| Home Page | Core Components | Storage Devices | Cards | Connectors | Peripherals |
| Optional Peripherals & Common PC Specs | Computer Glossary | Order More Books |

CPU & CPU Fan
Central Processing Unit

The CPU is one of the three main Core Components in a computer. The other two main Core Components are the Motherboard and RAM.

• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) has a make and a model just like in an automobile. For example, there is the Intel Pentium or 486DX, or AMD K6

• All CPUs have a make, a model and speed

Speed

• CPUs have a speed measured in millions of cycles per second or MHz.

• Broad cross section of shapes and sizes

Makers

• Only three makers of CPUs today

• Intel is the leader. They are the inventor of the type of CPUs we use in PCs

• AMD creates new and innovative CPUs at a lower price.

• CYRIX, now a part of National Semiconductors, is not a major player, but have significant part of the market

Models

Models are usually based on technologies that occur over time

• Beginning with the earlier model, the Intel 386, you will always find the make, model and speed somewhere on the CPU.

• Look at the CPU and get used to recognizing where make, model and speed are printed . For example:
  • Intel Pentium 4, AMD T-Bird, Cyrix 686 MX

• Intel Pentium II Processor is very different from other CPUs and incorporates a lot of new technologies.

• Some Pentium II, III and P4 CPUs are inserted into a "slot" on the motherboard

 

 

• These CPUs stand upright and are inserted into a "Slot 1" on a motherboard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Other CPUs have "pins" on the bottom and are inserted into a "Socket" on the motherboard

 

The CPU’s Sockets & Slots 

• The CPU that you select must be compatible to the motherboard you select.

• When you hear the term “Socket 370 Motherboard,” it means that the board will accommodate a Socket 370 CPU.

• The CPU package tells what type of connection the CPU has to the board 
  • Some CPUs connect using pins - pin grid array (PGA-type) and are installed into the  board’s ZIF Socket (Socket 7, 370, etc.). 
  • Others use cartridges - single edge cartridge (SEC) are installed into Slots (Slot 1, A, etc.) 

• Again, consult with the motherboard book when selecting a CPU.  

The CPU’s Fan

• Because the CPU calculates and executes instructions at speeds into the giga-hertz, the power supply fan is not enough to keep the CPU from overheating. Thus we have the CPU fan.

• Purchase the fan when you purchase the CPU to assure that the voltage of the fan is appropriate for the CPU type.

• For a 'Slot A' CPU, purchase a 'Slot A' Fan.

 

 

 

• A 'Socket 370' CPU uses a socket-type cooling fan.

 

 

• Again, remember to consult the motherboard book when selecting the CPU and fan.

Understanding PC Hardware, Second Edition, ©2003 Cary Muhammad, (All Rights Reserved), vipcomputers4u@yahoo.com