Parts of a processor 【basics】 ⭐️

Processors are somewhat more complex than we think. It's not just about cores, threads, frequency, and cache, but each processor has certain parts that need to be known. Since we know that many do not know them, we have decided to do a small basic tutorial that tries to explain the most basic of a processor.

Index of contents

Processor or cpu

We often refer to the processor as CPU, but what is CPU? They are the initials of Central Processing Unit or, translated into Spanish, Central Processing Unit . A processor collects all the "raw" data it receives from input devices and converts it into useful information that can be used by any output device.

In a normal PC, the CPU is a simple microchip, but in servers or in quantum PCs, they are usually a set of chips. The 3 main parts of the processor are as follows:

Control unit. Controls the input and output devices (input and output). The logical arithmetic unit or (ALU). This is one of the most important parts of the processor because it takes a lot of work to do, like decision making and math. Memory unit. It is that memory used to store the programming and data of the CPU. The more memory the CPU has, the more programs it can start at the same time, the more data it can handle.

However, you have to go deeper into each part. Therefore, below, we will explain in detail the 3 parts of the processor.

Control unit

It controls the operations of all parts of the PC, but does not carry out any data processing operations. Its functions are as follows:

Control data transfers and instructions between the other units of the PC. Manage and coordinate all the units of the computer. Obtains instructions from memory, interprets them, and directs PC operations. Communicates with input and output devices for data transfer or storage results. Does not process or save data.

ALU

It consists of two subsections or subcategories called: arithmetic section and logic section.

The first performs arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. All those complex operations are performed using, repeatedly, the previous operations.

As for the logical section, it performs logical operations, such as comparing, selecting, matching, or merging data.

Memory unit

It can also be referred to as a "Storage Unit". You can store instructions, data or intermediate results. This unit feeds information to other PC units that need it. Its size affects power, capacity and speed.

We find the main and secondary memory, but the functions of the memory unit are as follows:

Stores all information and instructions whose processing is necessary. Stores intermediate processing results. Saves final processing results before they are output to an output device. All inputs and outputs communicate or transmit through main memory..

Cores or cores

So far, we have explained how a Central Processing Unit (CPU) works, but most often we find several. This is where kernels , multiprocessing, etc. come in. Currently, the most normal thing is to have a processor with 2 or 4 cores.

But what is a nucleus? We could say that a kernel is a block that is inside the processor and that executes instructions. Definitely, the number of cores indicates how many tasks our PC can carry out simultaneously. Having said that, does it mean that the more cores we have, the more instructions we will execute? It does n't have to.

That amount of instructions will depend on the program we use. There are programs that only use one kernel, like others that use up to 8. Obviously, if we use the latter, having more cores is going to be a huge performance leap.

Therefore, we can say that multi-core processors can work with more programs and perform more tasks at once. Although, be careful, it does not have to be this way, this will depend on the program because we find applications whose operations cannot be executed in parallel.

Since I know that many of you are thinking about video games, I will tell you how many cores you need. Before, with 4 cores it was enough because video games, as a general rule, did not require more. Starting in 2018, developers have started using all 6 cores. This means that, as a minimum, we recommend that you buy a processor with 6 cores.

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This does not mean that you cannot play with 2 cores or 4 cores. In fact, you will be able to play and get a good experience, but not the best one.

Finally, say that each core operates at a frequency, which can be either base or turbo. The basis is the stock frequency, the turbo is a kind of "overclock" that is made to the processor to deliver maximum power.

Threads or threads

The threads are a virtual version of a kernel (yes, what we have explained before). Its mission is to help the processor better manage its tasks, reducing waiting times. Each core performs a simultaneous task, and the threads convince the user and the PC that more can be done at the same time.

Let's explain it with this example: a cake. The cake represents a task, which we are going to call " starting Counter Strike ". Now, we divide it into portions; these will represent the threads. In this way, we are dividing a task into several threads. Each thread has to do a specific job. If you look, it is the division of labor devised by Henry Ford, but applied to computing.

If it is not clear to you, let's do the following: we have to fill 10 buckets of water. How do you think it will take less?

Filling one bucket until complete, to move on to the other. Go filling a little water in each one, simultaneously, until all are completed.

We will fill the 10 buckets of water before, if they are filled simultaneously. So, it is better to use Hyper-threading, as long as the application allows it. The more threads, the better.

So far this tutorial of basic parts of the processor. We hope it has served you, and if you have any questions, you know!

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Did you know the parts of the processor? Do you miss any concept? Which one?