What Is a Computer CPU Used for?
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the equivalent of the brain in a human being. Just as the brain does, the CPU centralizes all the functions necessary for a computer to perform.
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Function
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The CPU in a computer handles the computations that take part in processing data. It retrieves information from the computer memory and executes instructions.
Types
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CPUs are found in large mainframe computers, as well as personal computers. PC CPUs are divided between Macintosh- and Windows-compatible units. Within these categories, there are several makers and versions.
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Identification
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The CPU in a computer is usually a small, square and thin part with pins on the bottom and inserted into a socket on the motherboard (see image).
Considerations
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Computer processing power is largely dependent upon the speed at which CPUs can execute instructions. Continuing developments over the past several decades have seen an increased speed while cost has dropped.
Warning
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The motherboards that hold the CPUs, built-in chips and other elements in a computer have specific requirements as far as which types of CPUs will work and how powerful they can be.
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