CPU Processor Definition
The CPU, or central processing unit inside of a computer, is the main control and information processing chip, from where all core computer components and functions are controlled. It is sometimes said to be similar to a human brain's functions in the body. This comparison is exaggerated, since most computer CPU functions are weak in comparison to the human brain's capabilities, and at their core are designed to function like giant calculators.
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History
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The first CPUs were developed in 1971-72. Intel invented the first single chip, 4-bit processor called the Intel 4004. It processed bits of data in 4 chunks at a time, yet its instruction sets were 8 chips long. This required the actual program and data to be stored separately from one another.
Texas Instruments created the TMS 1000 in 1972; this processor did include enough RAM for a program ROM, so that this chip did not need external support chips, which operated separately from one another. This allowed for the first set of individual programmable instructions to be entered into the chips by users, and were used mainly for calculator functions at that time.
Function
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CPUs compute very basic functions and then translate those into more complex functions needed for typical computer uses, as well as to store or retain information on and in them. CPUs are used in many types of technological devices today, such as TVs, cell phones, digital cameras and handheld calculators.
The effects of a CPU in a computer or other technological device are that it performs calculations on binary numbers to enable the machine to calculate information and perform functions for the user.
The functions that a CPU performs are controlled by its program, known as its "instruction set." CPUs house numerous areas of internal memory storage, known as "registers," where data is stored while the CPU processes it.
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Types
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Today, there are many computer manufacturers, makes and model numbers that vary in speed, memory and capabilities. Intel, Pentium, Macintosh and AMD are some of the most popular CPU manufacturer names. The size of the CPU memory and speed seems in practice to only be limited by the purchasers' financial limits.
The speed at which any given CPU processes information and then executes instructions is measured in MHz (megahertz) and GHz (gigahertz). This is technically called a CPU's "clock speed." The MHz stands for how many million cycles per second a CPU is capable of going through in order to act on an instruction. GHz stands for how many billions of cycles per second a CPU is capable of cycling through per second.
CPU manufacturers who want to combine even more computing power on a motherboard will often combine CPUs. Two CPUs on a motherboard are called a "dual core" processor, and four are called a quad-core processor, and so on. Quad-core CPUs are not uncommon these days, meaning that the speed and memory are multiplied exponentially of that particular technological device.
Identification
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Most CPUs in laptop and desktop computers look like square-shaped black or metallic wafers, roughly two by two inches square. Most CPUs are also identifiable by the name of the manufacturer on the chip itself, as well as the model number and other information.
Location
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The CPU for computers can be found on the motherboard, often connected to a cooling fan to disperse heat. Location for other devices may vary.
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