3.4 - CPU Flashcards
CPU = Central Processing Unit
- Is a core component of all computing devices
- Processes instructions for the OS, apps, & other components
- Motherboard chipset & socket defines CPU compatibility
CPU Architecture
* x86 / x64
o designed for desktops / server systems
oIntel & AMD dominate
o Consumes LOTS of power & generates LOTS of heat
o LARGE library of compatible software
o Usually Windows & Mac
CPU Architecture
ARM
o Designed for mobile & portable computers
o Qualcomm, Samsung, Nvidia, Apple & others
o Power Efficient & generates LESS heat
o Limited Software compatibility but growing quickly
Desktop & Server CPU
PGA Socket = Pin Grid Array Socket
o Connector with holes to receive the pins from the bottom of the CPU
o Older style still used by AMD for some Ryzen CPUs
Desktop & Server CPU
LGA Sockets = Land Grid Array Socket
o Connector with pins that connect the pads on the bottom of the CPU
o Intel created & exclusivley uses LGA sockets
o Used by AMD for their Ryzen Theradripper & EYPC CPUs
Server CPU Sockets
Multi-Socket Motherboards
o Some server motherboards have multiple CPU sockets to provide high performance
o Can be either: LGA / PGA sockets
—But NEVER both
Mobile CPU Sockets
Mobile CPUs are designed to be smaller & more power efficient than desktop CPUs to better fit the use of mobile users
Mobile CPU Sockets
BGA Socket = Ball Grid Array Socket
o NO connector
o Balls of Solder used to attach the CPU to board
o Intel & AMD use them for mobile CPUs
32 bits vs 64 bits
o Refers to how many bits a CPU can address per cycle
o 64 bit architecture handles large amounts of RAM more effectively than a 32 bit system
o 64 = supports more data & more RAM
Clock Speed
o Is an indicator of performance & how fast a CPU can process data
o Higher frequency suggests better performance
o 1000 MHz = 1 GB
Multithreading & Multicore
Hyperthreading
o Is an Intel based technology which allows a CPU core to process multiple intructions instantaneously
o AKA – SMT = Simultaneous Multithreading AMD & others
- Have single-core processor in a machine that is multi-threaded
o Look at performance = Looks like 2 processors
o Tricks computer to think multiple threads – App
o Sends multiple threads to processor & processed quicker
Multithreading & Multicore:
For multithreading to work
need to have app supported & processor supported
- Can use single-thread app with multi-thread processor = NO difference
Multicore
o Processor is a single chip that has 2 or more processor cores attached
o Provides enhancements of speed, performance, & reduced power consumption
o More effiecient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks
o Dual-core [2], Quad-core [4], Hexa-core [6], Octa-core [8] processor are common in all computing devices
CPU Technology
Virtualization Support
o Allows for a system to host [VM] = virtual machines
o NOT all CPUs support this feature
o Enabled / disabled in BIOS / UEFI utility
o Intel Virtualization Technology [Intel VT]
—Intel VT-d is in a BIOS / UEFI menu
o AMD Virtualization Tech [AMD-V]
—Secure Virtual Machine in a network
