What is CPU?

It is the primary component of a computer that acts as “control center”. It is a

complex set of electronic circuitry that runs the machine’s operating system and
apps.
The CPU; interpret, process and execute processes.
The CPU performs arithmetic, logic, and other operations to transform data input
into more usable information output. While the CPU must contain at least one
processing core, many contain multiple cores. A server with two hexa-core CPUs,
for example, will have a total of 12 processors.

o A Hexa Core processor is an advanced CPU with six different cores. These six
distinct cores are utilized to execute and send all data.
o CPU cores are individual processing units within the CPU that receive
instructions and perform calculations or operations. They are made of billions
of microscopic transistors and are located inside the CPU. Each core is
essentially its own independent processor, capable of executing a single task
at a time. A CPU can have multiple cores, which can increase its performance
and speed. *the CPU acts
as the brain and heart of
the computer.

The operations of a CPU can be reduced into the following:

1. Fetch the next instruction from memory.

2. Decode the instruction.
3. Execute the instruction.
4. Store the result of the instruction into main memory.
Processors can be found in PCs, smartphones, tablets and other computers. The
two main competitors in the processor market are Intel and AMD.
Physical parts of the CPU:

o Integrated Circuit (IC) Packages: The CPU is usually enclosed in a protective

package, often made of ceramic or plastic. The package houses the actual
silicon chip (IC) and provides a secure environment for the delicate electronic
components.

o Silicon Die: Inside the IC package, there's a tiny piece of silicon known as the
silicon die or chip. This is where all the magic happens. The silicon die is the
actual CPU, containing millions or billions of transistors and other circuitry.

o Transistors: Transistors are the fundamental building blocks of the CPU. They
are responsible for processing and controlling electrical signals, serving as
switches that can be turned on or off to represent binary data (0s and 1s).

o Heat Sink: To dissipate the heat generated during the operation of the CPU,
a heat sink is often attached to the top of the CPU package. The heat sink is
typically made of metal and helps keep the CPU within its safe operating
temperature range.
o Cooling Fan: In addition to a heat sink, a cooling fan is often used to enhance
heat dissipation from the CPU. The fan helps maintain an optimal operating
temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring proper performance.

o Socket: The CPU socket is a slot or receptacle on the motherboard where the
CPU is inserted. The socket provides electrical connections between the CPU
and the motherboard, allowing the CPU to communicate with other
components.

o Pins or Pads: The underside of the CPU contains pins or pads that connect to
the CPU socket. These pins or pads ensure the CPU is securely connected to
the 8 motherboard and establish electrical connections for data transfer and
power.
Components of CPU:

1. Arithmetic logic unit: The ALU is a crucial component of the CPU responsible
for executing arithmetic and logic operations. It performs basic arithmetic
functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well
as logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT.
• Arithmetic Operations: Addition : + Subtraction : - Multiplication : *
Division : /
• Logical AND
• Logical OR
• Logical NOT
• Logical EXCLUSIVE OR
2. Control Unit: The control unit manages the operations of the CPU. It fetches
instructions from memory, decodes them, and coordinates the execution of
instructions by directing the ALU and other components. It also handles
control flow instructions, managing the sequence in which instructions are
executed. Controls the operations that takes place in various parts of a
computer by sending electronic signals.
3. Registers: Registers are small, high-speed memory units within the CPU that
store data temporarily during processing. They are used to store instructions,
operands, memory addresses, and intermediate results. Registers play a
critical role in speeding up data access and manipulation.
4. Cache Memory: Cache memory is a fast, small-sized memory located within
the CPU or very close to it. Its purpose is to store frequently accessed data
and instructions, reducing the time needed to access them from the main
memory (RAM). This helps improve the overall speed and performance of
the CPU.
 L1 8 KB to 64 KB, L2 128 KB to 512 KB, and L3 2 MB to 32 MB caches. L1
faster than L2 faster than L3.
5. Bus System: The CPU uses a bus system to facilitate communication and data
transfer between its various components and other parts of the computer
system.
6. Clock: The CPU clock generates a steady pulse, known as the clock signal,
which synchronizes the operations of the CPU. It determines the rate at
which instructions are processed and helps coordinate the timing of various
internal operations.
History of CPU:

o Early Computing Devices (1940s - 1950s): The concept of electronic

computing dates back to the 1940s, with early electronic computers like
the ENIAC. These machines used vacuum tubes for computation.
o Transition to Transistors (late 1950s - early 1960s): In the late 1950s and
early 1960s, computers transitioned from using vacuum tubes to
transistors.
o Integrated Circuits (1960s): The 1960s saw the development of integrated
circuits, which allowed multiple transistors and other components to be
combined on a single semiconductor chip.
o Microprocessors (early 1970s): In 1971, Intel introduced the first
commercially available microprocessor, the Intel 4004. It was a 4-bit
microprocessor.
o 8-bit Era (1970s - early 1980s): The 1970s and early 1980s saw the rise of
8-bit microprocessors, including the Intel 8080, Motorola 6800, and Zilog
Z80.
o 16-bit and 32-bit Era (mid-1980s - early 1990s): Microprocessors like the
Intel 80286, 80386, and Motorola 68000 emerged, featuring 16-bit and
later 32-bit architectures. These processors significantly enhanced
computational power and memory addressing capabilities.
o 64-bit Era (late 1990s - 2000s): In the late 1990s and early 2000s, 64-bit
microprocessors, such as the AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Itanium, were
introduced. These CPUs had the ability to process data in 64-bit chunks,
providing improved memory addressing and processing capabilities.
o Multi-core Processors (2000s - present): The 2000s marked a shift towards
multi-core processors, where a single CPU chip contained multiple cores,
each capable of executing instructions independently. This design
 improved parallel processing and overall performance. o Current Trends
(2010s - present): Modern CPUs are increasingly focused on power
efficiency, parallel processing, and specialization (e.g., GPUs for graphics-
intensive tasks). They continue to evolve with advancements in artificial
intelligence, quantum computing research, and more.
x86 vs. x64 architecture:
are two common CPU architectures used in computing. They refer to the types of
x86 and x64 instruction sets and registers that the CPU understands and uses to
execute instructions. Let's explore x86 and x64 architectures in more detail:

1. x86 Architecture: x86, originally known as "Intel 8086," is a family of

backward-compatible CPU architectures that Intel and other
manufacturers have developed based on the original Intel 8086
microprocessor. It is 32bit
2. x64 Architecture (64-Bit): x64, also known as AMD64 or Intel 64, is an
extension of the x86 architecture that introduced 64-bit capabilities. It was
jointly developed by AMD, Intel, and other CPU manufacturers.
Classifications of microprocessors:
1. RISC is a CPU design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and efficiency by
using a small, simple, and uniform set of instructions. Ex: SPARC
2. CISC is a CPU design philosophy that emphasizes providing a rich set of
complex and specialized instructions capable of performing multiple
operations in a single instruction. Ex: Intel, AMD How does the CPU work:

CPU specifications:
Brand: The Intel naming scheme starts with the processor’s brand—the overall
product line the processor was created for.
Intel® Core™ processor series include a brand modifier before the remaining parts
of the model number.
Today, the Intel® Core™ processor series includes the brand modifiers i3, i5, i7, and
i9. Higher brand modifier numbers offer a higher level of performance.
After the brand and brand modifier comes the processor’s generation indicator.
Each generation represents a new release or update of that CPU family, it's
essential to refer to the manufacturer's official documentation or product listings
to fully understand the specifics of a particular CPU SKU.
SKU Numeric Digits: The majority of Intel processors will have a Stock Keeping Unit
(SKU) number located at the final three digits of the product number. When the
SKU number is high, this means the processor has more features. Of note, both
processors should belong to the same brand and generation for this rule to be
valid).

The product line suffix in a CPU refers to additional characters or letters added to
the model number or identifier of a CPU to provide more information about its
specific features, capabilities, or attributes. These suffixes help distinguish different
variants or configurations within a CPU model series. The product line suffixes can
vary based on the manufacturer and their naming conventions. CPU Specification:
AMD CPU Product Line Suffixes

1. X (e.g., Ryzen 7 5800X): Represents a higher-end variant with better clock

speeds and potential for overclocking.
2. G (e.g., Ryzen 5 3400G): Indicates a CPU with integrated Radeon graphics.
3. GE (e.g., Ryzen 3 3200GE): Represents a lower-power, energy-efficient
variant.
4. PRO (e.g., Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G): Denotes CPUs designed for commercial or
professional use, often with additional security and manageability
features.
5. XT (e.g., Ryzen 9 3900XT): Signifies a slightly higher-performing variant
compared to the standard model.
6. Threadripper (e.g., Ryzen Threadripper 3970X): Used for AMD's high-end
desktop (HEDT) processors.
CPU Specification: Intel CPU Product Line Suffixes:

1. K (e.g., i7-9700K): Indicates an unlocked multiplier, allowing for easier

overclocking.
2.F (e.g., i9-9900KF): Denotes a CPU without integrated graphics.
 3.T (e.g., i5-9600T): Indicates a lower power, energy-efficient model.
4.X (e.g., i9-10900X): Used in Intel's high-end desktop (HEDT) processors.
5.S (e.g., i5-8500S): Represents a lower power variant.
6.H (e.g., i7-10750H): Commonly used in mobile CPUs for laptops, especially
in Intel's H-series for high-performance laptops.
7.U (e.g., i3-10110U): Signifies a low-power, ultra-low voltage CPU commonly
used in ultrabooks and thin-and-light laptops.
8.HK (e.g., i9-10980HK): Denotes an unlocked, high-performance CPU for
laptops.
CPU specification: core

CPU Specification: Clock speed

Clock speed, also known as clock rate or clock frequency, is a measure of the
number of clock cycles a CPU can perform in one second. It is a crucial specification
that determines how fast a CPU can execute instructions and process data. The unit
of measurement for clock speed is Hertz (Hz), and it's often expressed in gigahertz
(GHz) for modern CPUs.
3.6 GHz CPU can perform 3.6 billion cycles per second. Task Manager then
performance
Hyper-Threading (HT) is a technology developed by Intel to improve CPU efficiency
by allowing each physical processor core to operate as two logical processors. With
Hyper-Threading, each physical core can manage two threads at the same time.
Turbo Boost Technology is another feature introduced by Intel to enhance CPU
performance dynamically based on the workload. It allows the CPU to run at
frequencies higher than the base clock speed (nominal clock speed) when needed.
The CPU socket is the physical connection between the CPU and the motherboard.
Bus Type: The bus type of a CPU is the way in which the CPU cores communicate
with the rest of the system. At the moment, QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) is the
most common bus for Intel CPUs and Hypertransport is the most common for AMD
CPUs.
Cache memory in a CPU (Central Processing Unit) plays a critical role in improving
the overall performance and efficiency of the processor. There are three main
levels of cache: L1 (Level 1), L2 (Level 2), and L3 (Level 3). Each level has specific
characteristics and purposes to optimize data access and storage for the CPU.