Computer Hardware/Software CPU's Vocab

CPU

The central processing unit (CPU), or simply the processor, executes program instruction code.

Fetch

The control unit fetches the next instruction in sequence from system memory to the pipeline.

Decode

The control unit decodes each instruction and either executes it or passes it to the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) or floating-point unit (FPU) for execution.

Execute

The ALU or FPU executes the instruction.

Write-back

The result of the executed instruction is written back to a register, cache, or system memory.

x86 CPU Architecture

employs a larger instruction set for more complex operations, simplifying programming and enhancing performance in general-purpose tasks, making it suitable for desktops and servers.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

performs arithmetic and logical operations, and the Control Unit, which manages the fetch, decode, and execute cycles.

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computing

CISC

Complex Instruction Set Computing

Cache memory

a small, high-speed memory within the CPU, stores frequently accessed data and instructions.

AMD

Advanced Micro Devices

DEP

Data Execution Prevention

x64 CPU

The x64 architecture offers better performance, increased memory capacity, and support for more advanced computing tasks, making it the current standard for new hardware and software.

ARM(Advanced RISC Machines)

Designer of CPU and chipset architectures widely used in mobile devices.

(SMT)Simultaneous multithreading

known as HyperThreading by Intel, allows multiple instruction streams (threads) from software applications to be processed concurrently, reducing CPU idle time and enhancing performance in multithreaded applications.

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)

An SMP-aware operating system can distribute tasks across available CPUs, regardless of whether applications are multithreaded.

Multisocket

Motherboard configuration with multiple CPU sockets. The CPUs installed must be identical.

Chip-level multiprocessing (CMP) or Multicore CPUs

CPU design that puts two chips onto the same package. Most CPUs are multicore (more than two cores).

Virtualization Support

CPU extensions to allow better performance when a host runs multiple guest operating systems or VMs.

pin grid array

CPU socket form factor used predominantly by AMD where connector pins are located on the CPU package.

Land Grid Array (LGA)

Where pins are located on the motherboard socket, and the CPU has contact pads

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

Where the pins are located on the CPU itself and fit into the motherboard socket.

Multisocket Motherboards

Motherboard configuration with multiple CPU sockets.