Microprocessing and RAM Linkedin learning:

  • The CPU (Central Processing Unit), is described as the brain of the computer, but it’s more accurately a highly powerful calculator capable of performing billions of calculations per second

  • the CPU operates using a machine language, which consists of patterns of binary value. Programmers write these patterns to instruct the CPU on what tasks to perform.

  • quick review: every CPU has a internal features to process commands

  • every cpu runs code based on a specific machine language

  • cpus use pipelines to optimize the processing commands

    CPU speeds and cores

  • cpu speed: measures in gigahertz indicating how many billion times per second the cpu can process instructions

  • modern cpus use clock multipliers to increase the effective speed beyond the base speed provided by the system crystal

  • Cpus have can multiple cores, allowing them to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Hyper threading enables a single core to manage two threads at once, improving efficiency

  • Over clocking is the processing of increasing the CPU’s click speed beyond its rated maximum, which can lead to instability.

  • Cpus come in two makes Intel and AMD

    CPU cache

  • CPU cache is a small amount of extremely fast memory (SRAM) located inside the CPU to store frequently accessed data, this reduces the time needed to fetch data from the slower main RAM

  • Cache Levels: has 3 levels

  • L1 Cache: Smallest and fastest running at the CPU’s clock speed.

  • L2 Cache: Larger than L1, but slower, feeding the L1 cache

  • L3 Cache: Largest and slowest of the 3, but still faster than main RAM, feeding the L2 cache

  • Cache helps prevent pipeline stalls which occur when the CPU has to wait for sata from the main RAM to improve overall performance

  • CPU is built into the CPU

  • CPU caching works between RAM and the CPU

    32-Bit and 64-bit processing

  • the address bus connects the CPU to the memory controller chip to specify which byte of memory it needs. A 32-bit address bus can address up to 4GB of RAM, while a 64-bit address bus can address a significantly larger amount of RAM

  • modern cpus are 64-bit and can run both 32-but and 64-but operating systems and application

  • a 32-bit cpu can only run 32-bit operating systems and applications

  • it’s important to match the operating system to the CPU’s architecture.

  • modern installation media can detect the cpu type and install the appropriate version.

    CPU sockets

  • cpu sockets the physical packages for CPUS. they include Pin Grid array ( PGA) and Land Grid Array (LGA)

  • intel and amd creat CPU’s based on different micro architecture examples: nehalem, sandy bridge, and coffee lake

  • Each micro architecture can have different models like i3, i5,i7, and i9

  • Intel and AMD use different sockets for their CPU’s.

intel uses LGA 1151 and LGA 2066, while AMD uses am4 and TR4. *crucial to match the correct CPU within the corresponding socket.

Installing a CPU

  1. ensure compatibility between the CPU and motherboard, focusing on the socket type and supported speeds

  2. carefully place the cpu into the ZIF (zero insertion force) socket, aligning the notches correctly

  3. install the CPU fan and apply thermal paste to manage heat effectively. make sure the fan is securely mounted and connected to the motherboard.

    Liquid Cooling

    • liquid cooling systems are quieter than traditional fans because they can operate at lower speeds while effectively cooling the CPU

    • these systems can remove more heat than standard fans, making them ideal for over clocking and high-performance setups

    • A typical liquid cooling system includes a radiator, coolant, and hoses to transfer heat away from the CPU and dissipate it efficiently.