A processor (CPU) is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer. The CPU is seen as the main and most crucial integrated circuitry (IC) chip in a computer, as it is responsible for interpreting most of computers commands. CPUs will perform most basic arithmetic, logic and I/O operations, as well as allocate commands for other chips and components running in a computer.
The term processor is used interchangeably with the term central processing unit (CPU), although strictly speaking, the CPU is not the only processor in a computer. The GPU (graphics processing unit) is the most notable example, but the hard drive and other devices within a computer also perform some processing independently. Nevertheless, the term processor is generally understood to mean the CPU.
Processors can be found in PCs, smartphones, tablets and other computers. The two main competitors in the processor market are Intel and AMD.
The basic elements of a processor
The basic elements of a processor include:
- The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which carries out arithmetic and logic operationson the operands in instructions.
- The floating point unit (FPU), also known as a math coprocessor or numeric coprocessor, a specialized coprocessorthat manipulates numbers more quickly than the basic microprocessor circuitry can.
- Registers, which hold instructions and other data. Registers supply operands to the ALU and store the results of operations.
- L1 and L2cache memory. Their inclusion in the CPU saves time compared to having to get data from random access memory (RAM).
