Beginning computer specialists often ask: "What is a CPU and how does it look?" Behind this abbreviation is the phrase “central processor”. Some mistakenly believe that this is a system unit. In fact, this term refers to the main chip of the computer. It is installed in the connector on the motherboard and is responsible for performing the calculations.
Appearance
First, let's figure out what a CPU is and how it looks. As mentioned earlier, this is the main chip in the computer. On one side, a metal casing is mounted on it. It provides its protection and heat dissipation. Also, it is marked with a processor and its model. On the other, there are the legs with which it is installed in the connector of the motherboard. Another important point - you can insert a chip in only one way. In all other cases, it simply won’t enter the socket.
Specifications
After receiving an answer to what the CPU is, and how it looks, we will find out its main technical characteristics. These include:
- Clock frequency.
- The number of integrated cores.
- The amount of cache memory.
The processor clock speed characterizes its performance. The number of operations performed per unit of time depends on it. The bigger it is, the better. Some modern processors operate at a frequency of 5 Hz. In the era of single-core CPUs, this was their main characteristic. Now the situation has changed. A single silicon crystal may contain several processing cores. There can be 2, 4, 6 or 8. The more of them, the better. This means that the system can create more computational threads, and its performance grows significantly. The last cache parameter is fast memory, which is integrated into the processor. The more it is, the better. The most productive CPUs today are equipped with 8 MB of cache.
Choose
Conventionally, processors can be divided into 4 classes: office, multimedia, gaming, and with maximum performance. The first of them can be attributed entry-level systems (for example, Athlon 5350 with 4 cores on board). Such systems work perfectly with office applications, allow you to watch movies and listen to music. Multimedia PCs are more productive. They allow, in addition to everything previously listed, to run games on medium and minimum settings. An example is the A-6600 from AMD. In turn, the next class of PCs is oriented purely for launching toys, including those with maximum settings. Here, in addition to a productive processor, a discrete (external) video card must also be installed . There is no alternative to Core i5 today. But the core of the computer with uncompromising performance must be Core i7. He will cope with any task without problems not only today, but also in the next 2-3 years. Again, an external, more productive graphics adapter is required.
Practical recommendations
Often a situation arises in practice when the CPU utilization is 100. What to do in this case? This is caused by the operation of one or more services and applications that “eat up” processor resources. The recommendations in this case are as follows:
- Press “Ctrl”, “Alt” and “Delete”. In the list that opens, we find the item "Task Manager".
- Next, go to the "Processes" tab. We look at those of them that load the processor the most. If there are any, then select them and click the Stop button below.
- Then we go to the "Applications" and repeat the previously described procedure.
- Then we try to restart the application. When repeating the situation when the processor is fully loaded, we restart the computer.
- If this does not solve the problem, then you need to reinstall the program.
- In extreme cases, if all else fails, then you need to check the system requirements of the application. Maybe your processor is not suitable for this program.
Much also depends on the operating system. Now the most common is Windows 7. CPU usage will be less on Windows 8. Therefore, when choosing an operating system, it is better to pay attention to it.
Summary
In the framework of this article, not only the answer was given to what a CPU is, but also what it looks like. Its main characteristics are also given and recommendations for selection are given. In any case, the central processor is the heart of any modern personal computer. The better it is, the more productive your system unit is. Moreover, a greater number of complex problems can be solved with its help.