Chapter 3 Vocab Flashcards
Central processing unit (CPU)
Also called microprocessor, is a single silicon-based electronic chip that makes your computer compute.
Clock cycle
A single charge to the clock wire aka CLK
Bell on a real CPU
Clock wire
Clock speed
That maximum number of clock cycles a CPU can handle in a given period of time
System crystal
Determines the speed at which a CPU and the rest of the PC operate —- normally a quartz oscillator that sends out an electric pulse at a certain speed, millions of times per second
Memory
Devices that hold ones and zeros that the CPU accesses
Memory
Devices that hold ones and zeros that the CPU accesses
Bit
1 or 0
Byte
A row of 8 bits
Memory
Devices that in any way hold ones and zero that the CPU accesses
Random access memory RAM
Memory that can be accessed at random. That is, memory that you can write or read from without touching the preceding address. This term is often used to mean a computers main memory.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Computers use this for the main system memory — this need constant electrical charge and a periodic refresh of the circuits
Address bus
For the CPU to communicate with MCC you need a set a wires called the address bus. By turning the address bus wires on and off in different patterns, the CPU tells the MCC which line of RAM it wants.
Address space
2 to whatever power or material you have. For example: if there’s 20 wires on an address bus then 2 to the 20th power would be the amount of combinations this item would have.
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)
Architecture processors. ARM licenses its processors to many other companies such as Apple, Samsung etc. These companies in turn use fabrication companies like I make the physical processors.
Thermal Throttling
Power reduction/thermal control capability allowing CPUs to slow down during low activity or high heat build up situations.
Thermal design power (TDP)
Describes how much heat a busy CPU generates with a figure (measured in watts). This can give you a rough idea of how much energy a CPU draws and what kind of cooling it will need. It can also help select more efficient CPUs
Virtualization support
Intel and AMD have built in support for running more than one operating system at a time called virtualization support
Parallel execution
Modern CPUs can process multiple commands and parts of commands in parallel known as parallel execution
Static RAM (SRAM)
Very high speed RAM. Preloads as many instructions as possible and keeps copies of already run instructions and data in case the CPU needs to work on them again. SRAM used in this fashion is called a cache.
Multicore processing
CPU manufacturers engineered the core in multicore CPUs to divide up work independently of the OS
Integrated memory controller (IMC)
All current microprocessors have an integrated memory controller (IMC) moved from the motherboard chip into the CPU to optimize the flow of information into and out from the CPU
Integrated graphics processing unit (GPU)
Graphics processors can handle certain tasks much more efficiently than the standard CPU integrating a GPU into the CPU enhances the overall performance of the computer while at the same time reducing energy use, size, and cost.
NX bit
Technology that enables the CPU and to protect certain sections of memory
Data execution preventions (DEP)
Stops malicious attacks from getting big to essential operating system files
Zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets
You never have to use any for at all to install
Heat sink
Is a copper or other metal device designed to dissipate heat from whatever it touches.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
Heat sink and fan assemblies are included with most Intel and AMD retail boxed CPUs
Thermal paste (thermal compound, heat dope, And nasty silver goo)
Before installing the heat sink you will need to add a small amount of this. Some heat sinks come with thermal paste already on them called a thermal pad.
Over clocking for both Intel and AMD
- Intel extreme tuning utility (Intel XTU) - don’t skip the additional performance tuning protection plan if you go this route
- AMD overdrive utility - no extra warranty is provided here; you’re on your own
