Definition - What does Processor mean?

A processor is an integrated electronic circuit that performs the

calculations that run a computer. A processor performs
arithmetical, logical, input/output (I/O) and other basic instructions
that are passed from an operating system (OS).

The CPU itself is a core component of what

makes a computer a computer, but it isn’t the
computer itself — it’s just the brains of the
operation. It’s a small computer chip that sits
atop the main circuit board (motherboard) of
a computer, whether that’s a desktop PC,
laptop, or tablet. It’s distinctly separate from
the memory, which is where information is
stored, and the graphics card or graphics chip,
which handles all rendering of video and 3D
graphics to your monitor or screen.
CPUs are built by placing billions of microscopic transistors
onto a single computer chip. Those transistors allow it to
make the calculations it needs to run programs that are
stored on your system’s memory.

101010101010101010101
101010100101001010010
101010101010010101001
One of the most common advancements
of CPU technology is in making those
transistors smaller and smaller. That’s
resulted in the improvement to CPU speed
over the decades, often referred to
as Moore’s Law.
CPU Process Design Structure
 WHAT DOES A CPU ACTUALLY DO?

At its core, a CPU takes instructions from a program or application

and performs a calculation. This process can be broken down into
three key stages: Fetch, decode, and execute. A CPU fetches the
instruction from a system’s RAM, then it decodes what the
instruction actually is, before it is executed by the relevant parts of
the CPU.
 Processor Sockets
• Match a processor to the socket and
motherboard
– Refer to motherboard, processor compatibility
documentation

Figure 3-9 AMD Athlon 64 processor to be inserted into an AM2+ socket

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

6
Edition
CPU DIE of a Quad core CPU
CPU DIE of a Quad core CPU with
GPU and Level Cache
CPU DIE of a Dual core CPU
 =

Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random

access memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access
more quickly than it can access regular random access memory
(RAM). This memory is typically integrated directly into the CPU chip
or placed on a separate chip that has a separate bus interconnect
with the CPU. The purpose of cache memory is to store program
instructions and data that are used repeatedly in the operation of
programs or information that the CPU is likely to need next.
 =

The graphics processing unit (GPU) is just one of the parts

that make a computer work and tick over speedily. Its main
responsibility is ensuring content displays and renders on
your computer screen or monitor correctly. This includes
everything - from the user interface, to applications and
webpages and of course high-intensity games.
 The Chipset
• Chipset: set of chips on motherboard that work
with processor to collectively control:
– Memory, motherboard buses, some peripherals
• Manufacturers
– Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, SiS, and VIA
• Intel Chipsets
– North Bridge and South Bridge - Uses hub interface
• All I/O buses (input/output buses) connect to hub
– Hub connects to system bus
• North Bridge – fast end of hub
• South Bridge – slow end of hub

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

12
Edition
 Figure 3-10 The chipset’s North Bridge and South Bridge control access to the
processor for all components

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

13
Edition
 The Chipset
• Intel Chipsets Core i7 and X58 chipset
• Referred to by Intel as Nehalem chipset
• Contain memory controller within processor housing
• Memory connects directly to processor
• Has QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology
– Has 16 lanes for data packets
– Sandy Bridge chipset
• Memory and graphics controller in processor
• Second Generation Core i7 processor is an example
• Sandy Bridge motherboards use DDR3 memory
A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth
14
Edition
 Figure 3-11 X58 chipset architecture

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

15
Edition
 The Chipset
• Intel Chipsets (cont’d)
– Ivy Bridge chipset – 3rd generation processors
released in 2012
• Use less power
• More transistors in a smaller place
• Perform better than earlier products
• Uses a single Platform Controller Hub

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

16
Edition
 The Chipset
• AMD chipsets
– AMD A-series (code name Trinity)
• Designed to compete with Ivey Bridge chipsets
– AMD 9-series, 8-series, and 7-series
• Designed for gamer, hobbyist, multimedia enthusiast
• Focus on good graphics capabilities
• Support overclocking
– AMD 580X Crossfire chipset
• Supports ATI CrossFire
– AMD 780V chipset
• Designed for business needs
– AMD 740G and 690 chipsets
• Designed for low-end, inexpensive systems

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

17
Edition
 The Chipset
• NVIDIA, SIS and VIA Chipsets
– All make graphics processors and chipset for
AMD and Intel processors
– NVIDIA’s method of connecting multiple video
cards is called SLI
– If planning a gaming computer using two video
cards:
• Look for a motherboard that supports SLI and uses
the nForce chipset

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

18
Edition
 Buses and Expansion Slots
• Bus
– System of pathways used for communication
• Carried by bus:
– Power, control signals, memory addresses, data
• Data and instructions exist in binary
– Only two states: on and off
• Data path size: width of a data bus
– Examples: 8-bit bus has eight wire (lines) to
transmit
A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth
19
Edition
 Figure 3-16 A data bus has traces or lines that carry voltage interpreted
by the CPU and other devices as bits

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

20
Edition
 Buses and Expansion Slots
• System clock (system timer) – times activities
on the motherboard
• Speed of memory, Front Side Bus, processor,
or other component is measured in hertz (Hz),
which is one cycle per second
– Megahertz (MHz): one million cycles per second
– Gigahertz (GHz): one billion cycles per second
• Motherboards can have more than one bus
– Table 3-4 on the following slide lists many buses

A+ Guide to Hardware, Sixth

21
Edition
How many generation are there for Intel core i3 , i5 and i7 ?
Intel and AMD both offer CPUs with graphics
chips and memory stored on them too,
meaning they can do more than just standard
CPU
i7-87000K i7-870G i7-8650U
No Suffix - These are normal desktop-class processors
without overclocking capabilities.

T-series - These are 35Wdesktop processors, which power

everyday machines such as AIOs, office computers and
more. These are low-cost chips and are generally found in
pre-configured PCs.

K-series - These are overclockable desktop processors,

aimed towards gamers and content creators.

U-series - These are low power processors generally in the

15W TDP, available in normal and thin and light laptops.
H-series - The gaming-oriented processors meant for
laptops. Most gaming laptops will use these only. These
chips have a base TDP of 45W.

HK-series - These are generally overclock able chips

powerful enough to be desktop replacements. These are
also meant for the mobile space and have a base TDP of
45W.

M-series - In this new 8th gen lineup, the two Xeon

processors feature the M suffix. However, back in 2015
Intel was using the same suffix for its fanless chips. Then
those fanless chips from Intel were put under the Y suffix
and on the 8th gen lineup, they are completely missing (at
the moment). Anyway, the new 8th gen Intel Xeon
processors are likely to be meant for commercial markets
only.