Central Processing UnitCentral Processing Unit

The CPU essentially functions as The CPU essentially functions as the brain of the computer.the brain of the computer.

ManufacturersManufacturers

Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are the two largest manufacturers of are the two largest manufacturers of CPU’s.CPU’s.

Intel is substantially larger than AMD but Intel is substantially larger than AMD but they both make CPU’s found commonly in they both make CPU’s found commonly in computer systems.computer systems.

IntelIntel

Intel currently manufactures the fastest Intel currently manufactures the fastest CPU’s on the market and their CPU’s are CPU’s on the market and their CPU’s are often more expensive than those made by often more expensive than those made by AMD.AMD.

Intel’s CPU’s use names such as Pentium, Intel’s CPU’s use names such as Pentium, Celeron, Core2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core Celeron, Core2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7.i3, Core i5, and Core i7.

AMDAMD AMD’s CPU’s are found in the same spectrum of AMD’s CPU’s are found in the same spectrum of

computers which use Intel CPU’s, but they are computers which use Intel CPU’s, but they are often less expensive.often less expensive.

AMD CPU’s use names such as Sempron, AMD CPU’s use names such as Sempron, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom X2, Phenom Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom X2, Phenom X4, and Phenom II.X4, and Phenom II.

Intel and AMD both develop innovative Intel and AMD both develop innovative technologies that lead to advancements in the technologies that lead to advancements in the field.field.

PGAPGA

Pin Grid Array CPU’s have pins on the CPU Pin Grid Array CPU’s have pins on the CPU that plug into a motherboard socket.that plug into a motherboard socket.

LGALGA

Land Grid Array CPU’s have Pins on the Land Grid Array CPU’s have Pins on the motherboard and contact points on the motherboard and contact points on the CPU.CPU.

InstallationInstallation

Always follow the manufacturer’s Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing CPU’s.instructions when installing CPU’s.

As with other electronic components, As with other electronic components, always take steps to prevent electrostatic always take steps to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the CPU discharge (ESD) from damaging the CPU and motherboard.and motherboard.

Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats help to prevent ESD.help to prevent ESD.

Installation ContinuedInstallation Continued

When applying thermal paste to the CPU, When applying thermal paste to the CPU, apply it evenly across the surface of the apply it evenly across the surface of the CPU.CPU.

Some heatsinks come with thermal paste Some heatsinks come with thermal paste pre-applied. In this situation, do not apply pre-applied. In this situation, do not apply additional thermal paste to the CPU.additional thermal paste to the CPU.

Only use heatsinks that are designed to Only use heatsinks that are designed to work with specific CPU’s and socket types.work with specific CPU’s and socket types.

Factors that affect CPU price:Factors that affect CPU price:

Processor SpeedProcessor SpeedCPU Interface (Motherboard Dependent)CPU Interface (Motherboard Dependent)Number of CoresNumber of CoresCacheCacheBus SpeedBus SpeedManufacturerManufacturer

Which to Purchase?Which to Purchase?

Both AMD and Intel make excellent Both AMD and Intel make excellent CPU’s. Always perform research, read CPU’s. Always perform research, read reviews, and make your decision based on reviews, and make your decision based on the intended use of the computer and the the intended use of the computer and the allotted budget.allotted budget.