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CPU (Central Processing Unit) : Address Bus

The CPU, or central processing unit, is the main component of a PC that processes data and executes commands. It performs arithmetic, moves data in memory, and makes decisions based on instructions. Performance is measured in clock speed (hertz), but other factors like cache size also impact performance. Modern CPUs are 64-bit, allowing access to more than 4GB of memory, and many have multiple cores to process tasks in parallel. CPUs generate heat and require cooling methods like fans and heatsinks to prevent overheating.

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343 views

CPU (Central Processing Unit) : Address Bus

The CPU, or central processing unit, is the main component of a PC that processes data and executes commands. It performs arithmetic, moves data in memory, and makes decisions based on instructions. Performance is measured in clock speed (hertz), but other factors like cache size also impact performance. Modern CPUs are 64-bit, allowing access to more than 4GB of memory, and many have multiple cores to process tasks in parallel. CPUs generate heat and require cooling methods like fans and heatsinks to prevent overheating.

Uploaded by

ved
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, also called the processor or microprocessor, is the most important
component in a PC. The CPU receives data input by the user, processes
information and executes commands. In a PC, the CPU is housed in a single
chip called a microprocessor.

The main purpose of the CPU is to execute programs. It does this by doing three
basic steps.

1. The CPU uses it ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit) to perform mathematical


operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
2. Moving data from one location in memory to another.
3. Making decisions and jumping to a new set of instructions based on those
decisions.

The CPU uses the following to perform these functions:

• Address Bus

Sends an address to memory.

• Data Bus

Send or receive data from memory.

• Read and Write Line

Determines if it wants to set or get the addressed location.

• Clock Line

Uses clock pulse to sequence the CPU.

• Reset Line

Resets program counter and restarts execution.

CPU Speed and Performance


The performance of a CPU is measured in hertz by its clock rate. The "clock rate"
is usually used to reference the speed of the CPU. The frequency of an oscillator
crystal is used to determine the clock rate. However, clock rate alone can not be
used to measure the performance of a CPU. An Intel CPU with a clock rate of
2GHz will be about twice as fast as the same CPU running at 1GHz with the
same system components.

Other factors invloved in measuring CPU performance are:

• Font side bus clock rate


• speed and amount of installed memory
• size of the CPUs bus
• and amount of Level 1, 2 and 3 cache.

Clock rates can be misleading and should not be used to compare the
performance of processors from different families or manufacturers.

64-bit Processors

Early processors ran in real mode and used a 16-bit data path. Current
processors run in 32-bit protected mode. The next step is 64-bit processors. Both
AMD and Intel currently have 64-bit processors released. Coupled with a 64-bit
OS, a 64-bit CPU will drastically enhance the performance of demanding
applications such as audio and video encoding, complex engineering programs
like CAD and PC games.

A 64-bit CPU can handle more memory and larger files. Current 32-bit Intel and
AMD chips can address up to 4GB of memory. In Windows-based machines, that
4GB is split between the operating system and the applications. That means the
most memory any given application can access with the 32-bit version of
Windows is 2GB. The 64-bit version of Windows can access up to 1TB (terabtye)
of memory.

Dual-core Processors

A dual-core CPU contains two independent processors integrated into a single


chip. Both AMD and Intel have dual-core processors available. A dual-core
processor is only beneficial if the software being used supports it.

CPU Cooling

A CPU generates a lot of heat and with PCs heat is your worst enemy. This is
why all computer systems use some sort of cooling method to reduce CPU and
case temperatures. Todays processors require cooling fans and a heat sink to

keep them at a temperature level that will not damage the CPU. The heat sink is
mounted on the CPU with a thermal compound placed between the heat sink and
CPU. The thermal compund helps to draw heat from the CPU and transfer it into
the heat sink, which usually has a fan mounted on it to better dissipate the heat.
Higher end systems have as many as seven or eight fans monuted in the PC
case to reduce temps. For extreme overclocking water or phase change cooling
are often used.

Types of PC cooling methods:

• Air Cooling (Fans & Heat Sinks)

The most basic method of cooling. The function of air cooling is to simply
draw in fresh air and expel hot air dissipated from the heat sinks using
fans.

Standard Air Cooling Setup

• Water Cooling

A method of cooling popular with overclockers. Water has a better heat


absorbing property than air. The water absorbs heat from the CPU with a
help of a CPU water block. Next the water is cooled down again as it
passes through a radiator. Water cooling produces low temps and minimal
noise for a very quite running PC, but is also expensive and invloves more
risk and experience than air cooling.

• Phase Change

Phase change is the ultimate method of CPU cooling. Based on the same
principles as an air conditioning unit or refrigerator, phase change
happens when a liquid changes to a gas. A phase change cooling system
requires four basic parts: A compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and
an evaporator. There are a few potential problems with phase change
cooling, including condensation and evaporator startup time.

BY: VEDPRAKASH CHAUHAN

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