Almost everyone knows that in a computer, the main element among all the “hardware” components is the central processor. But the circle of people who understand how a processor works is very limited. Most users have no idea about this. And even when the system suddenly starts to slow down, many believe that it is the processor that is not working well and do not attach importance to other factors. To fully understand the situation, let's look at some aspects of CPU operation.
If we talk about how an Intel processor or its competitor AMD works, you need to look at how these chips are designed. The first microprocessor (by the way, it was from Intel, model 4040) appeared back in 1971. It could perform only the simplest addition and subtraction operations with processing only 4 bits of information, i.e. it had a 4-bit architecture.
Modern processors, like the first-born, are based on transistors and are much faster. They are made by photolithography from a certain number of individual silicon wafers that make up a single crystal into which transistors are imprinted. The circuit is created on a special accelerator using accelerated boron ions. In the internal structure of processors, the main components are cores, buses and functional particles called revisions.
Like any other device, the processor is characterized by certain parameters, which cannot be ignored when answering the question of how the processor works. First of all this:
For now, let's focus on the clock frequency. It’s not for nothing that the processor is called the heart of the computer. Like the heart, it operates in pulsation mode with a certain number of beats per second. Clock frequency is measured in MHz or GHz. The higher it is, the more operations the device can perform.
At what frequency the processor operates, you can find out from its declared characteristics or look at the information in But while processing commands, the frequency can change, and during overclocking (overlocking) it can increase to extreme limits. Thus, the declared value is just an average indicator.
The number of cores is an indicator that determines the number of processing centers of the processor (not to be confused with threads - the number of cores and threads may not be the same). Due to this distribution, it is possible to redirect operations to other cores, thereby increasing overall performance.
Now a little about the structure of executable commands. If you look at how a processor works, you need to clearly understand that any command has two components - an operational one and an operand one.
The operating part specifies what the computer system should do at the moment; the operand specifies what the processor should be working on. In addition, the processor core can contain two computing centers (containers, threads), which divide the execution of a command into several stages:
Today, separate caching is used in the form of using two levels of cache memory, which avoids interception by two or more commands of accessing one of the memory blocks.
Based on the type of command processing, processors are divided into linear (execution of commands in the order in which they are written), cyclic and branching (execution of instructions after processing branch conditions).
Among the main functions assigned to the processor, in terms of the commands or instructions executed, three main tasks are distinguished:
In this process, the components to be noted are the bus and the read-write channel, which are connected to the storage devices. ROM contains a constant set of bytes. First, the address bus requests a specific byte from the ROM, then transfers it to the data bus, after which the read channel changes its state and the ROM provides the requested byte.
But processors can not only read data from RAM, but also write it. In this case, the recording channel is used. But, if you look at it, by and large, modern computers, purely theoretically, could do without RAM at all, since modern microcontrollers are able to place the necessary data bytes directly in the memory of the processor chip itself. But there is no way to do without ROM.
Among other things, the system starts from the hardware testing mode (BIOS commands), and only then control is transferred to the loading operating system.
Now let's look at some aspects of checking the processor's performance. It must be clearly understood that if the processor were not working, the computer would not be able to start loading at all.
It's another matter when you need to look at the indicator of the use of processor capabilities at a certain moment. This can be done from the standard “Task Manager” (opposite any process it is indicated how many percent of the processor load it provides). To visually determine this parameter, you can use the performance tab, where changes are tracked in real time. Advanced parameters can be seen using special programs, for example, CPU-Z.
In addition, you can use multiple processor cores using (msconfig) and additional boot parameters.
Finally, a few words about the problems. Many users often ask, why does the processor work, but the monitor does not turn on? This situation has nothing to do with the central processor. The fact is that when you turn on any computer, the graphics adapter is tested first, and only then everything else. Perhaps the problem lies precisely in the processor of the graphics chip (all modern video accelerators have their own graphics processors).
But using the example of the functioning of the human body, you need to understand that in the event of cardiac arrest, the entire body dies. Same with computers. The processor does not work - the entire computer system “dies”.
The choice of a central processor for a computer must be approached with maximum responsibility, because The performance of many other computer components directly depends on the quality of the CPU chosen.
It is necessary to correlate the capabilities of your PC with the data of the desired processor model. If you decide to assemble a computer yourself, then first of all decide on the processor and motherboard. It should be remembered in order to avoid unnecessary expenses that not all motherboards support powerful processors.
The modern market is ready to provide a wide selection of central processors - from CPUs designed for low-performance, semi-mobile devices to high-performance chips for data centers. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
After purchasing a processor, do not forget to apply thermal paste to it - this is a mandatory requirement. It is advisable not to skimp on this point and immediately buy a normal paste that will last for a long time.
There are only two of them - Intel and AMD. Both produce processors for desktop PCs and laptops, however, there are very significant differences between them.
About Intel
Intel supplies quite powerful and reliable processors, but at the same time their prices are the highest on the market. The most modern technologies are used in production, which allows saving on the cooling system. Intel CPUs rarely overheat, so only top models require a good cooling system. Let's look at the advantages of Intel processors:
About AMD
This is another processor manufacturer that has a market share roughly equivalent to Intel. Mainly focused on the budget and mid-budget segment, but also produces top-end processor models. The main advantages of this manufacturer:
But products from this manufacturer also have their drawbacks:
There is an opinion that the more cores and frequencies a processor has, the better and faster the system works. This statement is only partially true, because... If you have an 8-core processor installed, but in conjunction with an HDD, then the performance will be noticeable only in demanding programs (and this is not a fact).
For standard computer work and gaming at medium and low settings, a 2-4 core processor coupled with a good SSD will be sufficient. This configuration will delight you with performance in browsers, in office applications, and with simple graphics and video processing. If you include in this package, instead of a regular CPU with 2-4 cores, a powerful 8-core unit, then ideal performance will be achieved in heavy games even on ultra settings (however, much will still depend on the video card).
Also, if you have a choice between two processors with the same performance, but different models, you will need to look at the results of various tests. For many models of modern CPUs, they can be easily found on the manufacturer’s website.
The situation with prices at the moment is as follows:
Some processors may be supplied with a complete cooling system, the so-called. "Boxing". It is not recommended to replace your “native” system with an analogue from another manufacturer, even if it does its job better. The fact is that “boxed” systems are better adapted to their processor and do not require serious configuration.
If the CPU cores begin to overheat, it is better to install an additional cooling system to the existing one. It will be cheaper, and the risk of damaging anything will be lower.
The boxed cooling system from Intel is significantly worse than from AMD, so it is recommended to be especially attentive to its shortcomings. Clips are mainly made of plastic, which is also very heavy. This causes the following problem - if the processor and radiator are installed on a cheap motherboard, then there is a risk that they will “bend” it, rendering it unusable. Therefore, if you still prefer Intel, then choose only high-quality motherboards. There is also another problem - with strong heating (more than 100 degrees), the clips can simply melt. Fortunately, such temperatures are very rare for Intel products.
The Reds made a better cooling system, with metal clips. Despite this, the system weighs less than its Intel counterpart. Also, the design of the radiators allows them to be installed on the motherboard without any problems, and the connection to the motherboard will be much better, which will eliminate the possibility of damaging the board. But it’s worth considering that AMD processors get hotter, so high-quality boxed radiators are a necessity.
Both companies also produce processors with an integrated graphics card (APU). True, the performance of the latter is very low and is only sufficient for performing simple everyday tasks - working in office applications, surfing the Internet, watching videos and even playing undemanding games. Of course, there are top-end APU processors on the market, whose resources are enough even for professional work in graphics editors, simple video processing and running modern games at minimum settings.
These CPUs are more expensive and heat up much faster than their conventional counterparts. You also need to take into account that in the case of a built-in video card, it is not the built-in video memory that is used, but RAM of the DDR3 or DDR4 type. It follows from this that performance will also directly depend on the amount of RAM. But even if your PC is equipped with several tens of GB of DDR4 RAM (the fastest type today), the built-in card is unlikely to be able to match the performance of a graphics adapter even from a mid-price category.
The thing is that video memory (even if it is only one GB) is much faster than RAM, because... it is designed to work with graphics.
However, an APU processor combined with even a slightly expensive video card can provide high performance in modern games at low or medium settings. But in this case, it’s worth thinking about the cooling system (especially if the processor and/or graphics adapter are from AMD), because The resources of the default built-in radiators may not be enough. It is better to test the operation and then, based on the results, decide whether the “native” cooling system can handle it or not.
Whose APU processors are better? Until recently, AMD was the leader in this segment, but in the last couple of years the situation has begun to change and in terms of power, AMD and Intel products from this segment are almost equal. The Blues are trying to be reliable, but at the same time the price-performance ratio suffers a little. You can get a productive APU processor from the “red” ones for a not very high price, but many users consider budget APU chips from this manufacturer to be unreliable.
Purchasing a motherboard that already has a processor soldered into it along with a cooling system helps the consumer get rid of various compatibility problems and save time, because Everything you need is already built into the motherboard. Moreover, such a solution is not affordable.
But it has its significant drawbacks:
The best budget employees:
Mid-priced processors:
TOP processors:
If you are assembling a computer from scratch, then it is better to initially buy a processor, and then other important components for it - a video card and a motherboard.
The processor is the main part of any computer device. But many users have a very poor understanding of what a processor is in a computer and what function it performs. Although in the modern world this is important information, knowing which you can avoid many serious misconceptions. If you want to learn more about the chip that powers your computer, you've come to the right place. In this article, you will learn what a processor is for and how it affects the performance of the entire device.
In this case, we are talking about the central processor. After all, there are others in the computer, for example, a video processor.
The central processing unit is the main part of the computer, which is an electronic unit or integrated circuit. It executes machine instructions, or program code, and is the core hardware of the device.
Simply put, it is the heart and brain of the computer. It is thanks to him that everything else works, he processes data flows and manages the operation of all parts of the overall system. 
If you look at the processor physically, it is a small, thin, square circuit board. It is small in size and covered with a metal lid on top.
The lower part of the chip is occupied by contacts, through which the chipset interacts with the rest of the system. By opening the cover of your computer's system unit, you can easily find the processor, unless it is covered by the cooling system.
Until the CPU issues the appropriate command, the computer will not be able to perform even the simplest operation, for example, adding two numbers. Whatever you want to do on your PC, every action involves accessing the processor. That is why it is such an important component of a computer.
Modern central processors are capable of not only coping with their main tasks, but can also partially replace a video card. New chips are produced with a separate space for performing video controller functions.
This video controller performs all the basic necessary actions that are needed from a video card. In this case, RAM is used as video memory. But do not be mistaken that a powerful modern processor can completely replace a video card.
Even the average class of video cards leaves the video controller of processors far behind. So, a computer option without a video card is only suitable for office devices that do not require performing any complex graphics-related tasks.
In such cases, there really is an opportunity to save money. After all, you can just have a processor chipset with a good video controller and not spend money on a video card.
We seem to have figured out what a processor is. But how does it work? It's a long and complicated process, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. The principle of operation of the central processor can be considered in stages.
First, the program is loaded into RAM, from where it gets all the necessary information and a set of commands that must be executed by the processor control unit. All this data then goes into buffer memory, the so-called processor cache.
Information comes out of the buffer, which is divided into two types: instructions and values. Both of them end up in registers. Registers are memory cells built into the chipset. They also come in two types, depending on the type of information they receive: instruction registers and data registers.
One of the components of the CPU is an arithmetic-logical unit. It deals with performing information transformations using arithmetic and logical calculations.
This is where the data from the registers goes. After this, the arithmetic-logical unit reads the incoming data and executes the commands that are necessary to process the resulting numbers.
Here we are again faced with a split. The final results are divided into completed and unfinished. They go back to the registers, and the completed ones go to the buffer memory.
The processor cache consists of two main levels: upper and lower. The most recent commands and data are sent to the upper cache, and those that are not in use go to the lower cache.
That is, all information located at the third level moves to the second, from which, in turn, the data goes to the first. On the contrary, unnecessary data is sent to the lower level.
After the computational cycle is completed, its results are again recorded in the computer's RAM. This occurs to ensure that the CPU cache is freed up and available for new operations.
But sometimes there are situations when the buffer memory is completely full, and there is no room for new operations. In this case, data that is not currently in use goes into RAM or to the lower level of processor memory.
Having understood the principle of operation of the CPU, it’s time to compare its different types. There are many types of processor. There are both weak single-core models and powerful devices with multiple cores. There are those that are intended exclusively for office work, and there are those that are necessary for the most modern games.
At the moment, there are two main creators of processors - AMD and Intel. They are the ones who produce the most current and in-demand chips. You need to understand that the difference between the chips from these two companies is not in the number of cores or overall performance, but in the architecture.
That is, the products of these two companies are built according to different principles. And each creator has his own unique type of processor, which has a structure different from its competitor.
It should be noted that both options have their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Intel differs in the following pros :
At the same time, there are also their own minuses :
AMD differs as follows advantages:
However, AMD is inferior in the following parameters:
Although there are pros and cons, companies continue to produce the best processors. You just have to choose which one is preferable for you. After all, it is impossible to say unequivocally that one company is better than another.
So, we have already figured out that one of the main characteristics of a processor is its developer. But there are a number of parameters that you need to pay even more attention to when purchasing.
Let's not stray too far from the brand and mention that there are different series of chips. Each manufacturer produces its own lines in different price categories, created for different tasks. Another related parameter is the CPU architecture. In fact, these are its internal organs, on which the entire operation of the chip depends.
Not the most obvious, but very important parameter is the socket. The fact is that on the processor itself the socket must coincide with the corresponding socket on the motherboard.
Otherwise, you will not be able to combine these two critical components of any computer. So, when assembling a system unit, you either need to buy a motherboard and look for a chipset for it, or vice versa.
Now it's time to figure out what processor characteristics affect its performance. Without a doubt, the main one is the clock speed. This is the volume of operations that can be performed in a certain unit of time.
This indicator is measured in megahertz. So what does the clock speed of the chip affect? Since it indicates the number of operations in a certain time, it is not difficult to guess that the speed of the device depends on it.
Another important indicator is the amount of buffer memory. As mentioned earlier, it can be upper and lower. It also affects processor performance.
A CPU can have one or more cores. Multi-core models are more expensive. But what does the number of cores affect? This characteristic determines the power of the device. The more cores, the more powerful the device.
The central processor plays not just one of the most important, but one might even say the main role in the operation of the computer. The performance of the entire device, as well as the tasks for which it can generally be used, will depend on it.
But this does not mean that it is necessary to buy the most powerful processor for an average computer. Choose the optimal model that will meet your requirements.
An important question from users, which I put off until later, what is a processor in a computer? The central processing unit (CPU) is the most important part of the hardware of any computer, responsible for performing the necessary arithmetic operations specified by programs, coordinating the work of everyone, without exception.
Of course, the processor is the heart of every computer. It is the processor that executes the instructions of the software used on a personal computer, processes a set of data and performs complex computational operations. The main characteristics of the processor are: performance, clock speed, power consumption, architecture and cache.
So, we understand what a processor is, but what types are there and why is a processor needed in a computer? Let's talk about everything in order. It is known that processors are single-core and multi-core. A multi-core processor is a central processor that contains two (or more) computing cores located on one small processor chip or in one common package. A typical processor has only one core. The era of single-core processors is gradually becoming a thing of the past. In terms of their characteristics, they are generally inferior to multi-core processors.
For example, the clock frequency of an average dual-core processor can often be much lower than the frequency of a good single-core processor, but due to the division of tasks into “both heads”, the difference in results becomes insignificant. A dual-core Core 2 Duo processor with a clock frequency of 1.7 GHz can easily outperform a single-core Celeron with a clock frequency of 2.8 GHz, because performance depends not only on frequency, but also on the number of cores, cache and other factors.
At the moment, the world computer market is dominated by two largest processor manufacturers - Intel Corporation (its share today is about 84%) and AMD (about 10%). If you look at the history of the development of central processors, you can see quite a lot of interesting things. Since the advent of the first desktop computers, the main way to improve performance has been to systematically increase the clock speed.
This is very obvious and logical. However, there is a limit to everything and the frequency cannot be increased indefinitely. Unfortunately, with increasing frequency, heat generation begins to increase nonlinearly, ultimately reaching critically high values. So far, even the use of more subtle technical processes in creating transistors has not helped solve this problem.
Is there a way out of this very difficult situation? Soon a solution was found in the use of several cores in one crystal. It was decided to use the “2 in 1” processor option. The appearance on the market of computers with such processors caused a number of controversies. Do you need multi-core processors? How are they better than conventional single-core processors? Maybe manufacturing companies just want to make extra profit? Now we can confidently answer: multi-core processors are needed, they are the future. In the coming decades, it is impossible to imagine progress in this industry without the use of multi-core processors.
Multi-core processors, what are they good for? The use of such processors is comparable to the use of several separate processors for one computer. The cores are located on the same chip; they are not completely independent (for example, they use a common cache memory). When using existing software that was originally created to work with a single core, this option provides a significant advantage. You will be able to run two (or more) resource-intensive tasks simultaneously without the slightest discomfort. However, accelerating a single process is a virtually impossible task for these systems. As a result, we get almost the same single-core processor with a small plus in the form of the ability to run several programs simultaneously.
How to be? The way out of this sticky situation is quite obvious - it requires the development of a new generation of software capable of using several cores simultaneously. It is necessary to somehow parallelize the processes. In reality, this turned out to be quite difficult. Of course, some tasks may be quite easy to parallelize. For example, it is relatively easy to parallelize video and audio encoding.
Here, it is based on a set of threads of the same type; accordingly, organizing their simultaneous execution is a fairly simple task. The gain of existing multi-core processors in solving coding problems over “similar” single-core ones will be proportional to the number of these cores: if there are two cores, then twice as fast, four cores – four times faster, 6 cores – six times faster. Unfortunately, the vast majority of important tasks are much more difficult to parallelize. In most cases, serious reworking of the program code is necessary.
Several times already, representatives of quite powerful computer companies have heard joyful statements about the successful development of original multi-core processors of the new generation, which are capable of independently dividing one thread into a group of independent threads, but, unfortunately, none of them have yet demonstrated a single such working sample.
The steps taken by computer companies towards the mass use of multi-core processors are very obvious and straightforward. The main task of these companies is to improve processors, create new promising multi-core processors, and maintain a well-thought-out pricing policy aimed at reducing prices (or restraining their growth). Today, in the middle segment of the world's two leading computer giants (AMD and Intel), you can see a very wide variety of dual-core and quad-core processors.
If desired, you can find even more sophisticated options. The good news is that the developers of modern software themselves are beginning to take an important step towards reaching the user. Many recent games have already acquired support for two cores. For the most powerful of them, it's almost vital to have at least a dual-core processor to ensure and maintain optimal performance.
Taking a look at the counters of the best computer stores and analyzing the state of affairs with the assortment, we can say that the overall picture is not bad at all. Manufacturers of multi-core processors have managed to achieve a very high level of production of suitable crystals. Their pricing policy is quite reasonable. Based on current prices, it can be seen that, for example, doubling the number of processor cores usually does not lead to a double increase in the price of such a processor for the buyer. This is very reasonable and quite logical. In addition, it is absolutely clear to many that when the number of CPU cores is doubled, the average performance does not increase by the same amount.
Still, it is worth recognizing that, despite all the thorny path to creating even more advanced multi-core processors, there is simply no alternative to it in the near foreseeable future. Ordinary consumers who want to keep up with the times can only modernize their computer in a timely manner, using new processors with an increased number of built-in cores, thus bringing overall performance to a higher level. Various single-core processors are still successfully used in mobile phones, netbooks and other equipment.
If you don’t know where it is, read the article: “”. Write in the comments what processor do you have?
Content
The heart of a computer is the processor, which is its main data processing device. The part looks like a set of chips and is responsible for computing processes. How to choose a processor for a computer is the most important question when purchasing equipment. The overall speed of the system largely depends on the performance of this part. In order not to regret your purchase, choose components taking into account their characteristics.
A frequently asked question among those wishing to purchase a processor is: “Which is better, AMD or Intel?” The main difference is the hyper-strength technology and increased computing pipeline that Intel models have. Thanks to this, devices perform a number of tasks faster: archive files, encode video, and perform other tasks. Parts from AMD cope no worse with the listed tasks, but they spend more time on it. Everyone decides for themselves: which processor is better, Intel or AMD.
To make your choice easier, check out the advantages of products from both manufacturers. Comparison of AMD and Intel processors:
|
Intel Advantages |
AMD advantages |
|
High PC speed |
The optimum ratio of price and quality |
|
Economical energy consumption |
System stability |
|
High gaming performance |
Multitasking |
|
Core i7 and i3 multi-threading gives extra performance |
Possibility to speed up processes by 5-20% |
|
Perfectly tuned work with RAM |
Multiplatform (the ability to assemble a PC from parts from different generations of AMD) |
The answer to this question depends on the tasks that the PC will have to perform. So, when choosing a gaming computer, you should pay attention to the video card model, since the graphics adapter is responsible for supporting certain technologies and performance levels in games. However, without a properly selected central processor, the video card will not reveal its potential. Less demanding parts are suitable for working with other programs or using a PC in the office.
How to choose a processor for a gaming computer? A “gaming” PC has a number of requirements. The device must be able to process at least four data streams. Test results prove that Intel Hyper-Treading technology increases frames per second. Experts consider Intel Core i5 models to be optimal for a gaming PC. Parts from AMD show lower performance. If 4-core devices in the Intel line cope with their tasks, then their competitors show the same result with 8-core analogues. Which processor should I choose for gaming?
Top devices for games:
Browsers and other programs necessary for office work require an impressive amount of RAM, but practically do not load the hard drive and processor. Therefore, it is better to choose a computer with a large amount of memory. However, processor performance should not be neglected either. According to the test results, models from the Intel Core i3 or i5 lines will be a good solution.
List of budget devices for the office:
This category includes parts whose function is to ensure fast operation of demanding programs, for example, video, graphic editors, etc. Devices of this type are expensive components and are characterized by maximum performance. This category of processors is often of interest to gamers who want better image quality while gaming.
Review of the best devices for demanding programs:
To understand how to choose a processor for a computer, you should familiarize yourself with the results of their testing. The devices are tested on Windows 7 (64-bit) OS. For this, certain programs are selected to unlock the potential of multithreading, determine whether there is support for AMD Turbo CORE (dynamic overclocking) and Intel Turbo Boost Technology, and whether it is possible to use new SIMDs. Test results are expressed as a percentage of the performance of the fastest existing device that has a 100% result.
Processor performance summary table:
|
Name |
Result |
|
Intel Core i7-5930K BOX |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme BOX |
|
|
Intel Core i7-5820K BOX |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4790K |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4790K BOX |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4790 |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4790 BOX |
|
|
Intel Core i7-4820K BOX |
|
|
Intel Xeon E3-1240 V2 |
|
|
Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 |
If you want to purchase a processor, you should study its characteristics. For example, in pursuit of frequency, many forget about the features of the core of a particular manufacturer, which negatively affects the performance of the computer. To remain satisfied with your purchase, you need to consider the device’s parameters and its compatibility with other parts. Find out how to choose the right processor for your computer by watching the video below.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!
