CPU

Kilobyte

1,024 storage units often rounded to 1,000B; a measure of computer memory

Major CPU manufacturers

Intel and AMD are the predominant manufacturers for desktop and laptop processors, and the other manufacturers target the mobile/smartphone markets.

Hyper Transport

Intel and AMD have technologies to replace the front side bus in some parts. AMD's solution is Direct Connect. Direct Connect allows each of the processor cores to connect directly to memory, to the other motherboard components such as the expansion slots, and to other processor cores, using a high-speed bus called HyperTransport.

QPI/DMI

Intel has QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) and DMI (Direct Media Interface), which are full-duplex (that is, traffic can flow in both directions simultaneously) point-to-point connections between the processor and one or more motherboard components.

Register sizes today vs. past

Intel's 8086 processor's register size was 16 bits, or 2 bytes. Today's CPUs have register sizes of 64 or 128 bits.

Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel's HTT (Hyper-Threading Technology, HT Technology, or simply shortened to HT) allows a single processor to handle two separate sets of instructions simultaneously. To the operating system, HT makes the system appear as if it has multiple processors.

When a customer asks if a processor should be upgraded, what should the technician ask and be mindful of?

"What operating system and applications are you using?" The newer the operating system, the more advanced a processor should be. Some games and applications that must perform calculations, as well as graphic-oriented applications, require a faster, more advanced processor.

TDP

(Thermal Design Power) A rating that signifies the maximum power that the computer's cooling system needs to dissipate heat generated by the CPU. Example: 95 watt-hour

VRM

(voltage regulator module) is integrated into the motherboard and can provide the appropriate voltage. The CPU can communicate to the VRM the voltage level desired, and the VRM can provide it. Running a processor at lower speeds and lower voltages can save on power consumption, especially on a mobile platform.

Tetrabyte

1,000 GB 1M MB 1B KB IT B

Megabyte

1,000KB 1M B

Gigabyte

1,000MB 1M KB 1B B

How to switch out CPU>>>Steps. (6)

1. Ensure power to the computer is off and disconnect power cable. 2. ESD Prevention :Place antistatic wrist strap around your wrist, attach other end to ground or unpainted metal part of computer. Remove the CPU and heat sink from the package and place them on an antistatic bag. *Make sure that the CPU's lands (or pins) are facing up to avoid damage. 3. Remove old processor by lifting the ZIF socket retaining lever; gently remove. 4. Clear away any cables or other equipment that might get in the way or could possibly damage the CPU, heat sink, or fan. Insert new CPU into socket. When installing CPU, it fits only one way into the socket. Look at the processor and the socket before inserting the chip to ensure proper alignment. A socket and CPU normally have a triangle marking or circular dot that shows where pin 1 goes. Processors insert only one way into the socket. If the socket has a retention lever, raising the socket lever allows a CPU to be inserted. Lowering the lever keeps the CPU inserted into the socket. Some motherboards have a retention mechanism used with processors equipped with mounted heat sinks. 5.Test the installation: With the case still open, boot the computer to make sure that the BIOS POST recognizes the CPU as the right type and speed. Halt the POST if necessary to read the details, and when done, enter the BIOS and view the CPU information there as well. If the BIOS doesn't recognize the CPU properly, check if a BIOS upgrade is necessary for the motherboard. Also make sure that the CPU fan is functional. Then view the details of the CPU within the BIOS. Be sure that the voltage reported by the BIOS is within tolerance. Then access the operating system (after it is installed) and make sure it boots correctly. Complete several full cycles and warm boots. Finally, view the CPU( s) within Windows and with CPU-Z: 6. Close the case and monitor the system: Finally, if everything looks okay, close up the case, and consider monitoring the clock rate, voltage, and heat during the first few hours of operation. Voltage and heat can usually be monitored within the BIOS. All three can be monitored within Windows using third-party applications (such as CPU-Z),

Byte

8 bits

Dual-Core Processor

A dual-core processor combines two CPUs in a single unit.

Multiplier

A multiplier is a number that, when multiplied by the front side bus speed, determines the CPU speed. Other names for the multiplier include CPU clock ratio, stepping value, bus frequency multiple, and bus frequency ratio. The available multiplier and the bus speed are determined by the motherboard manufacturer.

ALU

A processor has a special component called the ALU (arithmetic logic unit), which does all the calculations and comparison logic that the computer needs

What does a processor insert into?

A processor inserts into a socket or slot, depending on the model. Most processors today insert into a socket.

Thread...Multithreading

A thread is a small piece of an application process that can be handled by an operating system. An operating system such as Windows schedules and assigns resources to a thread. Each thread can share resources (such as the processor or cache memory) with other threads. A thread in the pipeline might have a delay due to waiting on data to be retrieved or access to a port or another hardware component. Multithreading keeps the line moving by letting another thread execute some code.

Tri-Core Processor

A tri-core processor has three processors in a single unit.

Why was accessing L2 cache more difficult in older systems?

Accessing L2 cache and motherboard components was a bottleneck in older systems because the CPU used the same bus to communicate with RAM and other motherboard components as it did with L2 and motherboard cache.

Where are additional heat sinks attached?

Additional motherboard components can also have heat sinks attached. These are normally the chipset and/or the I/O (input/output) controller chips.

How should the air flow be set up?

Air flow should be through the computer and over the motherboard to provide cooling for the motherboard components.

What language do processors use?

All processors use 1s and 0s.

How would you handle the CPU?

Always hold the CPU by the edges to avoid bending or touching the pins underneath. Do not lay the CPU down on a flat surface because the pins can easily bend.

Liquid Cooling System

An alternative to a fan or heat sink for CPU cooling is a liquid cooling system. With a liquid cooling system, liquid is circulated through the system, including through a heat sink that is mounted on the CPU. Heat from the processor is transferred to the cooler liquid. The now-hot liquid is transported to the back of the system, converted to heat, and released outside the case. A kit usually comes with a CPU water block, pump, radiator/ fan, PVC tubing, and of course, coolant. Of all PC cooling methods, liquid cooling systems dissipate heat the most efficiently.

List the steps to find out a computer's processor speed...XP/Vista/7

An easy way to tell processor speed with Windows XP is to open Windows Explorer > right-click My Computer >Properties. In Vista/7, right-click the Start button > Explore > right-click Computer > Properties

How is CPU efficiency increased?

An important concept related to processor speed is keeping data flowing into the processor. CPU efficiency is increased when data continuously flows into the CPU.

Quad-Core CPU technologies

Both Intel and AMD have quad-core CPU technologies, which is either two dual-core CPUs installed on the same motherboard, two dual-core CPUs installed in a single socket, or today's model of all four cores installed in one unit.

What technologies reduce processor energy consumption and heat?

Both Intel and AMD have technologies that reduce processor energy consumption (and heat) by turning off unused parts of the processor or slowing down the processor when it starts to overheat. But these measures alone are not enough. Today's systems use fans and heat sinks. A heat sink looks like metal bars or fins protruding from the processor. (passive) heat sinks use conduction to direct heat away from the CPU and out through the fins. The largest chip or cartridge on or inserted into the motherboard with a fan or a heat sink attached is easily recognized as the processor.

CPU fans: 3 and 4-pin cables and connectors

CPU fans frequently have a 3- or 4-pin cable that attaches to the motherboard. The motherboard might have a 3- or 4-pin connector. A 3-pin fan can be attached to a 4-pin motherboard connector, and a 4-pin fan cable can be connected to a 3-pin motherboard connector, as shown in Figure 2.16. Note that when a 3-pin cable attaches to 4-pin connector, the fan is always on and cannot be controlled, like a 4-pin cable to 4-pin connector can.

What is an important consideration when upgrading a CPU on an older or newer system.

CPU voltage. Different CPUs require different voltage levels. Inserting a CPU into a socket that has a lower or higher voltage supplied to it will damage the new CPU.

Cache Memory

Cache memory is a very fast type of memory designed to increase the speed of processor operations. Uses high-speed static ram (sram).

L3 Cache

Finally, a third level of memory is found when using higher-end computer processors; it is called L3 cache and can be located in the CPU housing or on the motherboard. L3 feeds L2 which feeds L1 that feeds the CPU.

External data bus

For a CPU to communicate with devices in the outside world, such as a printer, the 1s and 0s travel on the external data bus (also called Front-Side Bus/System Bus). The external data bus connects the processor to adapters, the keyboard, the mouse, the hard drive, and other devices. An external data bus is also known as an external data path.

How can heat sinks attach to the processor?

Heat sinks and fans attach to the processor using different methods. The most common methods are screws, thermal compound, and clips.

Hertz

Hertz is a measurement of cycles per second. One hertz equals one cycle per second. One gigahertz is 1 billion cycles per second, or 1GHz.

Hyper-threading vs. hyper transport

Hyper-Threading enables a single core CPU to calculate two instruction sets simultaneously, whereas HyperTransport is a high speed bus that connects the CPU cores to motherboard components

If information is not in cache, where does the processor look for data?

If the information is not in cache, the processor looks for the data in motherboard RAM. If the information is not there, it is retrieved from the hard drive and placed into the motherboard memory or the cache. Hard drive access is the slowest of the three.

Where are likely places for placement of additional fans?

If you install an additional fan to help with cooling, there are two likely places for fan placement: (1) near the power supply directly behind the CPU, and (2) on the lower-front part of the case. An additional fan on the front of the case can be used as an intake of cool air. If you aren't sure which way the fan blows, connect its power cable to the computer but don't mount it; then hold a piece of paper against the fan. The side that pulls the paper toward it should be the side facing the front of the computer when it is mounted. Different cases have different numbers and locations of possible mounting spots for the case fan(s)

L2 Cache

Included in the processor packaging, but not part of the CPU, is L2 cache, which some refer to as on-die cache. L2 cache feeds the L1 cache, which in turn feeds the CPU.

Changing CPU in laptops?

Laptop processors are not normally upgraded, but they do sometimes have to be replaced. Always refer to the laptop documentation for motherboard removal procedures.

Multi-core Processors

Multicore CPUs physically contain two or more actual processor cores, in one CPU package. These newer CPUs can have 2, 4, 6, or even 8 cores, each acting as a single entity, but in some cases sharing the CPU cache. This enables for more-efficient processing of data.

External Clock Speed

Newer Intel and AMD-based motherboards don't use this measurement anymore. But for older boards this is the frequency of FSB, which connects the CPU to the northbridge on the motherboard. This is usually a variable and depends on the CPU you install. In addition, it is determined from the base clock of the motherboard.

Advantage of having multiple processor cores?

One advantage of having multiple processor cores is that home and business computers can take advantage of virtualization.Virtualization is having one or two virtual machines on the same computer.

Overclocking

Overclocking is changing the front side bus speed and/or multiplier to boost CPU and system speed.

What is another name for processor sockets

Processor sockets are also called ZIF (zero insertion force) sockets;

What unit of measurement are processors measured?

Processors come in a variety of speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz).

Register

Registers are a type of high-speed memory storage inside the processor. They are used to temporarily hold calculations, data, or instructions.

If you hear beeps or see visual codes, what do you do?

Research any visual codes or audio beeps on the motherboard, using the computer manufacturer's website.

Processor Cores memory: past vs. today

Single-core processors and early dual-core processors accessed memory through a memory controller. Today, the processor cores have their own memory controller built into the processor.

Active Heat Sink

Some heat sinks are known as active heat sinks. With active heat sinks, a fan is attached to the top of the heat sink. These have power provided by a motherboard connection or through one of the power supply drive connectors.

Disadvantages of Liquid Cooling System

Some of the disadvantages include the risk of a leak that can damage components; water pumps becoming faulty over time, air being trapped in the lines, which can cause the system to overheat; and maintenance in the form of inspecting the lines and replacing the coolant every few years.

What factors go into System Performance?

System performance also depends on the efficiency of the cache controller (the chip that manages the cache memory), the system design, the amount of available hard drive space, and the speed of the processor.

Bus

The 1s and 0s must travel from one place to another inside the processor, as well as outside to other chips. To move the 1s and 0s around, electronic lines called a bus are used.

CPU-Z

The CPU-Z program is freeware that gathers all the information you just saw in the Device Manager and also identifies the voltage, clock speeds, cache memory, and much more. This is a great program to use when analyzing and monitoring your CPU. When installed, simply run it to analyze your CPU. It shows the socket, cache, TDP, voltage in real-time.

Motherboard base speed

The base clock of the motherboard, often referred to simply as "bus speed". This is generated by a quartz oscillating crystal soldered directly to the motherboard. (known as bus speed)

Clock Rate

The clock rate is the frequency (or speed) of a component. It is rated in cycles per second and measured in hertz (Hz).Also called clock speed.

Where is the data that the CPU needs to operate on found? (three places)

The data or instruction the CPU needs to operate on is usually found in one of three places: the cache, the motherboard memory (main memory), or the hard drive.

Only upgrade a motherboard if...

The documentation or manufacturer states that the motherboard supports a newer or faster processor

Internal Data Bus

The electronic lines inside the CPU are known as the internal data bus or system bus.

Internal Clock Speed

The internal frequency of the CPU and is the well-known number that CPUs are associated with. The CPU uses an internal multiplier based off the motherboard base clock. Base clock × multiplier = internal clock speed. (known as clock speed)

Clock Signal

The motherboard generates a clock signal that is used to control the transfer of 1s and 0s to and from the processor. In older computers, data was sent to the CPU only once during a clock cycle. Then, newer memory technologies evolved that allow data to be sent twice during every clock cycle. Today, data is sent four times during a single clock cycle

If you get reports about buzzing noises coming from inside a PC, what do you check?

The noise could be caused by a wire or cable that is brushing up against the CPU fan (or other case fan). Be sure to reroute cables inside the computer so that they are clear of the CPU and any other devices. The CPU fan might also make noise due to it being clogged with dust, especially in dirtier environmental conditions. If the fan is still functional, you can take the computer outside and use compressed air to clean it out.

Register size

The number of bits processed at one time is the processor's register size (word size).

CPU

The processor is also called the CPU (central processing unit) or microprocessor. The processor executes instructions, performs calculations, and coordinates input/output operations. Each motherboard has electronic chips that work with the CPU and are designed to exact specifications.

Dual Independent Bus

The solution to slow access to L2 cache is DIB (dual independent bus). With DIB, two buses are used: a back side bus and a front side bus. The back side bus connects the CPU to the L2 cache.

List the types of sockets (6)

There are different types of sockets: PGA (pin grid array), which has even rows of holes around a square socket; SPGA (staggered pin array), which has staggered holes so more pins can be inserted; PPGA (plastic pin grid array); μPGA (micro pin grid array); FCBGA (flip chip ball grid array); and LGA (land grid array) are all used with either AMD and/or Intel processors.

Throttle Management

Throttle management is the ability to control the CPU speed by slowing it when it is not being used heavily or is hot. Usually this feature is controlled by a system BIOS setting and the Windows Power Options Control Panel.

How to re-apply a heat sink

To do this, first clean any old thermal compound off of the CPU cap and the heat sink with TIM remover such as Akasa TIM-Clean. Then, clean a small, thin plastic card (such as a credit card) with isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol. Next, apply a small amount of thermal compound to the center of the CPU cap. (This is the top of the installed CPU. You don't want to get any thermal compound on the actual CPU or motherboard.) With the plastic card, spread the thermal compound carefully so that that you end up with a thin layer. Finally, install the heat sink. Try to do so in one shot without jostling the heat sink excessively.

Power consumption of a CPU is normally rated in----.

Watts

L1 Cache

When cache memory is integrated as part of the processor, it is called L1 cache. Gives fast access to the most frequently used data.

Thermal Pad and Thermal Paste

When installing a heat sink, a thermal pad or thermal paste/compound may be used. A thermal pad provides uniform heat dispersion for the CPU. Thermal paste, compound, or grease is a substance applied to the top of the processor before a heat sink is attached. The thermal paste further reduces heat generated by the processor. If thermal paste is used, you should apply the prescribed amount. Spread the compound evenly in a fine layer over the portion of the CPU that comes in contact with the heat sink. Always follow the heat sink installation directions. One example of thermal compound is Arctic Silver. Now, if this is a new installation, thermal compound is probably not needed. Most new CPUs' heat sinks have factory applied thermal compound that spreads and fills the gaps automatically after you install the heat sink and boot the computer. However, if you need to remove the heat sink for any reason, for example to clean it, or when upgrading, thermal compound should be applied to the CPU cap before re-installing the heat sink, or installing a new heat sink.

When installing a processor, what does the lever do?

When installing a processor, the CPU is aligned over the holes and the lever is depressed to bring the processor pins into the slot with equal force on all the pins.

What do you check when troubleshooting the CPU?

When troubleshooting the CPU, be sure to first check all connections, and then make sure the fan, heat sink, and CPU are secure and installed properly.

Bit

one binary digit, either a 1 or 0, the smallest piece of computer information

Factors to keep in mind when thinking about overclocking a computer

• Because the CPU is normally covered with a heat sink and/or fan, you cannot easily tell the CPU speed. • CPU speed ratings are conservative. • The CPU, motherboard, memory, and other components can be damaged by overclocking. • Applications may crash, the operating system may not boot, and/or the system may hang when overclocking. • The warranty is void on most CPUs if you overclock. • When you increase the speed of the CPU, the processor's heat increases. Extra cooling, using fans and larger heat sinks, is essential. • Devices may not react well to overclocking. • The memory chips may need to be upgraded to be able to keep up with the faster CPU. • You need to know how to reset the system BIOS in case the computer will not boot properly after you make changes.

What is the number-one issue related to processor problems

• Heat. Ensure that the fans work. Ensure that you have enough circulation/cooling. Vacuum any dust from the motherboard/CPU. Cool the room more.

Symptoms of a failing CPU

• Unexplained crashes during boot up or during use. • The computer locks after only a short time of use. • Voltage is near, at, or above the top end of the allowable range.