What does it mean the parts of the processor are scattered. How does a computer processor work? Principle of operation

The processor is the main part of any computing device. But many users have very little understanding of what a processor is in a computer and what function it performs. Although in the modern world this is important information, knowing which you can avoid many serious delusions. If you want to know more about the chip that powers your computer, you've come to the right place. In this article, you will learn what a processor is for and how it affects the performance of the entire device.

What is central processing unit

In this case, we are talking about the central processor. After all, there are others in the computer, for example, a video processor.

The central processing unit is the main part of a computer, which is an electronic unit or an integrated circuit. It executes machine instructions, or program code, and is the backbone of a device's hardware.

Simply put, it is the heart and brain of the computer. It is thanks to him that everything else works, he processes data streams and controls the work of all parts of the overall system.

Physically, the processor is a small, thin, square board. It has a small size and is covered with a metal cover on top.

The bottom of the chip is occupied by contacts through which the chipset communicates with the rest of the system. Opening the lid of the system unit of your computer, you can easily find the processor, unless it is covered by a cooling system.

Until the CPU issues the appropriate command, the computer cannot perform even the simplest operation, such as adding two numbers. Whatever you want to accomplish on your PC, any action involves accessing the processor. That is why it is such an important part of the computer.

Modern central processors are able not only to cope with their main tasks, but can also partially replace the video card. New chips come with a separate space for video controller functions.

This video controller performs all the basic necessary actions that are required from a video card. In this case, RAM is used as video memory. But do not be mistaken that a powerful modern processor can completely replace a video card.

Even the middle class of video cards leaves the video controller of processors far behind. So, the option of a computer without a video card is only suitable for office devices that do not involve performing any complex tasks related to graphics.

In such cases, there really is an opportunity to save money. After all, you can just have a processor chipset with a good video controller and not spend money on a video card.

How the processor works

We sort of figured out what a processor is. But how does it work? It is a long and complicated process, but if you understand it, everything is quite easy. The principle of operation of the central processor can be considered in stages.

First, the program is loaded into RAM, from where it gets all the necessary information and a set of commands that must be executed by the control unit of the processor. Then all this data goes to the buffer memory, the so-called CACHE of the processor.

Information comes out of the buffer, which can be divided into two types: instructions and values. Both those and those fall into the registers. Registers are memory locations built into the chipset. They also come in two flavors, depending on the type of information they receive: command registers and data registers.

One of the constituent parts of the CPU is the arithmetic logic unit. It deals with performing transformations of information using arithmetic and logical calculations.

This is where the data from the registers comes in. After that, the arithmetic logic unit reads the incoming data and executes the commands that are necessary to process the resulting numbers.

Here again, a split awaits us. Final results are divided into finished and unfinished. They go back to the registers, and the finished ones go to the buffer memory.

The processor cache consists of two main levels: upper and lower. The most recent commands and data are sent to the top cache, and those that are not used go to the bottom.

That is, all the information on the third level is moved to the second, from which, in turn, the data goes to the first. And unnecessary data, on the contrary, is sent to the lower level.

After the computing cycle is over, its results are again recorded in the computer's RAM. This is done so that the CPU cache is cleared and available for new operations.

But sometimes there are situations when the buffer memory is completely full, and there is no room for new operations. In this case, the data that is not currently being used goes to the RAM or to the lower level of the processor's memory.

Types of processors

Having figured out how the CPU works, it's time to compare different types of it. There are many types of processor. There are both weak single-core models and powerful devices with many cores. There are those that are designed exclusively for office work, and there are those that are necessary for the most modern games.

At the moment, there are two main processor makers - AMD and Intel. It is they who produce the most relevant and demanded chips. You need to understand that the difference between the chips of these two companies is not in the number of cores or overall performance, but in the architecture.

That is, the products of these two companies are built on different principles. And each creator has his own unique type of processor, which has a structure that is different from the competitor.

It should be noted that both options have their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Intel differ in the following pluses :

• Less energy consumption;
• Most hardware developers focus specifically on interaction with Intel processors;
• In games, the performance is higher;
• Intel is easier to interact with the computer's RAM;
• Operations performed with only one program are faster on Intel.

At the same time, there are also their own minuses :

• Typically, Intel chipsets are more expensive than their AMD counterparts;
• When working with several heavy programs, performance drops;
• The graphics cores are weaker than those of the competitor.

AMD differ in the following advantages:

• Much better value for money;
• Capable of ensuring reliable operation of the entire system;
• There is an opportunity to overclock the processor, increasing its power by 10-20%;
• More powerful integrated graphics cores.

However, AMD is inferior in the following parameters:

• Interaction with RAM is worse;
• More power is spent on the processor;
• The frequency of work on the second and third levels of the buffer memory is lower;
• In games, performance is lower.

While their pros and cons stand out, companies continue to make better processors. You just have to choose which one is preferable for you. After all, it is impossible to say unequivocally that one firm is better than another.

Main characteristics

So, we have already figured out that one of the main characteristics of a processor is its developer. But there are a number of parameters that you need to pay even more attention to when buying.

Let's not stray too far from the brand and mention that there are different series of chips. Each manufacturer produces its own lines in different price categories, created for different tasks. Another related parameter is CPU architecture. In fact, these are its internal organs, on which the entire operation of the chip depends.

Not the most obvious, but very important parameter is the socket. The fact is that on the processor itself, the socket must match the corresponding socket on the motherboard.

Otherwise, you will not be able to combine these two essential components of any computer. So, when assembling a system unit, you either need to buy a motherboard and look for a chipset for it, or vice versa.

Now it's time to figure out which characteristics of the processor affect its performance. Without a doubt, the main one is the clock speed. This is the amount of operations that can be performed in a given unit of time.

This indicator is measured in megahertz. So what does the chip's clock speed affect? Since it indicates the number of operations in a certain time, it is not difficult to guess that the speed of the device depends on it.

Another important indicator is the amount of buffer memory. As mentioned earlier, it is top and bottom. It also affects processor performance.

A CPU can have one or more cores. Multi-core models are more expensive. But what does the number of cores affect? This characteristic determines the power of the device. The more cores, the more powerful the device.

Output

The central processor plays not only one of the most important, but even the main role in the operation of a computer. The performance of the entire device will depend on it, as well as the tasks for which it is generally possible to use it.

But that doesn't mean you have to buy the most powerful processor for your average computer. Find the perfect model for your needs.

- This is the main computing component, on which the speed of the entire computer depends heavily. Therefore, usually, when choosing a computer configuration, first choose the processor, and then everything else.

For simple tasks

If the computer will be used to work with documents and the Internet, then an inexpensive processor with an integrated video core Pentium G5400 / 5500/5600 (2 cores / 4 threads), which only slightly differ in frequency, will suit you.

For video editing

For video editing, it is better to take a modern multi-threaded AMD Ryzen 5/7 processor (6-8 cores / 12-16 threads), which, in tandem with a good video card, will also cope well with games.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor

For the average gaming computer

For a purely middle-class gaming computer, it is better to take the Core i3-8100 / 8300, they have honest 4 cores and perform well in games with middle-class video cards (GTX 1050/1060/1070).
Intel Core i3 8100 processor

For a powerful gaming computer

For a powerful gaming computer, it is better to take a 6-core Core i5-8400 / 8500/8600, and for a PC with a top-end video card i7-8700 (6 cores / 12 threads). These processors show the best results in games and are able to fully exploit powerful video cards (GTX 1080/2080).
Intel Core i5 8400 processor

In any case, the more cores and the higher the processor frequency, the better. Focus on your financial capabilities.

2. How the processor works

The central processing unit consists of a printed circuit board with a silicon crystal and various electronic components. The crystal is covered with a special metal cover that prevents damage and acts as a heat spreader.

On the other side of the board are the legs (or pads) that connect the processor to the motherboard.

3. Processor manufacturers

Processors for computers are produced by two large companies - Intel and AMD at several high-tech factories in the world. Therefore, the processor, regardless of the manufacturer, is the most reliable component of a computer.

Intel is a leader in the technology found in today's processors. AMD partially adopts their experience, adding something of its own and pursuing a more democratic pricing policy.

4. What is the difference between Intel and AMD processors

Intel and AMD processors differ mainly in architecture (electronic circuitry). Some are better at some tasks, some at others.

Intel Core processors generally have higher performance per core, which makes them outperform AMD Ryzen processors in most modern games and are more suitable for building powerful gaming computers.

AMD Ryzen processors, in turn, win in multi-threaded tasks, such as video editing, in principle, are not much inferior to Intel Core in games and are perfect for a universal computer used for both professional tasks and games.

For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the old inexpensive AMD FX-8xxx series processors with 8 physical cores do a good job of editing video and can be used as a budget option for these purposes. But they are less suitable for games and are installed on motherboards with an outdated AM3 + socket, which will make it problematic to replace components in the future in order to improve or repair your computer. So it's better to get a more modern AMD Ryzen processor and a matching socket AM4 motherboard.

If your budget is limited, but in the future you want to have a powerful PC, then you can first purchase an inexpensive model, and after 2-3 years, change the processor to a more powerful one.

5. Processor socket

Socket is a connector for connecting the processor to the motherboard. Processor sockets are marked either by the number of processor legs, or by alphanumeric designation at the discretion of the manufacturer.

Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. The general recommendation is to purchase a processor with the most recent socket. This will ensure that both the processor and the motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.

Intel processor sockets

• Definitely obsolete: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 1150, 2011
• Obsolete: 1151, 2011-3
• Modern: 1151-v2, 2066

AMD processor sockets

• Obsolete: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
• Obsolete: AM3 +, FM2 +
• Modern: AM4, TR4

The processor and motherboard must have the same sockets, otherwise the processor simply won't install. Today, the most relevant processors are with the following sockets.

Intel 1150- they are still on sale, but in the next few years they will go out of use and replacing the processor or motherboard will become more problematic. They have a wide range of models - from the most inexpensive to quite powerful ones.

Intel 1151- modern processors, which are not much more expensive, but much more promising. They have a wide range of models - from the most inexpensive to quite powerful ones.

Intel 1151-v2- the second version of socket 1151, differs from the previous one in supporting the most modern processors of the 8th and 9th generation.

Intel 2011-3- powerful 6/8/10 core processors for professional PCs.

Intel 2066- top most powerful and expensive 12/16/18 core processors for professional PCs.

AMD FM2 +- processors with integrated graphics for office tasks and the most basic games. The lineup includes both budget and middle class processors.

AMD AM3 +- obsolete 4/6/8-core processors (FX), older versions of which can be used for video editing.

AMD AM4- modern multi-threaded processors for professional tasks and games.

AMD TR4- top most powerful and expensive 8/12/16 core processors for professional PCs.

Considering purchasing a computer on older sockets is impractical. In general, I would recommend limiting the choice of processors on sockets 1151 and AM4, since they are the most modern and allow you to assemble a sufficiently powerful computer for any budget.

6. Main characteristics of processors

All processors, regardless of manufacturer, differ in the number of cores, threads, frequency, cache memory, supported RAM frequency, built-in video core and some other parameters.

6.1. Number of Cores

The number of cores has the greatest impact on processor performance. An office or multimedia computer requires at least a 2-core processor. If the computer is supposed to be used for modern games, then it needs a processor with at least 4 cores. The processor with 6-8 cores is suitable for video editing and heavy professional applications. The most powerful processors can have 10-18 cores, but they are very expensive and are designed for complex professional tasks.

6.2. Number of threads

Hyper-treading technology allows each processor core to process 2 data streams, which significantly increases performance. Multi-threaded processors are Intel Core i7, i9, some Core i3 and Pentium (G4560, G46xx), and most AMD Ryzen.

A processor with 2 cores and Hyper-treading support is close to 4-core in performance, and with 4 cores and Hyper-treading - to 8-core. For example, a Core i3-6100 (2 cores / 4 threads) is twice as powerful as a 2-core Pentium without Hyper-treading, but still somewhat weaker than an honest 4-core Core i5. But the Core i5 processors do not support Hyper-treading, so they are significantly inferior to the Core i7 processors (4 cores / 8 threads).

Ryzen 5 and 7 processors have 4/6/8 cores and 8/12/16 threads, respectively, which makes them kings in tasks such as video editing. The new Ryzen Threadripper processor family features processors with up to 16 cores and 32 threads. But there are lower processors from the Ryzen 3 series that are not multi-threaded.

Modern games have also learned to use multithreading, so for a powerful gaming PC, it is advisable to take a Core i7 (for 8-12 threads) or Ryzen (for 8-12 threads). The new 6-core Core-i5 processors are also a good choice in terms of price / performance ratio.

6.3. CPU frequency

Processor performance is also highly dependent on the frequency at which all processor cores operate.

For a simple computer to type and access the Internet, in principle, a processor with a frequency of about 2 GHz is enough. But there are many processors with a frequency of about 3 GHz, which cost about the same, so it is not advisable to save money here.

A mid-range multimedia or gaming computer should use a processor around 3.5 GHz.

A powerful gaming or professional computer requires a processor closer to 4 GHz.

In any case, the higher the processor frequency, the better, and then look at the financial possibilities.

6.4. Turbo Boost and Turbo Core

Modern processors have a concept of base frequency, which is indicated in the characteristics simply as the processor frequency. We spoke about this frequency above.

Intel Core i5, i7, i9 processors also have a concept of maximum frequency in Turbo Boost. It is a technology that automatically increases the frequency of the processor cores under high load to increase performance. The fewer cores a program or game uses, the more their frequency increases.

For example, a Core i5-2500 processor has a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. Under load, depending on the number of cores used, the frequency will increase to the following values:

• 4 active cores - 3.4 GHz
• 3 active cores - 3.5 GHz
• 2 active cores - 3.6 GHz
• 1 active core - 3.7 GHz

AMD A, FX and Ryzen series processors have a similar automatic processor overclocking technology called Turbo Core. For example, the FX-8150 processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and a maximum Turbo Core frequency of 4.2 GHz.

For Turbo Boost and Turbo Core technologies to work, the processor needs to have enough power and not overheat. Otherwise, the processor will not raise the core frequency. This means that the power supply, motherboard and cooler must be powerful enough. Also, the operation of these technologies should not be interfered with by the BIOS settings of the motherboard and the power supply settings in Windows.

Modern programs and games use all processor cores and the performance gain from Turbo Boost and Turbo Core technologies will be small. Therefore, when choosing a processor, it is better to focus on the base frequency.

6.5. Cache memory

Cache memory refers to the internal memory that the processor needs to perform computations faster. Cache size also affects processor performance, but to a much lesser extent than the number of cores and processor frequency. In different programs, this effect can vary in the range of 5-15%. But processors with a large cache memory are much more expensive (1.5-2 times). Therefore, such an acquisition is not always economically feasible.

There are 4 levels of cache memory:

The L1 cache is small and usually overlooked when choosing a processor.

The 2nd level cache is the most important. On low-end processors, it is typical to have 256 kilobytes (KB) of L2 cache per core. Processors designed for mid-range computers have 512 KB of L2 cache per core. Processors for high-performance professional and gaming computers must be equipped with at least 1 megabyte (MB) of L2 cache per core.

Not all processors have L3 cache. The weakest processors for office tasks can have up to 2 MB of cache of the 3rd level, or they do not have it at all. Processors for modern home multimedia computers must have 3-4 MB of L3 cache. Powerful processors for professional and gaming computers should have 6-8 MB of L3 cache.

Only some processors have L4 cache, and if there is, then this is good, but in principle it is not necessary.

If the processor has a level 3 or 4 cache, then the size of the level 2 cache can be ignored.

6.6. Supported RAM type and frequency

Different processors can support different types and frequencies of RAM. This must be taken into account in the future when choosing a RAM.

Legacy processors can support DDR3 RAM with a maximum frequency of 1333, 1600, or 1866 MHz.

Modern processors support DDR4 memory with a maximum frequency of 2133, 2400, 2666 MHz or more, and often for compatibility, DDR3L memory, which differs from the usual DDR3 in a reduced voltage from 1.5 to 1.35 V. Such processors can work with regular DDR3 memory, if you have it. already exists, but processor manufacturers do not recommend this because of the increased degradation of memory controllers designed for DDR4 with an even lower voltage of 1.2 V. In addition, an old motherboard with DDR3 slots is also needed for the old memory. So the best option is to sell the old DDR3 memory and upgrade to the new DDR4.

Today, the most optimal price / performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by all modern processors. Sometimes you can buy memory with a frequency of 2666 MHz for a little more. Well, the 3000 MHz memory will cost much more. In addition, processors do not always work stably with high-frequency memory.

You also need to consider what the maximum memory frequency is supported by the motherboard. But memory frequency has a relatively small impact on overall performance and shouldn't be chased after.

Often, users who are beginning to understand computer components have a question about the availability of memory modules with a much higher frequency on sale than the processor officially supports (2666-3600 MHz). For the memory to work at this frequency, the motherboard must have support for XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) technology. XMP automatically raises the bus frequency to keep the memory running at a higher frequency.

6.7. Integrated video core

The processor can have a built-in video core, which allows you to save on the purchase of a separate video card for an office or multimedia PC (watching videos, basic games). But for a gaming computer and video editing, a separate (discrete) video card is needed.

The more expensive the processor, the more powerful the integrated video core. Among Intel processors, the Core i7 has the most powerful embedded video, followed by i5, i3, Pentium G and Celeron G.

AMD A-Series Processors on Socket FM2 + have a more powerful integrated video core than Intel processors. The most powerful is the A10, followed by the A8, A6 and A4.

Socket AM3 + FX processors do not have a built-in video core and have been used as the basis for inexpensive gaming PCs with a discrete mid-range graphics card.

Also, most AMD Athlon and Phenom processors do not have a built-in video core, and those that have it on a very old socket AM1.

Ryzen G processors have an integrated Vega video core, which is twice as powerful as the previous generation processor from the A8, A10 series.

If you are not going to buy a discrete graphics card, but still want to play undemanding games from time to time, then it is better to give preference to the Ryzen G processors. But do not expect the integrated graphics to pull the demanding modern games. The maximum it is capable of is online games and some well-optimized games at low to medium graphics settings in HD resolution (1280 × 720), in some cases Full HD (1920 × 1080). Look at the tests of the processor you need on Youtube and see if it is right for you.

7. Other characteristics of processors

Also, processors are characterized by such parameters as the manufacturing process, power consumption and heat dissipation.

7.1. Manufacturing process

A technical process is the technology by which processors are manufactured. The more modern the equipment and production technology, the thinner the technical process. Power consumption and heat dissipation strongly depend on the technical process by which the processor is made. The thinner the process technology, the more economical and colder the processor will be.

Modern processors are manufactured in a 10 to 45 nanometer (nm) process. The lower the value, the better. But first of all, be guided by the power consumption and the associated heat dissipation of the processor, which will be discussed below.

7.2. CPU power consumption

The more the number of cores and the frequency of the processor, the greater its power consumption. Also, energy consumption is highly dependent on the manufacturing process. The thinner the technical process, the lower the energy consumption. The main thing to consider is that a powerful processor cannot be installed on a weak motherboard and it will need a more powerful power supply.

Modern processors consume between 25 and 220 watts. This parameter can be read on their packaging or on the manufacturer's website. The parameters of the motherboard also indicate what kind of processor power consumption it is designed for.

7.3. Heat dissipation of the processor

The heat dissipation of the processor is considered to be equal to its maximum power consumption. It is also measured in watts and is called the Thermal Design Power (TDP). Modern processors have a TDP in the range of 25-220 watts. Try to choose a processor with a lower TDP. The optimal TDP range is 45-95 W.

8. How to find out the characteristics of processors

All the main characteristics of the processor, such as the number of cores, frequency and cache memory, are usually indicated in the price lists of the sellers.

All parameters of a particular processor can be specified on the official websites of manufacturers (Intel and AMD):

By model number or serial number, it is very easy to find all the characteristics of any processor on the site:

Or just enter your model number in a Google or Yandex search engine (for example, "Ryzen 7 1800X").

9. Processor models

Processor models change annually, so here I will not give them all, but I will only give a series (line) of processors, which change less often and by which you can easily navigate.

I recommend purchasing processors of more modern series, as they are more productive and support new technologies. The higher the processor frequency, the higher the model number after the series name.

9.1. Intel processor lines

Older series:

• Celeron - for office tasks (2 cores)
• Pentium - for entry-class multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)

Modern series:

• Celeron G - for office tasks (2 cores)
• Pentium G - for entry-class multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
• Core i3 - for entry-class multimedia and gaming PCs (2-4 cores)
• Core i5 - for mid-range gaming PCs (4-6 cores)
• Core i7 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs (4-10 cores)
• Core i9 - for ultra-powerful professional PCs (12-18 cores)

All Core i7, i9, some Core i3 and Pentium processors support Hyper-threading technology, which significantly increases performance.

9.2. AMD processor lines

Older series:

• Sempron - for office tasks (2 cores)
• Athlon - entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
• Phenom - for mid-range multimedia and gaming PCs (2-4 cores)

Obsolete series:

• A4, A6 - for office tasks (2 cores)
• A8, A10 - for office tasks and simple games (4 cores)
• FX - for video editing and not very heavy games (4-8 cores)

Modern series:

• Ryzen 3 - Entry-End Multimedia & Gaming PCs (4 Cores)
• Ryzen 5 - for video editing and mid-range gaming PCs (4-6 cores)
• Ryzen 7 - For Powerful Gaming & Pro PCs (4-8 Cores)
• Ryzen Threadripper - For Powerful Professional PCs (8-16 Cores)

Ryzen 5, 7, and Threadripper processors are multi-threaded, making them a great choice for video editing with their high core count. In addition, there are models with an “X” at the end of the marking, which have a higher frequency.

9.3. Restarting episodes

It should also be noted that sometimes manufacturers restart old series with new sockets. For example, Intel now has Celeron G and Pentium G with integrated graphics, AMD has updated Athlon II and Phenom II processor lines. These processors are slightly inferior to their more modern counterparts in performance, but significantly gain in price.

9.4. Core and processor generation

Along with the change of sockets, the generation of processors usually changes. For example, on socket 1150 there were 4th generation Core i7-4xxx processors, on socket 2011-3 - 5th generation Core i7-5xxx. With the transition to socket 1151, 6th generation Core i7-6xxx processors appeared.

It also happens that the generation of the processor changes without changing the socket. For example, on socket 1151, the 7th generation Core i7-7xxx processors came out.

The generational change is due to improvements in the electronic architecture of the processor, also called the core. For example, the Core i7-6xxx processors are built on a core code-named Skylake, and the Core i7-7xxx that have come to replace them are based on the Kaby Lake core.

The kernels can have various differences from quite significant ones to purely cosmetic ones. For example, Kaby Lake differs from the previous Skylake in its updated integrated graphics and overclocking blocking on the bus of processors without the K index.

Similarly, there is a change of cores and generations of AMD processors. For example, the FX-9xxx processors have replaced the FX-8xxx processors. Their main difference is the significantly increased frequency and, as a result, heat release. But the socket has not changed, but the old AM3 + remains.

AMD FX processors had many cores, the last of which are Zambezi and Vishera, but they were replaced by new much better and more powerful processors Ryzen (Zen core) on socket AM4 and Ryzen (Threadripper core) on TR4 socket.

10. Overclocking the processor

Intel Core processors with a “K” at the end of the label have a higher base frequency and an unlocked multiplier. They can be easily overclocked (overclocked) for better performance, but a more expensive Z-series motherboard is required.

All AMD FX and Ryzen processors can be overclocked by changing the multiplier, but their overclocking potential is more modest. Overclocking Ryzen processors is supported by motherboards based on B350, X370 chipsets.

In general, the overclocking capability makes the processor more promising, since in the future, with a slight lack of performance, it will not be possible to change it, but simply overclock it.

11. Packaging and cooler

Processors with the word "BOX" at the end of the marking are packed in a high-quality box and can be sold with a cooler.

However, some more expensive boxed processors may not have a cooler.

If “Tray” or “OEM” is written at the end of the marking, it means that the processor is packed in a small plastic tray and there is no cooler in the kit.

Entry-class processors like Pentium are easier and cheaper to purchase with a cooler. But a mid-range or high-end processor is often more profitable to buy without a cooler and separately select a suitable cooler for it. In terms of cost, it will be about the same, but in terms of cooling and noise level it will be much better.

12. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Go to the "Processors" section on the seller's website.
2. Choose a manufacturer (Intel or AMD).
3. Select socket (1151, AM4).
4. Select a processor line (Pentium, i3, i5, i7, Ryzen).
5. Sort the sample by price.
6. Browse processors starting with cheaper ones.
7. Buy a processor with the highest possible number of threads and frequency that suits you for the price.

This way you get the best price / performance processor that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

13. Links

Intel Core i7 8700 processor
Intel Core i5 8600K processor
Intel Pentium G4600 processor

The processor is, without a doubt, the main component of any computer. It is this small piece of silicon, several tens of millimeters in size, that performs all the complex tasks that you put in front of your computer. This is where the operating system runs, as well as all programs. But how does it all work? We will try to analyze this question in our today's article.

The processor manages the data on your computer and executes millions of instructions per second. And by the word processor, I mean exactly what it really means - a small silicon chip that actually performs all the operations on a computer. Before proceeding to consider how the processor works, you must first consider in detail what it is and what it consists of.

First, let's look at what a processor is. CPU or central processing unit (central processing unit) - which is a microcircuit with a huge number of transistors, made on a silicon crystal. The world's first processor was developed by Intel Corporation in 1971. It all started with the Intel 4004 model. It could only perform computational operations and could only process 4 bytes of data. The next model came out in 1974 - Intel 8080 and could already process 8 bits of information. Then there were 80286, 80386, 80486. It was from these processors that the name of the architecture came from.

The 8088 had a clock speed of 5 MHz and only 330,000 operations per second, much less than today's processors. Modern devices have a frequency of up to 10 GHz and several million operations per second.

We will not consider transistors, let's move to a higher level. Each processor consists of the following components:

• Core- all information processing and mathematical operations are performed here, there can be several cores;
• Command decoder- this component belongs to the core, it converts software commands into a set of signals that will be executed by the core transistors;
• Cache- an area of ​​ultrafast memory, a small volume, which stores data read from RAM;
• Registers- these are very fast memory cells in which the currently processed data is stored. There are only a few of them and they have a limited size - 8, 16 or 32 bits, and the bit capacity of the processor depends on this;
• Coprocessor- a separate core that is optimized only for performing certain operations, for example, video processing or data encryption;
• Address bus- for communication with all devices connected to the motherboard, it can be 8, 16 or 32 bits wide;
• Data bus- for communication with the RAM. With it, the processor can write data to memory or read it from there. The memory bus can be 8, 16 and 32 bits, this is the amount of data that can be transferred at one time;
• Synchronization bus- allows you to control the processor frequency and clock cycles;
• Restart bus- to reset the processor state;

The main component can be considered the core or computing-arithmetic unit, as well as the registers of the processor. Everything else helps these two components work. Let's take a look at what registers are and what their purpose is.

• Registers A, B, C- designed to store data during processing, yes, there are only three of them, but this is quite enough;
• EIP- contains the address of the next program instruction in RAM;
• ESP- data address in RAM;
• Z- contains the result of the last comparison operation;

Of course, these are far from all memory registers, but these are the most important ones and they are most used by the processor during program execution. Well, now that you know what the processor consists of, you can consider how it works.

How does a computer processor work?

The processing core of the processor can only perform math operations, comparison operations, and movement of data between cells and RAM, but this is enough for you to play games, watch movies and browse the web and much more.

In fact, any program consists of the following commands: move, add, multiply, divide, difference, and go to an instruction if the comparison condition is met. Of course, these are not all commands, there are others that combine the ones already listed or simplify their use.

All data movements are performed using a move instruction (mov), this instruction moves data between register locations, between registers and RAM, between memory and hard disk. There are special instructions for arithmetic operations. And jump instructions are needed to fulfill the conditions, for example, check the value of register A and if it is not equal to zero, then go to the instruction at the desired address. You can also create loops using jump instructions.

This is all very good, but how do all these components interact with each other? And how do transistors understand instructions? The entire processor is controlled by an instruction decoder. It makes each component do what it's supposed to do. Let's take a look at what happens when a program needs to be executed.

At the first stage, the decoder loads the address of the first program instruction in memory into the register of the next EIP instruction, for this it activates the read channel and opens the latch transistor to put data into the EIP register.

In the second clock cycle, the instruction decoder converts the command into a set of signals for the transistors of the computing core, which execute it and write the result into one of the registers, for example, C.

On the third cycle, the decoder increments the address of the next instruction by one, so that it points to the next instruction in memory. Further, the decoder proceeds to load the next command and so on until the end of the program.

Each instruction is already encoded with a series of transistors, and converted to signals, it causes physical changes in the processor, for example, a change in the position of the latch, which allows data to be written to a memory location, and so on. The execution of different commands requires a different number of clock cycles, for example, one command may take 5 clock cycles, and for another, more complex one, up to 20. But it all still depends on the number of transistors in the processor itself.

Well, everything is clear with this, but all this will work only if one program is running, and if there are several of them and all at the same time. It can be assumed that the processor has several cores, and then separate programs are executed on each core. But no, in fact there are no such restrictions.

Only one program can run at a time. All processor time is divided among all running programs, each program is executed for several clock cycles, then the processor is transferred to another program, and the entire contents of the registers are stored in RAM. When control returns to this program, the previously saved values ​​are loaded into the registers.

conclusions

That's all, in this article we examined how a computer processor works, what a processor is and what it consists of. It might be a little tricky, but we've looked at everything more simply. Hopefully you are now clearer about how this very complex device works.

To complete the video about the history of the creation of processors:

CPU structure

To make it clear to a non-professional how a computer's central processor works, consider what blocks it consists of:

Processor control unit;

Command and data registers;

Arithmetic logic devices (perform arithmetic and logical operations);

A block of operations with real numbers, that is, with floating point numbers or, more simply, with fractions (FPU);

Buffer memory (cache) of the first level (separately for instructions and data);

Buffer memory (cache) of the second level for storing intermediate calculation results;

Most modern processors also have a L3 cache;

System bus interface.

How the processor works

The algorithm of the central processor of a computer can be represented as a sequence of the following actions.

The processor control unit takes from the RAM, into which the program is loaded, certain values ​​(data) and commands that need to be executed (instructions). This data is loaded into the processor's cache.

From the processor's buffer memory (cache), instructions and received data are written to registers. Instructions are placed in instruction registers and values ​​in data registers.

The arithmetic logic unit reads instructions and data from the corresponding processor registers and executes these instructions on the received numbers.

The results are again written to the registers and, if the calculations are finished, to the processor's buffer memory. The processor has very few registers, so it is forced to store intermediate results in the cache memory of various levels.

New data and commands required for calculations are loaded into the upper-level cache (from the third to the second, from the second to the first), and unused data, on the contrary, into the lower-level cache.

If the computation cycle is over, the result is written into the computer's RAM to free up space in the processor's buffer memory for new computations. The same thing happens when the cache memory is overflowing with data: unused data is moved to the lower-level cache or to RAM.

The sequence of these operations forms the processor's operational thread. The processor gets very hot during operation. To prevent this from happening, you need to clean the laptop at home in a timely manner.

To speed up the CPU and increase computing performance, new architectural solutions are constantly being developed to increase processor efficiency. Among them are pipeline execution of operations, tracing, that is, an attempt to anticipate further actions of the program, parallel processing of commands (instructions), multithreading and also multicore.

A multi-core processor has several computational cores, that is, several arithmetic-logical units, floating-point computation units and registers, as well as a first-level cache, each combined into its own core. The cores have a common buffer memory of the second and third levels. The appearance of the L3 cache memory was precisely caused by the multicore and, accordingly, the need for a larger amount of fast buffer memory for storing intermediate computation results.

The main indicators affecting the processing speed of a processor are the number of processing cores, pipeline length, clock frequency and cache memory. To increase the performance of a computer, it is often necessary to change the processor, and this entails the replacement of the motherboard and RAM. The specialists of our service center will help you to upgrade, configure and repair your computer at home in Moscow if you are intimidated by the process of self-assembly and modernization of your computer.

The microprocessor for a personal computer, as well as for other devices, be it phones, tablets, laptops or other interesting gadgets, is the main central device that performs almost all calculations and is responsible for data processing. You could even say this - CPU this is "brain" any modern computer or high-tech device. It is also one of the most expensive items in modern computers.

1. The history of the appearance of the processor

The first computer processors based on a mechanical relay appeared in the fifties of the last century. After some time, models with electronic tubes appeared, which were eventually replaced by transistors. The computers themselves were rather bulky and expensive devices.

The subsequent development of processors boiled down to the fact that it was decided to present the components included in them in one microcircuit. The emergence of integrated semiconductor circuits made it possible to implement this idea.

In 1969, Busicom ordered twelve microcircuits from Intel, which they planned to use in their own design - in a desktop calculator. Already at that time, Intel developers had an idea to replace several microcircuits with one. The idea was approved by the management of the corporation, since such a technology made it possible to significantly reduce the costs of manufacturing microcircuits, while specialists had the opportunity to make the processor universal for use in other computing devices.

Some systems allow you to increase the already existing operating frequency of the processor, this procedure is called "Overclocking"... Setting a higher processor frequency allows you to increase its performance indicators.

7. Comparison of manufacturers Intel and AMD

American company named Intel was founded in 1968, while its main competitor is the company AMD- appeared a year later.

The fact that AMD came to light a year later than Intel had a significant impact on their rivalry. The first processors from AMD were copies of processors released by Intel, but this fact did not prevent AMD from developing the first 16-core processor... At the same time, in 2005, an ordinary user was offered the first 2-core processor bearing the name AMD Athlon 64 X2.

Intel's dual-core Core 2 Duo processors hit the market a year later, and AMD processors are still much cheaper today than Intel's.

Which processor should you prefer? If the user needs to use a computer to work with complex professional software, then in this case it is better to purchase a PC with an Intel processor.

AMD processors are a great option for gaming PCs and in situations that do not require high performance hardware.

8. Processor cache

Cache- nothing more than processor memory, the tasks of which are similar to the tasks assigned to RAM. The processor uses the cache to store data in it. In this type of memory, the most frequently used information is buffered, due to which the time spent on subsequent access to it is significantly reduced.

The operating memory of computers sold today ranges from 1 GB, while the processor cache does not exceed 8 MB. As you can see from the above data, the difference in these types of memory is quite significant. Despite this, even the specified volume is sufficient to ensure the normal performance of the entire system. Processors with two-level cache memory: L1 and L2 are of great interest to users today. The memory of the first level is smaller than the memory of the second level and it is necessary for storing instructions. In this case, the second level, due to the fact that it is larger, is used for direct data storage. Many processors currently have a shared L2 cache.

9. Processor functions and technologies: MMX, SSE, 3DNow !, Hyper Threading

Modern processors are equipped with characteristic additional functions and technologies that expand their capabilities:

3DNow !, ММХ, SSE, SSE2, SSE3- technologies that optimize work with large data and multimedia files;

AMD processors include the technology NX-bit(No Execute), while Intel processors have similar technology XD(Execute Disable Bit);

Cool "n" Quiet(in AMD), TM1 / TM2, C1E, EIST(at Intel) the consumption of electrical energy is reduced;

In technology AMD64 or EMT64(for Intel processors) needs 64-bit instructions;

Concurrent execution of multiple threads of instructions in some Intel processors implies the presence of technology NT(Hyper-Threading Technology).

10. Multi-core processors

The center of modern central microprocessors is equipped with cores. The core is a silicon crystal with an area of ​​about one square centimeter. Despite its small size, microscopic logic elements made it possible to implement a processor circuit diagram on its surface, the so-called chip architecture.

Multi-core processor consists in the presence in the central microprocessor of two or more computing cores on the surface of one processor chip, which can also be enclosed in one package.

A list of the advantages of a multi-core processor:

It becomes possible to distribute the work of applications across several cores;

Computationally intensive processes run significantly faster;

Application response speed is increased;

Reducing the consumption of electrical energy;

More productive use of resource-intensive multimedia programs;

More comfortable work for PC users.

11. Processor manufacturing

Microprocessor manufacturing involves at least two important stages. At the first stage, substrates are produced, which are subsequently given conductive properties. In the second stage, the produced substrates are tested, after which the processor is assembled and packaged.

Today, such leading processor manufacturers as AMD and Intel are trying to establish production, using the largest possible market segments, minimizing the possible range of crystals. An excellent confirmation of this is the Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The product line includes three processors with different code names: Merom for mobile devices, Conroe for desktop versions, Woodcrest for server versions. All three processors share the same technological basis, which allows the manufacturer to make a decision, being in the last stage of production. So, for example, if the market requires more mobile processors, the company will focus on releasing the Socket 479 model. If the demand for desktop models increases, Intel will pack the crystals required for Socket 775. If the demand for server processors grows, all of the above actions will be applied for Socket 771.

12. Marking and code names of processors

Various products manufactured at factories of large enterprises are designated by code names, which is a rather convenient solution than using long official designations when conducting official conversations and correspondence. Sometimes a wide range of users learn about intra-company code names, but they are rarely used in everyday life.

The situation with code names of processors is the opposite, since recently they have begun to be used in conversations and are included in official documentation as marking processors.

At the same time, you only need to remember some code names, for example, for the successful modernization of a PC, since most often, in addition to beautiful sound and advertising ambitions, such names do not carry any useful information for the consumer.

13. Sockets (socket) for processors

Processor socket translated from English means "Connector" or "nest"... If we apply this term to a computer, then the socket is the place where the central processor is installed. Each processor model is equipped with its own version of the connector, this is due to the fact that the manufacturing technologies of processors have been improved, and therefore their architecture, the number of transistors, sockets, etc. have been modernized.

The CPU socket is designed as a slot or slot to simplify the CPU installation process. The use of connectors greatly simplifies the replacement of the processor for subsequent repair or upgrade of the PC.

14. CPU cooling

Fan or, as it is also called cooler, is a device whose task is to provide cooling for the processor. There are different models of coolers, but most often they are installed on top of the processor itself.

Coolers are active and passive. The category of passive coolers includes ordinary radiators, which are quite cheap, consume a minimum of electricity and, at the same time, are practically silent. An active cooler is a radiator with a fan attached to it.

The most popular today are active air coolers consisting of a metal radiator with a fan installed on it.

Being a mechanical device, the friction parts of the cooler need timely lubrication with machine oil, while it is strictly forbidden to use vegetable oils for these purposes.

The need to lubricate the device can be recognized by the characteristic and gradually increasing noise from the cooler.

15. Malfunctions and errors in processors

In the event of a processor malfunction, the PC may start to shutdown and reboot on its own, the operating system will freeze, and the hard drive will simply not be displayed. In this case, all of the above is accompanied by strong heating of the processor. Often, a defective processor becomes the cause of permanent errors in the operation of the operating system and related software.

Under no circumstances should a faulty processor be checked on a working motherboard, since such actions may well provoke the failure of the motherboard.

Most often, processors are damaged due to overheating and incorrect assembly of the computer, which can lead to accidental bending of the processor contacts, and as a result of a short circuit. In this case, the only solution to the problem is to replace the processor.