Processors, All You Need to Know

Description:

The processor is the heart/brain of the computer. The processor is what runs all the programs, performs calculations, controls input/outputs. It is basically the brain of the computer, it even acts the same way. The processor tells each component when to do stuff and when to do stuff.

The processor sits in a little box on the motherboard, it's usually covered by cooling systems because it gets extremely hot. The reason it gets so hot is due to the massive amount of processing it has to do for your computer to run.

Technical explanation:

The CPU fetches instructions from stored memory and executes those instructions. It does this by putting fetched data putting them into a registry wherein the data is decoded and processed by the control unit. A CPU core is a computer processor on a single circuit this core processes the data it drags from the ram and stores briefly in the registry while it processes the data.

History:

1971 - The first processor was introduced by Intel, called the Intel 4004.it could perform 60,000 operations per second. it was $200

1972 the Intel 8008 was introduced.

1974 Intel's improved chip the 8080 was the standard for the computer industry at the time.

1979 The Motorola 68000 was released and chosen as the dominant processor for the Apple macintosh and Amiga computers.

1989 - A Major moment was when Cyriz released their first coprocessors - x87 compatible and made for 386 computers. They were up to 50% faster than the current Intel 80387. This was such a large change and it was part of a long time of extreme innovations with CPU technology.

2001 - A major change during this time was Intel's switch to purely LGA processors, this change lead to all future Intel processors being LGA.

Companies continued to make slightly better processors with a higher bus, faster speeds, and higher prices.

different form factors were created to compete in the market and to improve performance. LGA is used with Intel, following 2002. PGA is often used by AMD.

How to install:

PGA: (pin grid array) has many easily bent pins on the underside of the CPU. The first step is to make sure the form factor of the motherboard and CPU are compatible. If they are compatible then you need to open the lever on the motherboard and VERY VERY carefully insert the CPU into the dock. this is done by grabbing the sides of the CPU with two fingers(thumb and index) and lining the holes up with the pins. Carefully slide the pins into the holes and once the CPU is completely in, you close the lever to lock in the CPU.

LGA:(land grid array) has flat gold plates on the underside of the CPU. The first step is to make sure the form factor of the motherboard and CPU are compatible. you then open the cover on the motherboard. Using your index finger and thumb, grab the sides of the CPU and slowly place the CPU on the dock, make sure to place it slowly and top to bottom, as to not damage any component. Once you have placed the CPU into the motherboard, you then close the shield over the processor and lock it in.

How to remove:

Power off the computer. remove heatsink or fan that is covering the CPU, careful not to damage any parts. If PGA then lift arm, if LGA then lift the cover. Slowly lift the CPU from the dock and place it onto an anti-static sheet. Make sure to do this slowly so you do not bend any pins.

How to upgrade:

The first step is to find a CPU that is better than your current one, this new CPU must be compatible with your motherboard. You simply remove the current CPU and install the better one. this is way easier than some other components.

Architecture:

Control unit - Directs the operation of the processor. It tells the components of the CPU how to react to the input and output of instructions.

Registers - A quickly accessible location for the processor, usually stores fast storage but sometimes is read and write only.

Combinational Logic - A unit that does Boolean algebra(true false algebra) on inputs and stored inputs.

Main Memory - This is where programs and data are kept while the CPU is working on them, the data is copied to a secondary memory where the copy is stored.

Input/Output - The instructions and data inputted to be processed and directed throughout the CPU and computer. (very important)

Form Factors:

PGA and LGA. PGA is (pin grid array) this form factor connects the processor to the motherboard with a ton of tiny, easily breakable. PGA is clamped down with an arm that holds the processor in place.

LGA is (land grid array) this means that instead of pins like the PGA, it has metal plates on the underside of the processor that just touch the motherboard. LGA is held in place with a shield that covers and protects the motherboard.

Fault Tolerance/enhancement technology:

Cooling units - Perhaps the best way to protect your CPU from failure is to make sure it stays cool and doesn't overheat. This could involve fans, heatsinks, perhaps even water cooling.

Process limits - performing or attempting too many processes at once could be dangerous to the CPU and cause it damage, putting limits on the number of inputs heading into the CPU could drastically help with speed and to protect from damage.

Common symptoms of failure:

Overheating - the CPU gets extremely hot and can often get too hot. When the CPU gets too hot it will likely shut down the entire device. Modern computers and processors are built so that when they reach a certain temperature they will shut off so that they don't explode and potentially hurt many components and/or the user.

Overclocking/stress - the CPU may be running too hard for it to handle and cause damage in the process.

Power surge - A surge of power perhaps from something like a lightning bolt or electromagnetic discharge, could fry the electronics in the CPU and break it beyond repair.

Age - CPUs are constantly being improved upon and it may just so happen that as you upgrade your pc, or the processes you run get more extreme, the speed or reliability of the CPU lessens and that is just part of the life cycle of a CPU.

Diagnostic/technician tools:

The Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool - A reliable Intel CPU diagnostic tool. It checks all CPU's in the device that verifies the integrity of the CPU's, checks brand ID, verifies operating frequency, among other things.

Prime95 - this is a reliable stress test you can do, especially good to do after overclocking.

Aida64 - Much like prime95 this is a stress test except many prefer this because it runs more realistic operations than Prime95.

https://www.computerhope.com/history/processor.htm

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