What Is the Purpose of a Computer Processor?

The function of a computer processor (CPU) is to receive data and instructions and output data after those instructions have been carried out. While seemingly simple in nature the design and operation of modern day CPUs is nothing less than an engineering marvel.

History

The first mainstream consumer level CPU was the Intel 808x series of CPUs that ran at a clock frequencies of 5, 6, 8 and 10 MHz. Today's modern CPUs can reach frequencies of over 4 GHz with liquid cooling and have multiple processing cores.

Function

The computer processor receives information in the form of binary data and microcode from computer applications. It then performs binary operations on this data depending on what instructions were received and in what order. It then outputs this data to various devices connected to the computer such as monitors, hard drives and RAM.

Benefits

With the ever growing functional power of the CPU and constantly lowering cost of ownership it has found a way into nearly every aspect of human life. The CPU assists in completing tasks as small as keeping track of time to as large as researching cures for diseases.

Potential

Though the laws of physics is quickly limiting the way we have improved out processors in the past companies such as Intel have circumvented these limitations by adding multiple processing cores and using new fabrication materials such as Hafnium.

Types

In today's global CPU market there are only really two contenders. Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) produce and ship the vast majority of general purpose CPUs. Their product offerings are vast and encompass everything from simple cell phone CPUs to supercomputing CPUs.

Resources

• CPU History
• Hafnium-based Intel 45nm Process Technology
• AMD - Product Information