PROCESSOR

                                                         Processor

What is a processor?

It can be called the central processing unit of the computer. It is often known as the brain of the computer. The processor reads the commands from the memory and then executes them. The processor is one of the most expensive parts of the computers and is also one of the smallest parts. It is the hardware within a computer system which carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s.

 Changes in the processor from the past

                                 The form, design, and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the same. On large machines, CPUs require one or more printed circuit boards. On personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single silicon chip called a microprocessor. Since the 1970s the microprocessor class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations. Modern CPUs are large scale integrated circuits in packages typically less than four centimeters square, with hundreds of connecting pins. In previous days the processors were vacuum tubes and are later converted into solid state devices such as the transistor and later the integrated circuit. By 1959 discrete transistors were considered sufficiently reliable and economical that they made further vacuum tube computers uncompetitive.

 Working of a processor

                                Two typical components of a CPU are the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations, and the control unit (CU), which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.

                              

The speed of a computer depends on the speed of the pins the micro processors are of different speeds and each type of speed was used in different motherboard like given below:

                                

                                 Pentium -1 à 133 MHz to 233 MHz

                                 Pentium -2 à 333 MHz to 433 MHz

                                 Pentium -3 à 533 MHz to 733 MHz

                                 Pentium -4 à 1.2 GHz and still developing

Here

          MHz is à mega hertz

          GHz is à  giga hertz

How does a processor look like?

It is simply a chip with some golden pins on one side when we look at these pins these are arranged along the edge of the processor and the arrangement of any two edges is never the same. Generally this processor is added in the mother board in the processor slot. The processors in previous days are of big size and the latest processors are of smaller size and more latest processors have golden strips or traces instead of golden pins.

                            This is the latest processor with golden strips or traces instead of pins

                          This is the processor with golden pins and these are not in use now a days

Processor socket:

This is the place where we add a processor in the motherboard. A CPU socket or CPU slot is a mechanical component that provides mechanical and electrical connections between a microprocessor and a printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the CPU to be replaced without soldering.

                                          This is the socket of the processors with golden pins

                              This is the socket of the processors with golden strips or traces instead of pins

                                         

Processor heat sink:

A heat sink is designed to increase the surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding it, such as the air. Approach air velocity, choice of material, fin (or other protrusion) design and surface treatment are some of the factors which affect the thermal performance of a heat sink. Heat sinks are used to cool computer central processing units or graphics processors. Heat sink attachment methods and thermal interface materials also affect the eventual die temperature of the integrated circuit.

Processor fan:

With the increase in magnitude of the usage of computers to more than 18 hours a day, there are additional demands placed on the processor. The processor then starts generating a lot of heat which is caused by the internal electrical energy of the components, and gets warmer the harder the components have to work. Improper maintenance of heat and overheating of the processor can reduce the lifespan or cause irreparable damage to the components in the processor, including components like circuits, microchips, RAM, or hard drives, and makes the computer inoperable. In order to avoid damaging the components and prevent loss of data, it becomes essential to have good cooling equipment like a CPU fan. One of the main components in the CPU is the CPU fan. It is the most economical and effective way to cool down the processor and protect it from overheating. The CPU fan is critically necessary to ventilate the heat generated from the components, and actively cools the processor by bringing in cooler air before the heat damages the computer components.