video. Some CPUs contain a GPU within them. Sometimes you have to buy a separate adaptor for video that has a GPU. Having a GPU lessens the amount of workload on your CPU because your video is being processed outside of the CPU.

Processor Cooling: Processors usually have devices attached to them or different methods to cool them down. These devices/methods can include a heat sink which takes heat away from the CPU and uses the air flow in the computer to cool down, a fan attached to a CPU, thermal paste or pad which disperses the heat, liquid cooling, phase change cooling, a heat pipe, or passive cooling. The processor also doesn’t usually use its maximum speed often in order to stay cool or save power.

Chipsets: Chipsets are the other chips that are on the motherboard with the processor, that are within a square circuit that looks like a processor. They help with certain features on the computer such as memory, ram, more CPUs, etc.