Today a microprocessor can house around 4 CPUs for quad-core technologies. Initially, it required more than one circuit in order to house the CPU, as the technology became more advanced, the need for that many circuits reduced.
The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, while the CU extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them calling on the ALU for help when necessary.Ī microprocessor incorporates all of the functions of a computer’s CPU on a single integrated circuit (IC). There are two typical components of a CPU: arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU). However, a very large CPU is also not necessary for most home computers, as many of us do not run that many programs at a single time. Since, the CPU is responsible for practically all the processes running in the computer, it is only acceptable to state that the faster the CPU is, the faster the applications can run.
CPUs also initiate transfer of large blocks of data, as well as read or write data to and from peripheral devices, such as CDs, DVD, USB drives, etc. In addition to executing a program, the CPU is also responsible for keeping an eye over system functions, for executing scripts, and for making complex calculations, which are often used in software rendering. CPUs follow a four step process in their operation: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. A program is essentially a sequence of stored instructions, which is represented by a series of numbers that are kept in some kind of computer memory. The fundamental function of a CPU is to run or execute a program. However, in personal computers and small workstations, the ones which most of us use, the CPU is housed in a single silicon chip called a microprocessor. In large computers, the CPUs require one or more printed circuit boards. However, many mistakenly use the term CPU to refer to the housing unit that stores all of the computer’s hardware, whereas, in actuality it is just the small processor chip that runs the computer’s programs.
It is also called a central processor unit, or more commonly a processor. The terms microprocessor and CPU are often used to refer to the central processing unit, which is considered as the brain of the computer.Ī central processing unit (CPU) is the hardware within a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system.
Key Difference: A CPU carries out all the arithmetic and computing functions of a computer, while a microprocessor houses the CPU, BIOS and memory access circuits.Ĭentral Processing Units (CPUs) and microprocessors are common to people who often work with computing components however for the rest of the public they often cause confusion.
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