Understand how a PC processor works
computer processor It’s one of the key components responsible for keeping your machine running. So it’s quite common to blame yourself when things don’t work well or when your computer becomes too slow and starts to irritate you. But do you know how it works?
In this article, we will tell you what the processor looks like and what you should know when choosing this new part for your computer.
Know what a processor is and what its function is
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In short, the processor is the central processing element of your computer. It can be said that he is the “brain” of the machine: It is responsible for making all necessary connections among the programs that are installed.
Therefore, its function is to receive and interpret all the information it sends software and generate an interface that will be managed by us, the users.
This part is also called the central processing unit (CPU), and it works like a smart electronic device. It is responsible for almost everything that happens when you use your machine: from processing commands to running programs.
It is worth remembering that the processor is also present in the smart phonestablets and smart watches.
How does a computer processor work?
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The processor works like a calculator: it receives data through a binary code — composed of 0 and 1 —, processes, stores and distributes this amount of information based on the instructions present in its internal memory. The more sophisticated the processor, the more functions it will be able to perform at a faster speed.
Its operation is complex, but it can be described as follows: the processor searches in memory in Random Access (RAM) numbers that are stored in a special register for arithmetic operations. Then it looks for another number present in the RAM memory and works in the same way. Both numbers are added and processed, returning to RAM.
This continuously running sequence of operations is what is called a program — a name that describes a list of instructions ordered and stored in memory, accessed whenever needed.
It is worth remembering that a PC processor is built from billions of transistors, which are microcomponents which work from electrical signals, which are used to convert information into binary language.
This is all on the nanometer scale, which means we can’t see the action with the naked eye if we were to watch the part. Together, these small transistors present in the processor make it capable of performing complex operations in a fraction of a second.
Basically, this happens in three steps: searching, decoding and performing information. That is, the processor receives instructions from software or an application, performs a calculation, and issues a response.
How to choose the best processor for your CPU?
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If you’re building your new machine and want to make sure it’s powerful, you might be wondering how to choose the best possible processor. With that in mind, here’s what you need to consider when making your decision.
The first point is to define what the main use of your computer is. Depending on that — for example, if you want excellent graphics quality and speed for gaming, etc. — you can decide whether to invest more in a full-featured board. If this is not the case, a very powerful processor may be more expensive than necessary.
Experts usually separate computer users into three large groups: those who work with a machine for video editing and 3D modeling, requiring a lot of power; players in general; and finally, regular users, who perform household tasks, such as surfing the Internet, writing texts and watching movies.
The first two groups are the ones that will need stronger processors, since your computer may not support videos and very heavy systems. It is ideal to invest in a processor with many cores, plus a good graphics card. This, of course, will mean more value on the side.
On the other hand, those who use it only at home can invest in a more agile processor, such as e.g double core. It is essential to assemble a machine that brings confidence, speed and does not let the user down.
Finally, you also need to think about hardware compatibility. There’s no point in investing in a super advanced processor if the motherboard — where it’s going to be attached — isn’t compatible with it. So, before buying, do your research online or at a technician’s office to see if it will be possible to use that processor in your CPU, and even if it will work in a socket.
