Scribd
Upload
13 views5 pages

Hardware

Uploaded by

Krupanand Kiran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views5 pages

Hardware

Uploaded by

Krupanand Kiran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

MCC - Semester 1

Module 1: HARDWARE FOUNDATION


Topics to be covered:
1. Exposure to Computer Hardware Industry
2. Components, Tools & Safety measures
3. Assembling a PC
4. Troubleshooting PC Hardware
5. Installation of OS
6. Troubleshooting OS

Before starting it is always do to start with the


theory

Processor

i) Introduction:
A processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the primary component of a computer that
performs most of the processing inside a computer. It interprets and executes instructions
from computer programs by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output
operations specified by the instructions. Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, the
CPU plays a critical role in determining the overall speed and performance of a system.
Modern processors are highly sophisticated, containing millions or even billions of transistors
that work together to carry out complex tasks efficiently and quickly. They are essential not
only in computers but also in a wide array of electronic devices, from smartphones and
tablets to cars and household appliances.
fig 1: Block diagram of Processor.

ii) Working:
Processors work by executing instructions fetched from memory. The main stages
include:
- Fetch: Fetching instructions from memory.
- Decode: Decoding the instructions into a form that the processor can understand.
- Execute: Performing the operation or calculation specified by the instruction.
- Write back: Writing the results back to memory or registers.

iii) Types
Based on processors designed for specific applications and performance requirements.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:
1. Desktop and Laptop CPUs:
- Intel Core Series: Widely used in personal computers, offering a range of performance
levels from entry-level (i3) to high-end (i9).
- AMD Ryzen Series: Competes with Intel Core, known for strong multi-core performance
and value.
- Apple Silicon: M series Arm based Processors.

2. Server and Workstation CPUs:


- Intel Xeon: Designed for servers and professional workstations, offering features like
higher core counts and support for ECC memory.
- AMD EPYC: Competes with Intel Xeon, known for high core counts and strong
performance in multi-threaded applications.

3. Mobile CPUs:
- ARM Processors: Dominant in smartphones and tablets due to their power efficiency.
Companies like Qualcomm (Snapdragon), MediaTek and Apple (A-series) design ARM-
based chips.

4. Embedded and Microcontroller CPUs:


- ARM Cortex-M Series: Used in embedded systems and IoT devices, focusing on low
power consumption and real-time processing.
- Atmel AVR and Microchip PIC: Popular microcontrollers for simple embedded
applications and hobbyist projects.

5. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs):


- NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro: GeForce is aimed at gaming and consumer markets,
while Quadro targets professional graphics and computing tasks.
- AMD Radeon and Radeon Pro: Radeon for gaming and consumer graphics, Radeon Pro
for professional use.

6. Specialized Processors:
- Digital Signal Processors (DSPs): Optimized for real-time signal processing tasks, used in
audio, communications, and image processing.
- Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs): Custom-designed for specific
applications, offering high performance and efficiency for tasks like cryptocurrency mining.

7. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Processors:


- Intel Xeon Phi: Designed for parallel processing in supercomputers and data centers.
- AMD Instinct and NVIDIA Tesla: GPUs designed for AI, machine learning, and scientific
computing tasks.
Based on processor core count
Processors can be categorized into various types based on their architecture and usage:
- Single-core Processors: Contains only one processing unit, suitable for basic tasks.
- Multi-core Processors: Have multiple cores on a single chip, allowing for parallel
processing of tasks.
- Specialized Processors: Such as graphics processing units (GPUs) for handling graphical
computations and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for specific tasks like AI
and machine learning.

iv) Features:
Modern processors come with various features to enhance performance and efficiency:
- Cache Memory: Fast memory located on the processor die to speed up data access.
- Instruction Pipelining: Breaking down instructions into smaller steps to overlap their
execution.
- Hyper-Threading: Simulating multiple logical cores per physical core to improve
multitasking performance.
- Turbo Boost: Automatically increasing the processor's clock speed when additional
performance is needed.

v) Identification:
Processors are often identified by:
- Model Name and Number: Each processor model has a unique identifier that includes the
brand (e.g., Intel Core i7-10700K).
- Socket Type: The physical interface between the processor and motherboard (e.g.,
LGA1200 for Intel).
- Clock Speed: The frequency at which the processor operates (e.g., 3.4 GHz).

vi) Manufacturers:
Major manufacturers of processors include:
- Intel: Known for its Core and Xeon processors for various computing needs.
- AMD: Offers Ryzen and EPYC processors, known for competitive performance and value.
- ARM: Designs processors for mobile devices, embedded systems, and increasingly for
servers.
- IBM: Produces Power processors used in high-performance computing and enterprise
servers.
vii) Architecture:
Processor architecture refers to the internal design and organization of the CPU,
including:
- Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): The set of instructions that the processor can execute.
- Pipeline Structure: How instructions are processed in stages for efficiency.
- Cache Hierarchy: Levels of cache memory to optimize data access.
- Bus Interface: How the processor communicates with other system components.

viii) Troubleshooting:
Common processor issues and troubleshooting steps include:
- Overheating: Ensure proper cooling and airflow in the computer case.
- Compatibility Issues: Check compatibility with motherboard and other components.
- Performance Issues: Update drivers and firmware, check for background processes.
- Hardware Failure: Test with diagnostic tools or replace if necessary.

You might also like