Processor, RAM

(Its Types)

Definition:
a. A processor or micro-processor is the 'brains' of a computer system. It is the
Processor that controls the working of all of the hardware and software. The
processor is sometimes referred to as the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
b. The central processor of a computer is also known as the CPU, or "central
processing unit." This processor handles all the basic system instructions, such
as processing mouse and keyboard input and running applications.
c. A processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the
basic instructions that drive a computer. The four primary functions of a
processor are fetching, decode, execute and write back.

This little chip is the heart of a computer. Also referred to as the "microprocessor," the
processor does all the computations such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. In
PCs, the most popular microprocessor used is the Intel Pentium chip, whereas Macintosh
computers use the PowerPC chip (developed by Motorola, IBM, and Apple).The speed of a
computer's processor is measured in megahertz, or cycles per second. But higher megahertz
doesn't always mean better performance. Though a 600-MHz chip has a clock speed that is
twice as fast as a 300-Mhz chip, it doesn't mean that the computer with the 600-Mhz chip will
run twice as fast. This is because the speed of a computer is also influenced by other factors,
such as the efficiency of the processor, the bus architecture, the amount of memory available,
and the software that is running on the computer. Some processors can complete more
operations per clock cycle than other processors, making them more efficient than other
processors with higher clock speeds. This is why the PowerPC chip is typically faster than
Pentium chips at that are clocked at higher megahertz.
How a Processor Works :
The processor of a computer, or CPU, acts as its brain and allows it to perform calculations
and other functions associated with any programming on the computer. The processor turns
the information entered into a binary code consisting of zeros and ones. Once converted, this
information goes to the CPU, which uses its Arithmetical Logical Unit, or ALU, to perform
any mathematical or logical operations.

In addition, a CPU needs other systems within the computer housing to help it remain
functional. One of the biggest enemies of a CPU is the heat generated from performing all the
functions associated with running a computer. Most computers use a fan to cool the
processor, though some high-end gaming computers use cooling systems to help remove
excess heat from the CPU.

The processor completes four basic steps when decoding data, including the following:

 Fetch: When an instruction from a program is uploaded to the computer's memory,

it's given its own address number. The processor uses this address to fetch the
instruction from the program counter, which tells the CPU the order it should
execute the instructions associated with a particular program.
 Decode: The processor also decodes the instructions from programming into binary
code so that it can understand them. The CPU uses the ALU to complete this
process.
 Execute: When executing the instructions from a program, the processor does one
of three things. It performs calculations using the ALU, moves data from one
location in the computer's memory to another or moves to a different address
within the computer's memory.
 Store: Once the processor has executed an instruction from a program, it must give
feedback in the form of output data. This output data is then written to the
computer's memory for later reference.

Types of Computer Processors :

When it comes to choosing a computer processor, users have the choice of two types of
microprocessors: Intel and AMD. Intel processors include Celeron, Pentium and Core, each
with its own clock speed, which is the speed at which a processor performs the functions
associated with its programming. Just like Intel, AMD has its own set of processors,
Sempron, Athlon and Phenom, which also have varying clock speeds. When it comes to
clock speeds, the higher the number, the faster the processor works. Keep in mind that when
upgrading the processor of a computer, users need to make sure that they get a CPU that's
compatible with their motherboard and that they take into consideration the heat that the new
processor generates. This might require the user to upgrade the cooling capabilities of their
computer to account for the heat a faster processor generates.

A Series From i3 to i9

Core i3
Developed and manufactured by Intel, the Core i3is a dual-core computer processor,
available for use in both desktop and laptop computers. It is one of three types of processors
in the "i" series (also called the Intel Core family of processors).
The Core i3 processor is available in multiple speeds, ranging from 1.30 GHz up to 3.50
GHz, and features either 3 MB or 4 MB of cache. It utilizes either the LGA 1150 or LGA
1155 socket on a motherboard. Core i3 processors are most often found as dual-core, having
two cores. However, a select few high-end Core i3 processors are quad-core, featuring four
cores.
The most common type of RAM used with a Core i3 processor is DDR3 1333 or DDR3
1600.
Power usage varies for the Core i3 processors:
 Slower speeds (1.30 GHz to 1.80 GHz) use 11.5 W, 15 W or 25 W of power
 Medium speeds (2.00 GHz to 2.50 GHz) use 28 W, 35 W or 37 W of power
 Faster speeds (2.90 GHz to 3.50 GHz) use 35 W, 37 W or 54 W of power
Core i3 processors are often used in laptop computers, due to their lower heat generation and
conservative battery usage. Some laptops can be used for up to five or six hours on a single
battery charge when running a Core i3 processor.

The Core i3-3220 doesn’t have a K suffix, which means you can’t easily overclock it, and it
doesn’t have Turbo Boost, which would overclock it automatically and safely within certain
thermal conditions. It does have Hyper-Threading, so each physical core runs as two logical
cores, which should increase multitasking performance.

To test the Core i3-3220, we fitted it to an Asus P8Z77-V LX motherboard with 4GB of
RAM and connected a monitor to the board’s HDMI port. The Core i3-3220 isn’t the most
exciting processor, and its benchmark results back this up, with the chip scoring 60 overall. It
scored 56 in the video-editing and multitasking benchmarks, and an impressive 76 in our
image-editing benchmark. Our reference CPU, which scores 100, has four cores. The fact that
the Core i3-3220 has two cores partially explains its middling performance.

The Core i3-3220 has Intel HD Graphics 2500 on-chip graphics, which runs at a clock
frequency of 650MHz. We had no problem when running productivity applications or web
browsing, but it isn’t suited to playing modern 3D games. The Core i3-3220 failed our Crisis
2 benchmark, and Dirt Showdown gave us an average of 16fps when its graphics settings
were set to low with no anti-aliasing and a resolution of 1,280x720. That frame rate still isn’t
fast enough to enjoy the game, though.

The Core i3-3220 may be an entry-level CPU, but it isn’t cheap, especially when compared
with some of the competition from AMD. It isn’t a CPU for over clockers and tinkerers, but
it’s great for general desktop use and browsing the web. If you want a more powerful
processor for video-editing or games, you're better off with AMD’s A10-5800K (see
Reviews, Shopper 299), which is faster, and has four cores and more powerful graphics.
Core i5

Developed and manufactured by Intel, the Core i5is a computer processor, available as dual-
core or quad-core. It can be used in both desktop and laptop computers, and is one of three
types of processors in the "i" series (also called the Intel Core family of processors).

The Core i5 processor is available in multiple speeds, ranging from 1.90 GHz up to 3.80
GHz, and it features 3 MB, 4 MB or 6 MB of cache. It utilizes either the LGA 1150 or LGA
1155 socket on a motherboard. Core i5 processors are most often found as quad-core, having
four cores. However, a select few high-end Core i5 processors feature six cores.

The most common type of RAM used with a Core i5 processor is DDR3 1333 or DDR3
1600, however, higher performance RAM can be used as well (if the motherboard supports
it).

And taking care of the mid-range for Coffee Lake S is the Core i5-9600K, with its six cores
and an equal number of threads. The processor has a base speed of 3.7GHz and boosts up to
4.6GHz, with 9MB cache and a 95W TDP.

Power usage varies for the Core i5 processors:

 Slower speeds (1.90 GHz to 2.30 GHz) use 11.5 W of power

 Medium speeds (2.60 GHz to 3.10 GHz) use 15 W, 25 W, 28 W or 37 W of power

 Faster speeds (3.20 GHz to 3.80 GHz) use 35 W, 37 W, 45 W, 47 W, 65 W or 84 W

of power

Core i5 processors are commonly found in desktop computers for most everyday use and
some higher performance needs. Some laptop computers feature Core i5 processors as well,
to provide improved performance for heavier usage needs. At the lower speeds, battery usage
is pretty conservative and can reach up to five hours or usage on a single charge. However, at
higher speeds, battery usage is higher and may result in up to three hours or so of usage per
charge.
Core i7

Intel Core i7 is a line of Intel CPUs which span eight generations of Intel chipsets. They
feature either four or six cores, with stock frequencies between 2.6 and 3.7 GHz. The first i7
processors were released in November 2008.

Variations of the i7 processor are manufactured for a variety of personal computing devices.
Some high-performance i7 processors for desktop computers, such as the i7-8700K, are
unlocked for overclocking. High-efficiency i7 processors (which conserve energy as much as
possible, at the expense of some performance) are manufactured for desktop
computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
The i7 processor is marketed primarily to gaming enthusiasts, and digital artists such as
filmmakers and animators.

The Core i7-9700K, which will likely be the run of the mill performance chip, has
eight cores and eight threads, runs from 3.6GHz to 4.9GHz, has 12MB of cache and a TDP of
95W. The difference between these three cores is that one of them supports Intel’s Iris Pro
Graphics, while the other two are Intel HD Graphics-only. The Iris Pro 580 is Intel’s only
EDRAM-equipped 128MB Core i5. If you want a mobile processor with top-end
graphics and a quad-core CPU, this is the Core i5 you want to purchase.

Outside of these three cores, the general rule does still follow. Most mobile Core i5 and all
Core i3 processors are dual-core with Hyper-Threading. Here are the features that separate
mobile Core i5 and Core i7 processors in 7th generation processors and below:

More cores:  Many of Intel’s Core i7 processors are quad-core chips with Hyper-
Threading enabled. This isn’t universal, however, and the company does offer a few dual-
core + Hyper-Threading SKUs.

Higher clocks:  Intel’s dual-core mobile Core i7 chips typically have higher clock speeds
than their Core i5 counterparts, even at the same TDP.

More cache:  Core i7 chips carry either 6MB or 4MB of cache. Core i5 chips run the
gamut here. Older chips (pre-Broad well) often carry 3MB, while Sky lake and Kaby Lake
chips are sometimes 4-6MB. The extra cache has only a small impact on performance.
More addressable memory:  Many older mobile Core i7 and i5 processors are limited
to 16GB of memory, but there are Sky lake (6th-gen) chips that support 32GB and even
64GB on some late Core i5 / i7 models. 16GB of RAM is fine for the vast majority of users.
But if you think you might need more, check what your CPU is capable of at Intel’s database.

How much performance you get out of a mobile Core i5 versus a Core i7 will depend a great
deal on your laptop’s cooling solution and whether the chip can handle its own heat output.
We’ve previously discussed how Intel gave OEMs more freedom to define their own TDP
targets and skin temperatures. But this creates scenarios in which buying a faster Core M can
actually result in worse performance, as the chip hits its thermal trip point and down-throttles
to keep cool.

Core i9
A family of 64-bit x86 CPUs with up to 18 cores from Intel. Introduced in 2017, the
Core i9 became the top model in the Core "i" series. ... Designed for high-performance
computing and gaming, the 3.3 GHz i9 chip can be overclocked to 4.5 GHz.

The Core i9-9900K will be the top-dog processor, rocking eight cores and 16 threads,
with a base clock speed of 3.6GHz that ramps up to an impressive 5GHz. On board cache
weighs in at 16MB while the thermal design power (TDP) sits at 95W.

General Over View About Threads

Core i5 and i7 both have Turbo Boost while the i3 does not. Core i5 and i7 CPUs have 4
cores, while i3 CPUs only have 2. Core i5 CPUs lack Hyper threading. ... Core i5 and i7
CPUs have the same graphics, although the speed of that graphics will depend on the
individual CPU.

Hyper-Threading is a technology used by some Intel microprocessor s that allows a single

microprocessor to act like two separate processors to the operating system and the application
program s that use it. It is a feature of Intel's IA-32 processor architecture.

With Hyper-Threading, a microprocessor's "core" processor can execute two (rather than one)
concurrent streams (or thread s) of instructions sent by the operating system. Having two
streams of execution units to work on allows more work to be done by the processor during
each clock cycle. To the operating system, the Hyper-Threading microprocessor appears to
be two separate processors. Because most of today's operating systems (such as Windows and
Linux) are capable of dividing their work load among multiple processors (this is called
symmetric multiprocessing or SMP ), the operating system simply acts as though the Hyper-
Threading processor is a pool of two processors.

RAM…..

What Is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it gives computers the virtual space needed to
manage information and solve problems in the moment. You can think of it like reusable
scratch paper that you would write notes, numbers, or drawings on with a pencil. If you run
out of room on the paper, you make more by erasing what you no longer need; RAM behaves
similarly when it needs more space to deal with temporary information (i.e. running
software/programs). Larger pieces of paper allow you to scribble out more (and bigger) ideas
at a time before having to erase; more RAM inside of computers shares a similar effect.

RAM comes in a variety of shapes (i.e. the way it physically connects to or interfaces with
computing systems), capacities (measured in MB or GB), speeds (measured in MHz or GHz),
and architectures. These and other aspects are important to consider when upgrading systems
with RAM, as computer systems (e.g. hardware, motherboards) have to adhere to strict
compatibility guidelines. For example:

Older-generation computers are unlikely to accommodate the more recent types of RAM
technology

Laptop memory won’t fit in desktops (and vice versa)

RAM is not always backward compatible

A system generally can't mix and match different types/generations of RAM together

RAM (pronounced ramm) is an acronym for random access memory, a type

of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be
accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is found in servers, PCs, tablets,
smartphones and other devices, such as printers.

RAM is considered volatile memory, which means that the stored information is lost
when there is no power. So, RAM is used by the central processing unit (CPU) when
a computer is running to store information that it needs to be used very quickly, but it does
not store any information permanently.

Different Types of RAM Explained

Memory (RAM) comes in different types. The differences are due to the function of the
memory and the technology of memory and of other computer hardware. 

To determine the right kind of memory for your computer, use the Crucial® Advisor™ tool or
System Scanner tool. This tool will check your computer to see which memory is compatible,
with some options for speed and budget. Keep reading to learn more about those options.

SRAM
Static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic access memory (DRAM) are two
classifications of memory. With SRAM, data is stored using the state of a six transistor
memory cell. SRAM is frequently used as cache memory for the processor (CPU). SRAM is
not typically user-replaceable.

DRAM
DRAM stores data using a transistor and capacitor pair, which make up a single DRAM cell.
DRAM is less expensive to produce, but is slightly slower than SRAM. Most user-
replaceable memory modules are DRAM.
ECC
Error-correcting code (ECC) is a type of DRAM that has an additional cell to detect and
correct random faults. ECC memory is user-replaceable, but it needs to be compatible with
the other computer hardware.

Data rates - DDR explained

SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) was developed in response to
increased speed in other computer components. Previously, memory had to be asynchronous,
that is, it operated independently of the processor. Synchronous memory synchronizes the
memory module's responses with the system bus. 

As other computer components increased their speed, memory speed also needed to increase.
Double data rate, or DDR, was developed, and the previous technology became known as
single data rate, or SDR. DDR was both faster and used less energy than SDR.

Memory technology continues to develop. The next generation of memory, DDR2, is faster
and uses less energy than the original DDR. DDR3 and DDR4 continued this trend. Each
successive generation is faster and uses less energy.

Memory must be compatible with the other components in a computer system. Generally,
components are created to the highest standard at the time of manufacture, but with the
expectation that technology will continue to change. To prevent users from inserting
incompatible memory, modules are physically different for each memory technology
generation. These physical differences are standard across the memory industry.

Ram Speed:
The numbers that appear after "DDR" and the generation indicator are the data transfer rate
per second of the module. Because double data rate transfers data on both the rising and
falling edge of the clock cycle, DDR3-800 is measured by using a 400 clock cycle on a 1066
MHz input/output clock. Please note that hertz is a measure of cycles per second, not the
measure of the speed of the cycles.

There is also an industry name that indicates the theoretical bandwidth of the module, for
example "PC3-6400". Bandwidth is calculated by taking the transfers per second and
multiplying by eight (DDR3 transfers data on a bus that is 64 bits wide, and because a byte is
eight bits, this is eight bytes of data per transfer).

Conclusion
If you want to upgrade your computer's memory or build your own computer, you must
ensure that the memory is compatible with the other components in your computer. You must
choose the correct memory technology before you can look at speed or any other features.