What is a processor in a computer: the main technical characteristics, operating temperature, producers and independent acceleration

What is the CPU, and for what it is

The word processor is derived from the English verb to process, which translated into Russian will sound, how to handle. In the general sense, this term is meant a device or collection of programs that are used to make the calculation operations or processing data set or process.

In the personal computer processor acts as the "brain", as the main chip, which is required for smooth and proper operation of your PC. Under CPU control are all internal and peripheral devices.

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Externally, the processor is a small square board, the upper part of which is closed a metal lid that serves to protect the chip and the lower surface is dotted with many contacts. It is this side of the processor installed in a special connector or socket, located on the motherboard. The CPU, or central processing unit, is the most important part of the modern computer. Without a team that gives the CPU, there is no implementation of any, even the most simple tasks, such as adding two numbers or write one byte of information.

How does the processor

The principle of operation of the processor - a sequential processing of different operations. They occur very quickly, the main ones:

1. When any process, consisting in the implementation of the program code, the control unit CPU retrieves all necessary data and a set of operands required for execution. Further, it is shipped to the buffer or cache.
2. At the exit from the cache all the information stream is divided into two categories - the instructions and values. They are redirected to the appropriate memory locations, called registers. The first placed into the instruction register, the second category - in the data registers.
3. In memory registers information processing arithmetic logic unit. This is one of parts of the CPU, which is required for carrying out arithmetic and logical operations.
4. The results of calculations are separated into two streams - finished and unfinished, which, in turn, are sent back to the cache.
5. the final result is written to the memory upon completion of the calculation cycle. This is required to release the buffer space, which is necessary for new calculation operations. When the cache is full, all inactive processes in the RAM or moved to a lower level.

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What is the processor

To understand how the CPU, you need to understand what parts it consists of. The main components of the processor are:

1. top coverWhich is a metal plate that performs the function of protecting the internal contents and teplootvedeniya.
2. Crystal. This is the most important part of the CPU. The crystal is made of silicon and comprises on a large number of tiny chips.
3. The substrate of the PCBWhich serves as a bonding pad. It fastened CPU All parts and contacts are arranged through which there is an interaction with the rest of the system.

When fastening the upper cover is applied sealant capable of withstanding exposure to high temperatures and to eliminate clearance inside of the assembled processor used thermopaste. After solidification, it forms a kind of "bridge", which is required to ensure the outflow of heat from the crystal.

What is the processor core

If the CPU itself can be called the "brain" of the computer, the kernel is considered to be the main part of the CPU. Core - chipset is located at the site of silicon which does not exceed the size of one square centimeter. The collection of microscopic logic elements are implemented by a schematic diagram of operation is called architecture.

Few technical details: In modern processors mount the core to the chip platform is carried out using the "flip-chip" systems such joints provide a maximum density of connections.

Each nucleus is composed of a certain number of functional blocks:

• block operation with interruptionsWhich is necessary for rapid switching between tasks;
• block generation of documentResponsible for retrieving and direction commands for subsequent processing;
• decoding unitWhich is needed to process incoming commands and the actions needed for this;
• control unitWhich is engaged in the transfer of the processed instructions to other functional parts of the load and coordination;
• The latter is execution units and save.

What is the CPU socket

The term socket is translated from English as "jack" or "connector". For a personal computer while the term relates directly to the motherboard and processor. Socket - this is the place the CPU bracket. They differ in characteristics such as size, number and type of contacts, features cooling installation.

Two of the largest manufacturer of processors - Intel and AMD - are a long-standing marketing war, each offering its own socket, suitable only under its CPU production. Digital labeling a particular socket, for example, LGA 775 indicates the number of contacts or the contact legs. Also in terms of technology sockets may differ from each other:

• the presence of additional controllers;
• Bolster possibility GPU core technology;
• performance.

The socket can also have an impact on the following settings of your computer:

• backed RAM type;
• FSB bus operating frequency;
• indirectly, in the version of PCI-e and SATA connector.

Creation of a special slot for attaching the CPU is required, the user can perform the system software upgrade and change the CPU in the event of its failure.

The graphics core in the processor: what it is

One of the CPU components except directly main core may be a graphics processor. What is it, and which requires the use of this component? Now it should be noted that the incorporation of the GPU is optional and may not be present in each processor. This unit is required for the execution of the main CPU functions as solving computational problems, as well as support for graphics.

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The reasons for which producers use technology combining two functions in a single core, are as follows:

• reduction of energy consumption because smaller devices require less power and cooling costs;
• compactness;
• cost reduction.

The use of integrated or onboard graphics is most commonly seen in laptops or low-cost PC designed for office work, where there are high requirements on the chart.

Basic concepts in computer processor

What is the flow in the processor

Thread of execution in the CPU - this is the smallest unit of processing, which is assigned the nucleus required for the separation of code and scope of the executable process. Simultaneously there may be several processes which simultaneously use CPU resources. There is the original development of the company Intel, which has been applied in the models, starting with the Intel Core i3 processor, which is called HyperThreading. This technology physical division into two logical nucleus. Thus, the operating system creates additional processing power and increases threading. It turns out that only a measure of the number of nuclei is not decisive, since in some cases, computers that have 4 cores, at a disadvantage in speed to those who have only 2.

What is the process technology in the processor

Under the process technology in computer science refers to the size of the transistors used in the computer core. CPU manufacturing process occurs by a photolithography method, where the coated dielectric film crystal under the action of light are etched transistors. Usage optical equipment has an indicator such as the resolving power. This will be a process. The higher it is, the more transistors can fit on a single chip.

Reduction in size of the crystal contributes to:

• reduction in power consumption and heat generation;
• performance because, while maintaining the physical size of the crystal manages to put on it a greater number of work items.

The unit technical process is nanometer (10-9). Most modern processors manufactured by 22nm process technology.

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What is virtualization processor

The basis of the method is to divide the guest CPU and the monitor portion. If you want to switch from the main to the guest OS, then the processor automatically performs this operation, keeping visible only the register values ​​required for stable operation. Because the guest operating system communicates directly with the processor, the virtual machine will work much faster.

Turning virtualization possible BIOS settings. Most of the motherboards and AMD processors do not support the creation of technology hardware methods of the virtual machine. Here come to the aid of the user software.

What is the processor registers

processor register - is a special set of digital electrical circuits which are superfast memory required by the CPU to store intermediate results of operations. Each processor comprises a great many registers, most of which are available to the programmer and is reserved for the execution of the basic kernel functions. There are registers of general and special purpose. The first group is available for treatment, and the second is used by the processor. Since the rate of interaction with the CPU registers higher than conversion to RAM, they are actively used by programmers to write software.

Main technical characteristics of the processor

What is clocked

Many users have heard of such a thing as clock speed, but not to the end imagine what it is. In simple terms, it is the number of operations that can be executed by the CPU in 1 second. There is a rule - the higher the measure, the more powerful computer.

The unit clock is Hertz, which is a mapping of the physical meaning of number of oscillations for a set period of time. Education clock oscillation is due to the action of a quartz crystal, which is located in the clock resonator. After the voltage is the emergence of the electric current variation. They are transmitted to the generator, which converts them into pulses that are sent on the data bus. Processor speed is not the only characteristic of the evaluation PC speed. Also required to take into account the number of cores and the amount of buffer memory.

What is the bit processor

Each user of the operating system from Windows when you install new programs faced with a choice of HID versions of the system. What is the bit CPU? In simple terms, a measure, otherwise called machine word indicating how many bits the CPU processes the information in a single cycle. In modern processors, this figure could be a multiple of 32 or 64.

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What is CPU throttling

Throttling, choking or - is a protective mechanism that is used to prevent overheating of the CPU or the occurrence of hardware failures during operation. The function is activated by default and is activated when the temperature rises to a critical level, which is set for each specific model CPU manufacturer. Protection is carried out by reducing the core performance. When the temperature returned to normal parameters automatically disabled. There is an opportunity to force change settings through the BIOS throttling. It is actively used by the CPU overclockers or overclockers, but for ordinary users, such changes are fraught with breakage PC.

Temperature of CPU and GPU

large amount of heat when operating the CPU core and other elements for this reason in modern computers uses powerful cooling system as the CPU and main units motherboard. Demanding programs that are actively using the CPU and video output (typically of the game), the processor load, which leads to a rapid rise in temperature. In this case the throttling is activated. Many video card manufacturers claim that their products are able to function normally even at 100 ° C. In reality, the limiting temperature is that indicated in the technical documentation.

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Independently control the temperature regime may be through a dedicated software for monitoring (AIDA64, GPU Temp, Speccy). If you work or play there is a slowdown, then it is likely the temperature has risen to a critical level, and automatically triggered protection.

What is a turbo boost in the processor

Turbo Boost - a patented technology from Intel, which is used in the processor Intel Core i5 and i7 processors of the first three generations. It is used for hardware acceleration of the CPU for a certain time. Using the procedure of acceleration technologies is carried out taking into account all relevant parameters - current, temperature, voltage, operating system, so it is completely safe for your computer. in CPU speed increase is temporary and will depend on the type of load, number of nuclei and the platform configuration. In addition, it should be noted that the technology is only supported by Windows 7 and 8.

types of processors

Total decided to allocate 5 basic types of processors in the computer:

1. Buffer. This coprocessor which is required for pre-processing information between peripherals and the CPU.
2. Preprocessor. At its core, this is similar to the previous processor, the purpose of which is the intermediate processing.
3. CISC. CPUs manufactured by Intel, which is different from the usual extended instruction set.
4. RISC. An alternative version of the CISC, having the abbreviated number of teams. Most major manufacturers of processors running on a combination of two varieties (CISC and RISC), which will increase the capacity and speed of the nucleus.
5. clones. It processors, which are manufactured under license from middle-sized producers or completely pirated.

The most popular models and manufacturers

microprocessor market share two major manufacturers - Intel and AMD, as who have been fighting throughout the entire time of its existence. Each company offers ready-made solutions. Selection of a particular model is a subjective decision of the end user, as each The manufacturer offers a wide range of models available as a low cost options and top Game CPU.

The most popular in the line of processors from Intel acquired the Intel Core i3 models, i5, and i7. Depending on version, they can be used in PC gaming, and in office machines. AMD has some of the best considered Ryzen series processors, demonstrating good performance indicators. Athlon series still occurs, but it belongs to the archive. For undemanding user suitable processors AMD A series.

What is scalping processor

Scalping processor - a procedure for removing the cover to replace the thermal paste. Conducting this procedure is one of the components of acceleration or may be needed to reduce the burden on the hardware of the CPU.

The procedure itself is:

• the cover is removed;
• removal of the old thermal paste;
• cleaning the crystal;
• applying a new layer of thermal grease;
• closing the lid.

During the procedure should take into account the fact that one wrong move can lead to processor failure. Therefore it is better to entrust this event to professionals. If the decision to carry out scalping at home finally accepted, it may be advisable acquire a special device in the form of a clamp for the CPU, which will facilitate removal of the cover without damage crystal.

How to overclock the processor

Carrying overclocking, overclocking the CPU or may be appropriate in the presence of obsolete equipment and lack of funds to purchase a new stone. carrying out the procedure usually yields productivity gains of 10 to 20%. There are two method how to carry out acceleration, - by increasing the frequency of the bus or FSB increase factor of the processor. Modern computers, as a general rule, come with a locked multiplier, so will be the most affordable way to change the system bus frequency.

Top tips for overclocking:

1. Touch core power is not recommended with no experience.
2. Increased frequency index should be gradually increasing at a time of not more than 100 MHz.
3. Track temperature because when the frequency increases heat dissipation.
4. At the decision step to increase the power core is 0.05V, and the maximum limit should not exceed 0.3V, otherwise the probability of failure of CPU output.
5. After each increase required to test stability. At the first crash acceleration should be discontinued.

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Simplify the overclocking process can be through the use of special programs that independently control the main parameters affected by overclocking.

Processor - the heart of your PC. It is here that there is a management of all machine processes. On how effectively will operate the unit, it depends on the quality of the entire computer. And, therefore, your confidence and peace of mind are totally dependent on the choice of high-quality hardware and filling computer.

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