Technical Vocational & Livelihood

Computer Systems Servicing 12

First Quarter

THE
PROCESSOR

Prepared by:

MARILOU F. ANGADOL
 Information Sheet 1.4

THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

CPU (Central Processing Unit) / Processor The processor is the main “brain” of a
computer system. It performs all of the instructions and calculations that are needed and
manages the flow of information through a computer.

Components of CPU and Their Functions

1. Control Unit (CU)

The control unit controls the way input and output devices, the Arithmetic, and Logic
Unit, and the computer’s memory respond to the instruction sent to the CPU. It fetches the
input, converts it in a decoded form, and then sends it for processing to the computer’s
processor, where the desired operation is performed. There are two types of Control units –
the Hardwire CU and the Microprogrammable CU.
Functions of Control Unit:
• It controls the sequence in which instructions move in and out of the
processor and also the way the instructions are performed.
• It is responsible for fetching the input, converting it into signals, and storing it
for further processing.
• It controls the functioning of other components of the CPU like ALU and
Registers.
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The Arithmetic and Logical Unit is responsible for arithmetical and logical calculations
as well as taking decisions in the system. It is also known as the mathematical brain of the
computer. The ALU makes use of registers for the calculations. It takes input from input
registers, performs operations on the data, and stores the output in an output register.
Functions of ALU:
• It is mainly used to make decisions like performing arithmetic and logical
operations.
• It acts as a bridge between the computer’s primary memory and the
secondary memory. All information that is exchanged between the primary
and secondary memory passes through the ALU.

3. Registers
Registers are part of a computer’s memory that is used to store the instructions
temporarily to provide the processor with the instructions at times of need. These registers
are also known as Processor registers as they play an important role in the processing of
data. These registers store data in the form of memory address and after the processing of
the instruction present at that memory address is completed, it stores the memory address
of the next instruction. There are various kinds of registers that perform different functions.
Functions of Registers:
• Input registers are used to carry the input.
• Output registers are used to carry the output.
• Temporary registers store data temporarily.
• Address registers store the address of the memory.
• The program counter stores the address of the instructions.
• Data registers hold the memory operand.
• Instruction registers hold the instruction codes.

4. Cache
The cache is a type of Random Access Memory that stores small amounts of data
and instructions temporarily which can be reused as and when required. It reduces the
amount of time needed to fetch the instructions as instead of fetching it from the RAM, it can
be directly accessed from Cache in a small amount of time.
Functions of Cache:
• They reduce the amount of time needed to fetch and execute instructions.
• They store data temporarily for later use.

5. Buses
A bus is a link between the different components of the computer system and the processor.
They are used to send signals and data from the processor to different devices and vice
versa. There are three types of buses – Address bus which is used to send memory address
from process to other components. The data bus, which is used to send actual data from
the processor to the components, and the Control bus, used to send control signals from
the processor to other devices.
Functions of Bus:
• It is used to share data between different devices.
• It supplies power to different components of the system.

6. Clock
As the name suggests, the clock controls the timing and speed of the functions of different
components of the CPU. It sends out electrical signals which regulate the timing and
speed of the functions.
Functions of Clock:
1. It maintains the synchronization of the components of the computer system.
2. It keeps track of the current date and time.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS ACCORDING TO SOCKETS

1. LGA – Land Grid Array ---Flat CPU with no pins, motherboard sockets with pins

You might have heard of Intel Core processors and Intel motherboards coming with
sockets like LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 2011, and so on. LGA is the name given to one
type of surface-mounting packaging for Integrated Circuits (ICs). In this socket, pins are
placed on the motherboard socket rather than on the chips. Consequently, LGA
processors look something like this:

2. PGA – Pin Grid Array --- CPUs with pins, Motherboard sockets without pins.

You can think of PGA as the opposite of an LGA socket, i.e., pins are on the processor
chip. The Pin Grid Array or PGA has become an AMD hallmark. Here’s what a PGA
processor looks like:
Brands of CPU
1. Intel
2. AMD – Advance Micro Device

Families of Intel Processors

A. Intel Celeron
B. Intel Pentium
C. Intel Xeon
D. Intel Core series

Families of AMD Processors

A. Athlon
B. Duron
C. Sempron
D. Phenom
E. Opteron
F. Ryzen

Different Types of CPUs according to Cores

1. Single-core CPU
It is the oldest CPU type available and employed in most personal and official
computers. The single-core CPU can execute only one command at a time, which is
inefficient for multitasking. It signifies a markable declination in performance if more than a
single application is executed. If one operation is started, the second process should wait
until the first one is finished. But if it is fed with multiple operations, the computer’s
performance is drastically reduced. The performance of a single-core CPU is based on its
clock speed by measuring its power.

2. Dual-core CPU
It is a single CPU that comprises two strong cores and functions like a dual CPU
acting like one. Unlike CPUs with a single core, processors with dual-core must switch back
and forth within a variable array of data streams. When more threads execute, the dual-core
CPU effectively manages to multitask. To utilize the dual-core CPU effectively, the running
programs and operating system should have a unique code called simultaneous multi-
threading technology embedded in it. A dual-core CPU is more rapid than a single-core but
is less robust than a quad-core CPU.

3. Quad-core CPU
The quad-core CPU is a refined model of multiple-core CPU features and design with
four cores on a single CPU. Like a dual-core CPU, which divides the workload between the
cores, quad-core enables effective multitasking. It doesn’t signify any operation that is four
times faster than others. Unless the applications and program executed on it by SMT code
will fasten the speed and becomes unnoticeable. People who must execute multiple
programs simultaneously, such as gamers, use CPUs with multiple cores. The series of
Supreme Commander is optimized for multiple-core CPUs.

4. Hexa core processors

It is another multiple-core processor with six cores and can execute the task, which
works more rapidly than the quad-core and dual-core processors. For users of a personal
computer, the processors of Hexacore is simple, and now Intel launched with Inter core i7
in 2010 with Hexa core processor. But here, the users of smartphones use only quad-core
and dual-core processors. Nowadays, smartphones are available with hexacore processors.

5. Octa-core processors
Trending octa-core processors comprise a dual set of quad-core processors that
divides activities between the various types. The dual-core is built with two cores, and four
are built-in quad-core. Hexa comes with six cores, whereas the octal processors are usually
developed with eight independent cores to execute a more efficient practical task and act
more rapidly than quad-core processors. Manufacturers often use minimum-powered core
sets to perform advanced tasks. The rapid four sets of cores will be kicked in if there is any
emergency or requirement. To be precise, manufacturers define octa-core processors with
dual-code cores that adjust accordingly to provide adequate performance.

6. Deca-core processor
The processor with a dual-core comprises two cores, 4 cores are available with quad
cores; six cores are available in hexacore processors. Manufacturers deploy ten
independent systems in Deca-core processors to execute and manage tasks, making them
more efficient than other processors developed until now. A PC or device equipped with a
deca-core processor is the best option. It is faster than other processors and very successful
in multitasking. Deca-core processors are trending with their advanced features. Nowadays,
manufacturers equip most smartphones with affordable Deca-core processors that never
become outdated quickly. They continuously update the gadgets in the market with new
processors to provide people with more valuable features and capabilities.