Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Central Processing Unit (CPU)"
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Turbo is the name for the technology used by Intel and AMD to run a CPU at a higher frequency when it is stressed. For example, an Intel Core i7 2600k runs at 3.4Ghz stock, but can turbo up to 3.8Ghz | Turbo is the name for the technology used by Intel and AMD to run a CPU at a higher frequency when it is stressed. For example, an Intel Core i7 2600k runs at 3.4Ghz stock, but can turbo up to 3.8Ghz | ||
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Overclocking is causing a CPU to run at speeds beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Overclocking can damage the CPU if performed improperly. Oftentimes, the stock cooler is inadequate for CPU overclocking. | Overclocking is causing a CPU to run at speeds beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Overclocking can damage the CPU if performed improperly. Oftentimes, the stock cooler is inadequate for CPU overclocking. | ||
Revision as of 13:20, 2 March 2012
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is one of the primary devices that enables a computer to do work. It performs the instructions of a computer program. CPU's today are rated by the number of cores per die they feature, as well as the speed of each core. Today CPU's can contain anywhere from 1 to 8 cores on the die (or higher for server CPU's).
Multi Core
CPU's featuring more then 1 core per die are said to be multi-core. Almost all CPU's that are made today are multi-core, meaning they feature 2 or more cores per CPU die. Many laptops today feature CPU's with 2 cores. Gaming desktops can feature 4 or more cores.
Speeds
CPU speeds can range anywhere from ~1.0Ghz to over 3.4Ghz stock. Speeds for a CPU are measured in terms of Ghz (Gigahertz) and Mhz (Megahertz), and measure the speed of the clk signal going through the CPU. CPU clock speed should not be used to judge weather or not one CPU is faster, nor should core count.
Turbo
Turbo is the name for the technology used by Intel and AMD to run a CPU at a higher frequency when it is stressed. For example, an Intel Core i7 2600k runs at 3.4Ghz stock, but can turbo up to 3.8Ghz
Overclocking
Overclocking is causing a CPU to run at speeds beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Overclocking can damage the CPU if performed improperly. Oftentimes, the stock cooler is inadequate for CPU overclocking.
Graphics
Some CPU's can feature onboard graphics capabilities. These graphics capabilities may be adequate for web surfing, but are often not adequate for high end gaming. Intel's first CPU line that featured these capabilities was their Nehalem architecture.
CPU
General Advice
If you suspect that your CPU is causing problems, first make sure that nothing else is the problem. Then, if you are still certain, monitor the CPU temperatures with CoreTemp. If temperatures regularly go over 70°C, then you may have a heat problem. Make sure that the heatsink is fully fastened, and if it is, make sure that you applied a proper amount of thermal paste (Note: checking the thermal paste will require you to clean off and then reapply more thermal paste, so only check this as a last resort.
Another problem that may arise with the CPU is improper seating. If you are experiencing random freezes and bluescreens, you may have bent pins on the CPU. To check this, you must separate the CPU from the CPU socket (check your CPU's documentation on how to do this) and visually look for bent pins.
Notes