have beginners computer specialists are often the question arises: "What is a CPU and what it looks like?" Behind this abbreviation lies the phrase "central processing unit".Some mistakenly believe that this is the system unit.In fact, this term refers to the main computer chip.It plugs into the motherboard and is responsible for performing calculations.
Appearance
To begin with let's deal with the fact that the CPU is and what it looks like.As mentioned earlier, this is the main chip in a computer.On the one hand it is installed on the metal casing.It ensures its protection and heat dissipation.Also it marked with the processor and its model.On the other legs are located, which it plugs into the motherboard.Another important point - the chip can be inserted only one way.In all other cases, it simply does not go into the socket.
Specifications
After receiving a response to the fact that the CPU is and how it looks like, find out its basic specifications.These include:
- clock speed.
- number of integrated cores.
- volume cache.
processor clock speed characterizes its performance.From it depends on the number of operations performed per unit of time.What is more, the better.Some modern processors operate at a frequency of 5 Hz.In the era of single-core CPU that was their main characteristic.Now the situation has changed.On one piece of silicon may be several cores.There may be 2, 4, 6 or 8. The more of them the better.This means that the system can create more computing threads, and its productivity grows significantly.The last parameter of the cache - a fast memory that is integrated into the processor.What it more, the better.The most productive to date CPU equipped with 8 MB cache.
Select
Conditionally processors can be divided into 4 classes: office, multimedia, gaming, and with maximum efficiency.The first of these include entry-level system (eg, Athlon 5350 with 4 cores on board).Such systems work well with office applications allow you to view movies and listen to music.Multimedia PCs more productive.They allow, in addition to all the previously listed, run the game at medium and low settings.As an example, A-6600 from AMD.In turn, the next class of PC-oriented purely to run the toys, including with maximum settings.Here, in addition to CPU performance must also be installed and discrete (external) card.Here Core i5 is no alternative today.But the heart of the computer with uncompromising performance must be Core i7.He easily cope with any challenge, not only for today but also in the next 2-3 years.Again, one must have an external graphics card more productive.
Practical recommendations
often occurs in practice, a situation where CPU utilization 100. What should I do in this case?This results in the work of one or more services and applications that "eat" CPU.The recommendations in this case, the following:
- Press «Ctrl», «Alt» and «Delete».In the list we find the point of "Task Manager."
- Next, go to the "Processes" tab.Enjoying the ones that are most CPU intensive.If there are any, then select them and press the bottom button "Stop".
- Then go to "Applications" and repeat the procedure outlined above.
- then try to re-start the application.By repeating the situation, when the processor is fully loaded, restart your computer.
- If this does not solve the problem, then you need to reinstall the program.
- As a last resort, if all else fails, then you need to check the system requirements of the application.Maybe your processor is not suitable for this program.
Much also depends on the operating system.Who is the most common - Windows 7. CPU usage will be reduced by Vindovs 8. Therefore, when choosing an operating system is better to pay attention to it.
Summary In this article, not only the answer was that a CPU, but also how it looks.Also, given its characteristics, and recommendations on the choice.In any case, the CPU - the heart of any modern PC.The better he is, the more efficient your system unit.The greater the number of challenges it can be solved.
