What is a CPU (central processing unit)?
A CPU is essentially the brain that allows a computer to perform all its various functions. The acronym stands for Central Processing Unit and the full name is very telling. It is also one of the most expensive components on the motherboard. It is a device that performs its functions based on processing binary math, the fundamental level of computing.
The CPU takes on various appearances on the motherboard based on the model and, oftentimes, the power and heat-reduction requirements of the particular chip. Oftentimes, users mistake their CPU for the various devices that support the chip itself. The CPU is generally a small, rectangular chip that sits in the circuit board and is held in place with a lever device that secures the connections between the circuit’s leads and the contacts on the motherboard.
The speed of a CPU is described in terms of how many processes it can perform in a second. Megahertz means millions of processes and Gigahertz means billions of processes. A speed of 1GHz is currently about as slow as a processor can operate and still support current software. Many CPU’s today are dual-core models. This means they function as essentially two processors in one. The general rule when assessing the speed of these devices is that more GHz means a faster computer.
Your CPU, to a large degree, dictates the maximum speed one can expect from their computer. Certain applications require a great deal of processor power. Games, graphic design and other visually-intensive types of usage consume enormous amounts of CPU. Word processing, Internet surfing, streaming Internet-quality videos and other common, less-intensive tasks consume very little of the CPU’s resources. Though it might seem like they’re mostly text and shouldn’t be big consumers of CPU resources, spreadsheets are very intensive on one’s processor. These programs are entirely math-oriented and the CPU is responsible for processing any math with which the system is tasked. For this reason, accountants and other financial sector workers oftentimes have very powerful processors in their computers.
Most users don’t need the highest-end CPUs in their computers. In many cases, by the time standard software evolves to the point that the next generation of CPUs are created to handle the job, the vast majority of users will be in the market for a new computer. A CPU should be bought with an expected 3 to 5 year service life, depending on the complexity of the tasks usually performed on the computer.
When shopping for a computer, the CPU information to look for is high speed, dual core processors are essentially standard at present and, to a lesser extent except in very fast machines, cooling. Some brands of CPUs require more cooling that others. Some also draw more power from the system than others. In general, a power-hungry, hot CPU is a chip built for maximum speed. A low-power CPU that advertises itself as being light on resources is most often seen used in a laptop where battery life is important.