CPU - Central Processing Unit

The CPU is the brains of the whole operation. Sometimes referred to as the processor or microprocessor, it is where all the computer's calculations take place. The first microprocessor was the Intel 4004, which was created in 1971. What was significant about the 4004 was that it was all on one chip. Before that computers were a collection of chips.

There are 2 main parts to a processor. The ALU, or Arithmetic Logic Unit, and the Control Unit. The ALU is where all arithmetic and logic operations take place. The control unit extracts instructions from the system memory, decodes, and then executes them, calling on the ALU as necessary.

 

How Does A CPU Work

A processor will do 3 basic things:

1. Arithmetic - Add, subtract, multiply and divide using floating point numbers. A floating point number can be thought of like scientific notation, allowing multiple decimal places.
2. The processor can move data from one memory location to another. This is done by the Central Unit.
3. Finally, the processor can make the decision to jump to a different set of instructions based on input or calculations.

More Information on How A Processor Works

What's In A Name?

Processor naming can be quite confusing. What is an AMD 6000+? What is the difference between the Intel Core 2 Duo and the Dual Core?

Processor speeds are important indicators of how fast a processor is, but only when compared with processors in the same series. L2 cache and front side bus also come into play here. In this section we'll take a look at processor architecture and how that goes into the naming and speed of the processor. I will help you make sense of how CPU's are named so that you can make an informed decision when buying.

Learn More About Processor Naming Conventions

The Big Two

There are 2 main players in the desktop computer processor market. Intel, and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). They have been battling back and forth for years trying to gain an edge and more market share, and probably will for years to come. AMD usually ends up having the cheaper processors, but Intel will usually have the faster. This is not true 100% of the time, but overall this is how it has worked out. These articles will take a brief look at the history of each company.

Intel Processor History

AMD Processor History

Processor Reviews

Whether you are looking for a high end gaming system, or a home business computer, take a look a these reviews.

CPU Reviews

CPU Charts

When it comes to processor charts, you just can't compete with Tomshardware. You can find the most comprehensive processor charts on the web here. These CPU charts allow you to select specific processors and compare them head to head using a variety of benchmarks. Tom's charts cover pretty much every processor that you would want information on. From the old Pentium D's, all the way up through the new Extreme Edition Core 2 Quads, from AMD Semperons through the latest Phenoms, he covers them all.

 

Return From CPU To Build Your Own Computer Homepage