The purpose and function of a CPU (Processor) is to fetch,
decode and execute instructions (process data) in a
computer system
Components of the CPU
Cache
Stores frequently/commonly
used data
Acts as a intermediary
between the
processor and RAM
Larger Cache = Faster Processing; Saves
fetching the instructions and data repeatedly
from RAM – a relatively slow process which
keeps the CPU waiting otherwise
ALU
Arithmetic Logic Unit performs
arithmetic calculations (e.g.
Numbers) and logic functions
(>,<,=,!=).
Control Unit
Controls the flow of data transfers
between CPU and the timing of
operations in the computer.
Checks that information have
been delivered successfully
between hardware/CPU
The “brains” of the computer;
Computer cannot run without it
Stores Data into Main Memory
once instructions are executed
Factors which affect the CPU's Performance
Cache Size
Larger Cache = Faster Processing
Has 3 levels
L1 - Usually part of the CPU already and is the smallest
and the fastest cache to be accessed
L2 & L3 - Extra Caches that can be built between the CPU and the RAM. The more L2 and
L3 memory available, the faster a computer can run. However, L2 and L3 cache takes
slightly longer to access than L1 because it's further away from the CPU than L1
Clock Speed
How fast the computer is at executing
instructions per second
Measured in Hertz
1GHz Processor executes
1 Billion Instructions per
second
2GHz = 2 Billion
4GHz = 4 Billion
etc.
Number of Cycles per second
Cores
The purpose of Cores is to allow more
instructions to be done simultaneously
Processors can have multi-cores
Dual Core
Quad Core
8 Core
The amount of cores multiplies the
number of instructions which can
be executed
e.g. 2GHz Single Core Processor executes 2 Billion Instructions
2GHz Quad Core Processor executes 8 Billion Instructions 2x4 = 8
Central Processing Unit
POST (Power-On-Self-Test)
A program used In the BIOS chip
(Basic Input/Output System) which
checks that all hardware and
software is running properly
A message is sent to the monitor if the
hardware/software isn't working properly
Happens when the computer
system is 'booted up' (turned on)