The Brain of the Computer

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is similar to human brain. Every single operation that you do
with your computer is processed in the CPU. The performance of your computer is based upon simple
mathematical operations and the CPU is the device that controls all of those operations.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out
the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control, and
input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. The computer industry has used the term
“central processing unit” at least since the early 1960s. Traditionally, the term “CPU” refers to a
processor, more specifically to its processing unit and control unit (CU), distinguishing these core
elements of a computer from external components such as main memory and I/O circuitry.

Let's say we are using a calculator to add two numbers. You enter the numbers using your
keyboard. The keyboard controller turns all of that information into binary code. Binary code consists of
sequences of 0 and 1. This information is this sent to the registry and then transferred to the CPU. The
CPU has an integrated ALU (Arithmetical Logical Unit). The ALU is responsible for all mathematical and
logical operations.

Your request to add two numbers comes to the CPU and is transferred to the ALU. The ALU adds
the binary numbers and returns the answer to the CPU, which transfers the answer to an output device.

Adding two numbers is a very simple example, but it illustrates the basic functions of the CPU.
Every single step you perform on your computer is in one way or another connected to this central unit,
so it is very important to keep your processor in good form. Overheating, especially, can lead your CPU
to fail.

The Four Primary Functions of the CPU

The CPU processes instructions it receives in the process of decoding data. In processing this data, the
CPU performs four basic steps:

1. Fetch - Each instruction is stored in memory and has its own address. The processor takes this
address number from the program counter, which is responsible for tracking which instructions
the CPU should execute next.

2. Decode - All programs to be executed are translated to into Assembly instructions. Assembly
code must be decoded into binary instructions, which are understandable to your CPU. This step
is called decoding.
3. Execute - While executing instructions the CPU can do one of three things: Do calculations with
its ALU, move data from one memory location to another, or jump to a different address.
4. Store - The CPU must give feedback after executing an instruction and the output data is written
to the memory.
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The number of operations a CPU can perform depends upon its speed, which is measured in
Hertz. One hertz is the speed during which one operation is performed in one second. Typically a
computer's speed is measured in Giga hertz. 1 GHz is the speed it takes the CPU to perform one million
simple tasks. A "simple task" includes the smallest steps a processor can perform.

Usually the processor understands and performs assembly instructions that last four cycles. The
faster your CPU, the more instructions it can perform in one second, but do not let this number fool you.
The speed of the CPU is not the only metric that influences your computer's performance. There are
many other factors, such as CPU architecture, cache size, and bus speed that must be evaluated to get
independent results. Do not simply chase the highest speed when buying a processor. Evaluate all of the
factors.

COMMON CPU TERMS

TERM WHAT IT MEANS OR DOES

CPU Central Processing Unit, or the heart and brain of
the computer.
Binary Code A sequence of ones and zeros, or the language into
which your CPU translates all data.
ALU Arithmetical Logical Unit, responsible for all
mathematical and logical operations
Program Counter Tracks which instructions the CPU should execute
next when processing data
One hertz The speed at which one operation is performed per
second
Multi-core Processor A CPU with two or more independent cores, so it
can do more than one thing at once

The History of the Computer Generations

Imagine, that the first computers filled an entire room. Now we have computers so small that
they can be put in our pocket. Explore the evolution of computers and learn about the technological
achievements that made computers as powerful as they are.

Multi-Core Processors

A multi-core processor is actually a CPU that had two or more independent cores. Cores are
similar to usual processors. They execute program instructions. The main advantage of a multi-core
processor is that it can run several instructions at the same tame. This feature increases performance
speed significantly. All programs that have parallel computing features can run on musti-core
processors.

How Can I Test a CPUs Performance?

CPU performance can be tested with various benchmarks and tools. These tools place a heavy
workload on the CPU, but since a computer's overall performance involves several components—CPU,
RAM, and video processor, among others—it is important to use testing benchmarks that evaluate all of
these components at the same time.