The CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The C.P.U. is the brain of the computer. It has no memory so it uses the RAM to hold the information that it needs. (See Memory.)

The CPUs speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz). If you bought a new computer recently its speed should be at least 2.4 GHz. Anything slower than 1.6 GHz is too slow. (This is as of September 2002, a year ago it was half this speed!) The CPU in your computer can most likely be replaced with a faster one (this is known as an upgrade). The power that Windows XP requires is what really pushes the CPU speed envelope.

Moore's Law states that the number of transistors in a CPU will double every 2 years. That law was made in the 70's and so far it has been correct.

The computer works as a whole. Just because your CPU is fast that doesn't mean that your computer is fast. It's partners (see motherboard & peripherals) may be slow. Imagine an assembly line. Everyone does their own job to finish a product and if one person is a slow worker, the whole assembly line is slowed down.

As of this writing, there are two major CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD.

You can get great deals on CPUs from Cyberguys.com

Article last reviewed: 08/16/2005

del.icio.us

Created by: Digital Foundation, inc.

All content of the NetworkClue website is copyrighted. Articles, notes, outlines, and all other materials may not be stored on the Internet or sold or placed by themselves or with other material in any electronic or printed format in whole or part. However materials may be referenced by links to the site.