IIT-6 Processors
IIT-6 Processors
Information Technology
Mohamed Afran Akthab
(BSc HONS in Computing, SCJP)
Email: afran121@gmail.com
Chapter – 6 Computer
Processors
Characteristics & Types of Processors
Processor
Installed on motherboard
Determines system computing power
cache memory is a high speed memory which helps to increase the data
execution speed.
What is System Bus Speed?
The more data a bus can handle at one time, the faster it allows
information to travel.
o Multiprocessing ability
o Memory cache
o Motherboard socket and chipset
o Amount and type of DDR, DDR2, DDR3 memory
o Voltage and power consumption
o System bus speeds the processor supports (relates to
motherboard)
How a Processor Works
Control unit
Since the Pentium processor was first released in 1993, the standard has been for a processor
to have two arithmetic logic units so that it can process two instructions at once
How a Processor Works (cont.)
Registers
Small holding/storing areas on processor chip
Holds data and instructions ALU is currently processing
Processor internal memory caches
Holds data and instructions to be processed by ALU
Busses
Front-side bus (FSB)
Internal
Back-side bus (BSB)
How a Processor Works (cont.)
Processor frequency
Speed at which processor operates
Multiplier
o The speed ratio between the CPU and FSB (Front Side Bus)
o System bus frequency × multiplier = processor frequency
Motherboard firmware
Automatically detects processor speed, adjusts system bus speed
accordingly
How a Processor Works (cont.)
Overclocking
Running motherboard or processor at higher speed than
manufacturer suggests
Override default frequencies
o Change setting in BIOS setup
Disadvantages
o Overheating
o Voids most warranties
o Not recommended in business environment
How a Processor Works (cont.)
Throttling
o Offers some protection against overheating
Throttle down, shut down system prevents permanent processor damage
o Reduces power consumption when demands low
Memory controller
o Included in processor package
o Significant increase in system performance
What is cache?
Processor identification
o Product number
o Example: i7 Processors
o i7-5960X
o sSpec number printed on processor
o Intel Processor Spec Finder site identifies exact processor
Centrino technology improves laptop performance
o Processor, chipset, wireless network adapter interconnected as
a unit
Visit: http://ark.intel.com/
AMD Processors – Current AMD Processors
Cooling Methods and Devices