Central Processing Unit
CPU stands for central processing unit. It is normally referred to the brain of the computer and has the job of carrying out every function of the pc. The CPU is also referred to as the PROCESSOR as it processes all the information for the PC.
While there are other factors which play a great role in how fast your computer operates, the CPU is the prime factor in the speed of your machine. Hence the faster your CPU, we can safely say the faster your computer. (Other factors also apply)
CPU speeds are measured in GHZ which is a short term for Giga Hertz. GHZ is some times referred to as ‘Gig’s’. The very recent computers (Older than 5 years or more) used to be measured in MHZ, short for Mega Hertz.
Amongst all this, the CPU is the smallest component in the computer and can be held in the palm of your hand. (See Picture below)
Front of CPU Back of CPU
If examined closely, the front of the CPU is a plane solid metal and the back of the CPU has normally a large quantity of pins coming out of it. In some cases these pins are not to be found but small dots on the back of the processor in the place of the pins. This is described in further details in the motherboards section.
The CPU can not be found inside a computer without removing the CPU heat sink fan. The heat sink fan is metal block some times made out of copper also to conduct the immense heat the CPU produces then finally the heat is cooled down by the Fan which is fixed on top of the heat sink. (See picture below)
The above picture illustrates a heat sink and fan made by ZALMAN. In this case the heat sink is made out of complete copper and has a fan attached to the top. The heat sink sits on top of the processor and has complete contact with the top part of the CPU. This then conducts the heat from the CPU to the Heat sink and spreads the heat throughout its ‘fins’ or ‘grills’. The fan simply cools the fins or grills of the heat sink to allow the heat sink to conduct the heat continuously. The Zalman is a more advanced approach to a heat sink, below is a picture of a simple standard heat sink. The Heat sink will always clip onto the motherboard which allows a firm contact between the CPU and the heat sink. This is a more standard approach to a heat sink as oppose to a more modernised approach like the ZALMAN.
| Hardware |
|---|
| Central Processing Unit |
| What Is A Hard Drive |
| What Is a Motherboard |
| What Is An Optical Drive |
| What Is RAM |