ITS1- Processor Instructables Project

In this walkthrough, you will learn about one of the most important aspects of PC hardware known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Processor Description/Role Within a Computer

The CPU is essentially the "brain" of a computer; it houses all circuitry required to process input, store data, and output the results. The processor is consistently carrying out the instructions of computer programs that let it know which data it needs to process and how it should go about processing it. The CPU enables programs to be run on a PC, and without it, those programs would be useless.

Technical Explanation/Processor Architecture

Processors are computer components that handle system instructions, including mouse/keyboard input and (as previously mentioned) running programs and applications. Their task may seem relatively simple at first glance, but in reality, modern-day processors can handle multiple trillions of calculations each second! A CPU is the electronic circuitry inside of a PC that can execute instructions that comprise a computer program. It can perform essential logic, arithmetic, controlling, and input/output operations designated by the program instructions. The vast majority of desktop PCs house a CPU manufactured by either Intel or AMD, and both of these corporations utilize the x86 processor architecture. CPU's are majoritively composed of an element known as silicon, which is a semiconductor. A CPU is made up of several principal components such as the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that executes arithmetic and logic functions, processor registers that provide operands to the ALU and contain the ALU operation results, and a control unit that coordinates the fetching from memory and the performing of different instructions.

History of the Processor

1972: Intel first introduced the 8008 processor on April 1, 1972. This early CPU was utilized in calculators, microcomputers, dumb terminals, and bottling machines. It was able to run at speeds of 500 kHz and 800 kHz, and it used an 8-bit architecture that was able to access a maximum of 16 KB of RAM.

2000: AMD produced and released the Duron processor on June 19, 2000. This was a more cost-effective processor than the earlier AMD Athlon processors, and it was also made available as a competitor to the Intel Celeron processor. The Duron processor was manufactured on the x86 architecture, and the first generation Duron processors went from 600 MHz all the way up to 950 MHz.

2018: Intel made the first Core i9 mobile processor available in April of the year 2018. This processor was called the i9-8950HK, and it possesses 6 cores, runs at 2.9 GHz, utilizes the BGA 1440 socket, and boasts a 12 MB L3 cache.

How to Remove/Install/Upgrade a Processor

Remove: If you want to remove your processor from the motherboard, you should first unplug the computer from the power outlet and also turn off the PSU's switch on the rear end of the case. You should wear an antistatic wristband or, if not, take necessary precautions to prevent unwanted damage to your computer. Start by opening the case and unplugging the fan's power cable from the motherboard. Then, unlock the fan and heatsink from the motherboard, and then pull each leg upwards to disconnect it. Remove the fan and heatsink from the motherboard. Then, you should remove the latch that holds the processor and lift the retaining piece. You then should simply lift the processor out of the socket while holding it by its edges.

Install: If you want to install a processor on your motherboard, you should completely open your CPU socket by removing whatever is in the way and keeping the retention arm in its open, upright position. You should then line up your CPU with its socket, place the CPU into the socket, and finally close the retention arm to secure the CPU on the motherboard.

Upgrade: There are many different methods to go about upgrading your CPU, but one very common one is cleaning off any and all old thermal compound and replacing it with a new thermal compound. This will improve how effectively your CPU will get cooled because the old thermal compound will not provide the necessary insulation needed to cool the CPU. However, once a new thermal compound is applied, cooling will significantly increase for the CPU, and you may see a performance boost due to the enhanced cooling.

Processor Interfaces

PGA (Pin Grid Array): In PGA, there are pins on the CPU itself, which are inserted into the CPU socket with appropriately located holes. There are many distinct versions of PGA, but one of them known as FC (Flip Chip) PGA was used in 1999.

LGA (Land Grid Array): In LGA, the pins are on the socket, and the CPU, which already has appropriately located holes on it, is placed onto the pins. This CPU interface has been used since the year 1996.

BGA (Ball Grid Arry): In BGA, there are balls on the CPU itself, which are then placed into the CPU socket with appropriately located holes. This CPU interface was formed following the creation of PGA.

Processor Enhancement Technologies

Hyperthreading: Hyperthreading is a process where the CPU splits all of its physical cores into what are known as virtual cores. These virtual cores are known as threads. Hyperthreading enables each individual core to execute 2 actions simultaneously, and it enhances CPU performance by increasing the processor's efficiency.

Overclocking: Any CPU is released from the factory set to run at a certain maximum speed. However, you can increase that specific speed by overclocking your CPU. Overclocking causes the CPU to work harder than it would normally work, boosting system performance.

Common Symptoms of Failure

Some frequently observed symptoms of a failing processor include the PC shutting down unexpectedly and the screen failing to produce an image (indicating that the processor is not detected). These occurrences can be caused due to an overclocked CPU that is not receiving a sufficient amount of cooling. If the CPU is overclocked, it is working harder than it would normally work, and so, it requires a greater amount of cooling to prevent overheating. If such cooling is not implemented the processor can easily overheat and cause clear issues with the computer.

Diagnostic/Technician Tools

Burn-in Test Pro: This software application is meant to stress test your CPU and push it to its limits while putting together a log of calculations, temperatures, and errors.

Performance Monitor: This Windows software application displays how much of your CPU is being used during any particular time. This can be observed under "% Processor Time."

Works Cited

- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F...

- https://www.computerhope.com/history/processor.htm

- https://www.free-printable-calendar.com/2021-print...

- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F...

- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fw...

- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F...

- https://sites.google.com/site/tvcccis111ch0283/hom...

- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F...