The processors they are undoubtedly one of the most important components of our computers, something to consider when building a team. Today you will learn the essentials about the Central Processing Unit or CPU: what's this and what is it for? What types are there + parts?
The truth is that knowing every part of our computers is essential if we want to improve them or build a new one. For this reason, we also advise you to inform yourself about what the motherboard is, what it is for and how to choose the best one, since it is another extremely important component. Without further ado, read the following guide to learn more about processors.
What is a processor?
The processors are also known as the Central Processing Unit, hence their name CPU (Central Processing Unit). Processors are the components in charge of analyzing and interpreting instructions by software and hardware components.
With the passage of time and the constant advancement of technology, processors have evolved to the point of having extraordinary powers in a very small size. Understanding this trend, conventional CPUs today are microprocessors, a name they get for their small size.
The more powerful a CPU is, the faster it can interpret the instructions provided, in other words this affects directly on speed of computers. Having a balanced computer, with an adequate CPU, GPU, and other components, is essential for achieving good results.
In fact, when building a good performing computer it will be essential to take the rest of the components into consideration. For this reason, we also recommend that you learn what graphics cards are and what they are for, their features, an essential component and more when you play.
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Central Processing Unit or CPU: what is it and what is it for? What types are there + parts?
Processors are very complex, in any case it is possible to make a summary of those aspects that you should take into account for better understand how they work and guide you in purchasing the one that best suits your needs.
cores
If we go back to the past, the processors contained only one core, however this has changed. Today it is very common to see multi-core processors, also known as multi-core processors.
In short, we can determine what this type of processor actually is multiple processors on a single chip. Today it is possible to find processors up to 12 cores for the consumer market. In any case, the figure for average users is between 4, 6 and 8 cores.
Dimensions of the architecture
Over time, technology has made it possible to reduce the size of CPU components. The manufacturing process of processors is known as lithography, similarly this is what defines the size of transistors, which are the internal components of the CPUs.
The size reduction was surprising, for example, a 70s processor was about 10 µm in size, which would translate to 10.000 nm. Today there are processors from 14 and also 7 margin nos, which allow you to integrate many transistors into a CPU, greatly increasing its processing capabilities.
Another aspect that has enabled the advancement of lithography and other technologies in processors is the 64-bit technology, present in all modern processors. However, it doesn't hurt to know the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit PC processors.
Clock speed or frequency
Another determining factor is the CPU frequency, which we can define as the update time in which the transistors exchange electrical charges, in other words the processing speed. The higher the refresh rate, the higher the CPU performance.
In any case, it must be understood that the higher the frequency, the higher the energy consumption. The latter aspect is closely related to the size of the transistors and the number of cores, since with a smaller lithography, and similarly, fewer cores, the power consumption will be more efficient and the performance will also be more efficient.
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Types and families of processors
Processor models have changed over time. Currently platforms such as Intel Core2Duo, Intel Core2Quad or Athlon 64 X2 are technologies already obsolete.
At least in current times, on Intel's part we have the i3, 5, i7, 2 i9 processors of the tenth generation, while on the part of AMD the AM4 processors reign, cataloged in Ryze or in the new generation Athlons.
In any case, if you want to learn more about the differences between Intel and AMD processors and which ones are better, you can read the guide provided in the previous link.
