CPU - Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains of your system; understand processor benchmarks. Learn the importance of speed for your system and how to conduct a CPU speed test. Understand the CPU architecture as it relates to the two parts of processor. What is definition of motherboard; and how does it relate to CPU?

The central processing unit provides a key operating function for the whole system. Sometimes simply 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.

CPU architecture: there are two 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 Processor 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; processor benchmarks are an important part of understanding performance. 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 (and why and when a CPU speed test is necessary). It's important for you to understand how processors are named so that you can make an informed decision when buying.

Learn More About Processor Naming Conventions

The Big Two

There are two 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 continue on 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 Recommendations

Whether you are looking for a high end gaming system, or a home business computer, take a look a these recommendations. Check out the tab up top for even more central processing unit reviews.

CPU Recommendations

Processor Charts

You can find the most comprehensive processor comparison charts on the web; for example, Tom's Hardware provides good reviews - but when possible try to use several sources of information and comparison before you make your buying decision. These CPU comparison charts allow you to select specific processors and compare them head to head using a variety of benchmarks.

Most comparison 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, you can find what you need online.

 

The processing unit is the brains of your computer system, the motherboard is the heart of it. Understand the definition of motherboard and how it relates to the central processing unit and the system operation.

Return From CPU To Build Your Own Computer Homepage

 

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750

Looking to pick up a new processor or upgrade an older one? The Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 is a great mid-range processor which should keep you happy for quite some time. Now, this processor isn't new, it was released in mid-late 2007. However, it has since come down in price which has greatly increased its price to performance ratio. Let's take a look in more detail at this little gem.

Read the Review

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+

Looking to pick up a new processor or upgrade an older one? The Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 is a great mid-range processor which should keep you happy for quite some time. Now, this processor isn't new, it was released in mid-late 2007. However, it has since come down in price which has greatly increased its price to performance ratio. Let's take a look in more detail at this little gem.

Read the Review