At the “heart” of every computer lies the CPU, or central processing unit, which is responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logic functions as well as executing instructions to other components. The components of a CPU work together, and depending on how they are made, determine exactly how fast these operations can be carried out [...]
Entries Tagged as 'processor'
Intel Core i7-980X Extreme: Hello, Six-Core Computing
March 31st, 2010 · No Comments · Advanced Topics, How To
If the processor market was a game of King of the Hill…no, that’s too easy. The fact of the matter is that Intel currently sells the fastest CPUs. Its quad-core Core i5 and Core i7s are unmatched in the desktop space—and that’s precisely the reason you pay more for them than the dual-core, Clarkdale-based Core [...]
Tags: Core i7-980X·CPU·Intel·Intel Core i7 Extreme·Intel i7-980X·processor·Quad-Core i7·Six-Core Computing
Cache Coherency
March 31st, 2010 · No Comments · Advanced Topics, How To, Introductions, Technology
Introduction I’ve written a couple of articles on multi-core technology recently; one was on multi-core CPUs and one was on multi-core programming. Seeing as how I have got multi, multi-core thoughts floating around in my head I thought I would write another article on the topic. This article will discuss cache coherency as it relates [...]
Tags: cache·Cache Coherence·Cache Coherency·Cashe Coherency Guide·Directory-Based Cache Coherency·Improve Cache Coherency Performance·Multi-core Processors·processor
Processor Cooling Basics
March 14th, 2010 · No Comments · Cooling, CPU, Introductions, Processors
It’s important to know a few basic facts about processor cooling. All desktop processors available today are pretty easy to handle, as the actual processor die is protected by a large metal plate covering the entire upper part of a processor. This metal plate is called the heat spreader, as it provides a larger footprint [...]
Tags: CPU·CPU cooling·CPU fan·heatsink·processor·processor heat dissipation
The Complete Guide to Choose A CPU
March 8th, 2010 · No Comments · CPU, Processors
Introduction Being the brain of the computer, the CPU plays a very important role in determining the performance of the system. Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing the best CPU (especially for a gaming computer), you will probably feel like a lost sheep. With different brands, models, speeds and specifications to choose from, it can [...]
Beginners Guides: Overclocking the CPU, Motherboard & Memory
February 22nd, 2010 · No Comments · CPU, Introductions, Memory, Motherboards
The term overclocking is thrown around a lot, for better or worse. If you’re one of the many who has never overclocked, this guide will explain what it is and how to do it to the computers’ processor, motherboard and memory. The prospect of overclocking a computer system can be intimidating for a computer newcomer, [...]
Tags: BIOS·CPU·memory·Motherboard·overclocking·Processing Power·processor·RAM·system memory·System Performance
Gaming PCs
February 4th, 2010 · No Comments · How To Buy, PC Gaming
When it comes to PC performance, few people demand more power than gamers. Keeping up with developers who are constantly pushing hardware to its limits requires the best system possible, specifically tailored to peak every bit of performance it possibly can. Unfortunately for buyers, this means a gaming PC can not really have a weakness. [...]
Tags: Cooling·CPU·display·fan·Gaming Computer·Gpu·Graphics Card·hard drive·monitor·Motherboard·processor·RAM·system memory·video card
Why Cool your CPU
February 3rd, 2010 · No Comments · Cooling, CPU, Processors
Why does your CPU need cooling? OK you know it gets hot without cooling but do you know what happens if you don’t use adequate cooling. With different CPU’s different results can happen, some annoying some expensive. The basics are that heat equals slower CPU performance and possible damage. Older CPU’s used to be made [...]
Tags: central processing unit·CPU·CPU cooling·CPU fan·CPU sleep·heatsink·processor