ITS1 Processors

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ITS1 Processors

A processor also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a component located on the motherboard that executes instructions to performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations.

How Does It Work?

Parts of a CPU

In order to understand how the processor functions, we must first understand the different parts of a processor.

Instruction register - contains the instructions that the CPU needs to perform
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - performs the arithmetic and logical functions that are the work of the computer
RAM (Random access memory) - is not part of the CPU but is on the motherboard
Cache - memory on the CPU and it is faster than RAM since it is closer to the CPU
MMU (Memory management unit) - manages the data flow between the main memory (RAM) and the CPU
CPU clock and control unit - The control unit performs this function at a rate determined by the clock speed and is responsible for the CPU components to be synchronized

How does it work

1. Programs are stored in the RAM

2. The CPU takes instructions from the RAM and stores it into the instruction register

3. Then the information is then decoded

4. Then it will try to execute the instruction by first retrieving data from its cache then using the ALU to perform the instruction

5. Finally it repeats the cycle by fetching the next instruction

The steps that the CPU take is represented in the image above. However this image does not represent the true story as how the CPU works becomes more complicated as other components such as the hard drive and graphics card are introduced.

History of the Processor

History

Intel would be founded in 1968 and AMD would be founded in 1969. These would be the two CPU manufactures that has stood the test of time.
The first microprocessor ever created was by Intel in 1971. It was known as the Intel 4004 and had 2300 transistors that could performed 60,000 operations.
In the 1980s, Intel and AMD would sign a contract that allowed their CPUs to be used interchangeably on motherboards and this lasted till the 1990s.
Both Intel and AMD would continue increasing the speed of their processors by making the transistors on the processor smaller and smaller.
Intel would begin using LGA sockets for their processors in 1996.
AMD would launch their Athlon processor in 1999 that would be the first processor to reach a clock speed of 1 GHz.
In 2003, AMD announces the Opteron chip. This was the first computer chip made by AMD for use in servers. This ups the company’s spread of business.
In 2006, Intel wold launch their Core series processors which were meant as mid to high end processors.
Intel would release their first 8 core processor
In 2017, AMD would launch their Ryzen series.

Interfaces (Socket types)

LGA (Land Grid Array) is one of the two most popular types of sockets and is primarily used by Intel. In an LGA socket the pins are on the socket itself, not on the CPU
PGA (Pin Grid Array) is the second popular type of socket which is primarily used by AMD. In an PGA socket the pins are on the CPU
BGA (Ball Grid Array) pins are replaced by pads on the bottom of the package, each initially with a tiny solder ball stuck to it. These solder spheres can be placed manually or by automated equipment

How to Install and Remove a Processor

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1. There should be retention arms holding down the cover of the CPU which will open up the socket

2. Hold the processor only on the edges and identify an arrow on one corner of the CPU and this should align with one of the corners of the socket

3. Once the orientation is identified, gently place the down CPU

4. Lower the CPU socket cover and push down the retention arm putting it under the hook. The socket cover should now be easy to remove.

This is the process for the majority AMD and Intel CPUs.

Enhancement Technologies

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Intel Hyper-Threading Technology: Normally each core of a CPU can use one thread. But with Hyper-Threading a single physical core will have two logical cores which can run two threads. This is extremely beneficial for running and processing background tasks.

AMD Simultaneous MultiThreading: Similar to Hyper-Threading, a single physical core can run multiple threads.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology: Will boosts the processors speed and graphics when its performance is below the needs of the users workload. This is useful for prolonging the processor's lifespan since it doesn't need to work at max performance when doing low workload tasks and automatically matches its own frequency to the user's workload.

AMD Turbo Core Technology: Similar to Turbo Boost, the AMD processor will dynamically adjust performance to meet the user's needs.

Common Symptoms of Failure

A processor is very fragile and tends to be the issue when a computer has problems. Here are some causes of CPU failure:

Overheating - When a processor overheats it will slow down and even shut itself off. Overheating is usually the effect of too much dust causing CPU cooler to be less effective. By checking windows performance monitor you can see if the CPU is being overworked and this could tell you to clean your PC.
Electrical Power Surge - Any high voltage spike from the wall outlet to the power supply could instantly destroy the CPU. One solution to prevent this is by using an uninterruptible power supply which will prevent any high voltage spike from affecting your processor.
Age - Every CPU will eventually die if it has been used for a long period of time. However frequently removing dust and not overclocking can prolong its life span.