The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the “brain” of a computer and executes stored instructions. It is an internal component and not visible from outside the system. Intel is a well-known CPU manufacturer. Upgrading to a newer and faster CPU can provide additional computing power. Microprocessors are smaller CPUs used in various devices.
If you’re looking for a new computer, you need to understand the function of a CPU. Also known as the Central Processing Unit or processor, the CPU is essentially the “brain” of your computer. Without the CPU, you wouldn’t be able to play games, type research papers, or browse the internet. Your computer would basically be a very expensive paperweight.
Sometimes people mistakenly believe that a computer case or chassis is the CPU. However, a CPU is an internal computer component. You can’t see it from outside the system; you should peek inside and remove both the CPU heatsink and fan to get a good look.
The first CPUs were used in the early 1960s. They were custom designed as part of a larger computer, making them prohibitively expensive. Once engineers figured out how to mass-produce the CPU, personal computers became more affordable for the average American. With the introduction of the integrated circuit in the late 1970s, it became possible to produce smaller CPUs as well. This helped transform computers from large, bulky devices that took up entire rooms to more manageable desktop and laptop models.
Today, Intel is the best-known manufacturer of computer CPUs. No matter what type of computer you have, however, your CPU works by executing a set of stored instructions known as a program. Most CPUs conform to the von Neumann architecture, which states that the CPU must fetch, decode, execute, and rewrite data in fairly rapid succession.
Since the CPU is one of the most important parts of a computer, it should come as no surprise that it’s also the most expensive. In fact, if your computer is more than three years old and your CPU has been damaged by static electricity or other factors, you may want to consider upgrading to a whole new computer. A newer and faster CPU will often provide enough additional computing power to make the purchase a wise investment.
CPUs are sometimes called microprocessors, although these two terms are not entirely interchangeable. The microprocessor, first introduced in the 1970s, reduces the word size of a CPU from 32 bits to 4 bits in an attempt to allow the transistors of logic circuits to fit into a single part. More than one microprocessor is often required to perform all functions of a CPU. Microprocessors are also commonly used in cell phones, cars, and children’s electronic toys.
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