CPU
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8086 CPU |
Intel Core i7 CPU |
AMD Phenom X6 |
Motherboard |
CPU's ( central processing unit) are the brains of a computer. They execute the programmed instructions from computer programs. This performs the arithmetic and logical processes, and cause the input and output devices to function.
The term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s. The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the same.
One of the earliest CPU's for the personal computer was the 8086 CPU. This was the foundation of IBM's first persoanl computer, and many other manufacturers used this as well. This had 1 MB physical address range, typically ran at 5 Mhz (Megahertz), was an 8-bit processor and would process approximately 500 thousand of instructions per second (500k ips).
Wikipedia on the 8086 CPU - for you history buff's!
The next picture above, shows an Intel Core i7 cpu. This is found in the latest computers of today. It is a multi-core Central Processor, one of the latest is Intel core i7 3960.
The Intel core i7 3960 has 64bit addressing @ 3.30 Ghz (can overclock to 5.6 Ghz) has 6 cores and can process 177,730 Million Instructions per second!
Below is an example of a CPU benchmark, showing relative speeds of modern CPU's. This is just the top end of the chart. Single core CPU's would just be a dot, instead of a bar!
Upgrading your CPU
On personal computers, CPU's are mounted on a Motherboard (in picture above). If you want to change CPU's, there may be other CPU's that fit your motherboard, but they are very limited, and in most cases, wouldn't make that much difference in speed. Most likely, you would need to replace your motherboard, CPU and in most cases, need to change your memory as well! The cost of all this, is not competitive to just getting a new computer!
Replacing a bad CPU, is cost effective! Though it is rare, CPU's can go bad, and if they do, they can be changed (even upgraded a little) inexpensively. The reason? You are not replacing the motherboard, and old CPU's are cheap.
CPU's from Amazon
If you want to buy a new CPU, or just see prices! Ordinarily, Computer Novices should use a Computer technician for this! If you want technical support click Computer Support
Wikipedia on CPU(Central Processing Unit)
For those "techies" that love these details!
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