A computer processor is like the brain of a computer. It helps the computer to do things like math, logic, and control other parts of the computer.
The faster and more powerful the processor is, the better the computer can work. Some processors can do more than one thing at a time.
There are many types of processors, made by different companies, and the one used in a computer depends on what the computer will be used for, how much money is available, and how much power the computer needs.
what does a computer processor do
A computer processor, also known as a central processing unit (CPU), is responsible for carrying out most of the calculations and operations that a computer performs.
It receives instructions from computer programs, performs mathematical calculations, logical comparisons, and manages the flow of data between different parts of the computer.
The processor essentially acts as the “brain” of the computer, interpreting and executing instructions to complete tasks such as browsing the web, playing games, or running software applications.
It also communicates with other components of the computer, such as the memory and storage devices, to access and manipulate data.
The speed and performance of a processor play a critical role in determining the overall performance and responsiveness of a computer system.
Faster processors with more cores can handle more tasks simultaneously and execute instructions more quickly, resulting in smoother and faster computing experience.
computer processor speed is measured in
Computer processor speed is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of clock cycles per second. The clock cycle is the unit of measurement that refers to the time it takes for the processor to execute one instruction.
Processors typically have clock speeds in the range of gigahertz (GHz), which means they can execute billions of clock cycles per second. For example, a processor with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz can execute 3.5 billion clock cycles per second.
The higher the clock speed, the faster the processor can execute instructions, which can result in better performance and faster processing times.
However, other factors such as the number of cores and cache size also play a role in determining the overall performance of a processor.
computer processor architecture
Computer processor architecture refers to the design of the processor, including its instruction set, memory organization, and the way it executes instructions. Different processor architectures have unique features and characteristics that affect their performance, power consumption, and compatibility with software.
Some popular processor architectures include:
- x86: This architecture is used by Intel and AMD processors and is the most common architecture used in personal computers. It has a large instruction set and is known for its backward compatibility, which means it can run older software.
- ARM: This architecture is used in mobile devices and embedded systems. It is known for its low power consumption, which makes it ideal for devices that rely on battery power.
- PowerPC: This architecture is used by IBM processors and is commonly found in high-performance computing systems. It is known for its high processing power and scalability.
- RISC-V: This is an open-source processor architecture that is gaining popularity due to its flexibility and customizable nature.
Each processor architecture has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of architecture depends on the specific requirements of the device or system.
Computer Processor brand list
Here is a list of some of the popular computer processor brands:
- Intel: Intel is the largest and most well-known processor manufacturer, and its processors are used in the majority of personal computers. Its current processor families include the Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9, as well as the Xeon series for servers and workstations.
- AMD: AMD is a leading processor manufacturer and offers a range of processors for desktops, laptops, and servers. Its current processor families include the AMD Ryzen and Threadripper series, as well as the EPYC series for servers.
- ARM: ARM processors are used in mobile devices and embedded systems. They are known for their low power consumption and are used in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
- IBM: IBM manufactures high-performance processors for servers and mainframes, such as the IBM Power and zSeries processors.
- Qualcomm: Qualcomm is a leading manufacturer of processors for mobile devices and offers a range of processors for smartphones and tablets.
- Apple: Apple designs its own processors, known as Apple Silicon, for its Mac computers and mobile devices. The current processor families include the Apple M1 and A-series processors.
There are also other processor brands, such as VIA Technologies and Fujitsu, that offer processors for specific markets or applications.
computer processor list old to new
Here is a list of computer processors in chronological order from older to newer models:
- Intel 4004 (1971)
- Intel 8008 (1972)
- Intel 8080 (1974)
- Zilog Z80 (1976)
- Intel 8086 (1978)
- Intel 8088 (1979)
- Motorola 68000 (1979)
- Intel 80286 (1982)
- Intel 80386 (1985)
- Motorola 68020 (1984)
- Motorola 68030 (1987)
- Intel 80486 (1989)
- AMD Am386 (1991)
- Intel Pentium (1993)
- AMD K5 (1996)
- Intel Pentium II (1997)
- AMD K6 (1997)
- Intel Celeron (1998)
- AMD Athlon (1999)
- Intel Pentium III (1999)
- Intel Pentium 4 (2000)
- AMD Duron (2000)
- Intel Xeon (2001)
- AMD Opteron (2003)
- Intel Core 2 Duo (2006)
- AMD Phenom (2007)
- Intel Core i7 (2008)
- AMD Ryzen (2017)
- Intel Core i9 (2017)
- Apple M1 (2020)
