A processor, or more commonly known as a CPU, is the metaphorical “brain” of the computer, it processes calculations and it handles all the instructions and data it gets from the hardware and software of the system. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
Computers almost always require some kind of CPU to operate, while CPUs are a required component, in some instances, usually in mobile devices, CPUs, along with GPUs among other components, are packaged together to be named a SoC or System on Chip.
History
In 1823, a person named Baron Jons Jackob Berzelius discovers the material silicon. Silicon is a basic material used in a CPU. In November of 1971, Marcian Edward “Ted” Hoff working for Intel, introduced the world’s first microprocessor named the Intel 4004.
CPU Socket
CPUs require motherboards to connect it to various other systems, files and devices. A motherboard has a CPU socket, a place where the CPU is attached. (Learn More About CPU Sockets Here)
Examples
Some popular CPUs include ones developed by Intel and AMD.
- Intel Core Series (Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, Core i3)
- AMD Ryzen Series (Ryzen Threadripper, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3)
Components
There are two main components in a CPU.
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
- This component processes mathematical logical and decisions operations.
- CU (Control Unit)
- This component directs all the operations in the processor.
