CPUs and Cooling Systems

Question 1

What is a CPU

Answer 1

The Central Processing Unit is a component responsible for interpreting and executing commands from other hardware pieces.

Question 2

What is a CPU package?

Answer 2

This is the package that contains the CPU microchip, it is typically just referred to as the CPU.
It comes in different forms factors, recquiring different sockets on the motherboard.
Common manufacturers are Intel and AMD.

Question 3

What are the modern form factors of CPU?

Answer 3

Pin Grid Array (PGA) - In this architechture, the pins are on the underside of the package itself.
Land Grid Array (LGA) - In this architechture the pins are on the socket itself.

Question 4

What is ZIF?

Answer 4

Zero Insertion Force.

Question 5

What are the two forms of cooling systems? Why are the important?

Answer 5

The two forms are active and passive.
They are important because cooler compenents perform better and because hot components could cause a crash and damage them.

Question 6

What form of cooling system requires power?

Answer 6

Active cooling system such as fans.