CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It is the brain of the computer whose job is to carry out all the mathematical and logical calculations. It acts as the brain of the computer which stores, processes, and provides the results.
What is CPU?
CPU also known as the main processor is a piece of hardware that comprises transistors. These transistors can be compared to the Logical Gates. These are switches that control the flow of electricity. Usually, the CPU is present on the motherboard of the computers. below are the components of the CPU.
- ALU: ALU stands for Arithmetic and Logical Unit. This component is responsible for carrying out calculations like shift operation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, logical comparison, etc. ALU is the brain that performs repetitive complex calculations.
- CU: CU stands for Control Unit. As the name suggests, it controls the task execution. It also informs the computers which tasks are to be prioritized. It also regulates the flow of information across the processors.
- Memory Unit: Memory Unit is RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a volatile memory that stores data and intermediate results during the execution of programs. So if the power is turned off RAM loses all the results that have been stored.
Types of CPU
There are different types of CPUs. Before discussing the types let us discuss the core of CPU. The core is responsible for the execution of the instructions.
1. Single-Core CPU
This type of CPU was used in the early versions of computers. As the name suggests, only one core is available. This once core is responsible for the execution of the instructions. However it was a slow. This is because if the user loads more than one application at a time, the core cannot process the new one unless and until the execution of current application has been completed. Therefore the major drawback was it was not capable of multitasking. Another problem was that it couldn’t process high end applications. Example of Single Core CPU is Intel 4004
2. Dual Core CPU
As the name suggests, this type of CPU makes use of two cores. Each core is responsible for the execution of instructions. Therefore they can execute more than one operation at a time. The core can handle execution of two operations simultaneously thereby overcoming the drawback of Single Core CPU. It has the ability to do parallel tasks as each core has its own cache. However it is less robust as compared to Quad Core. Example of Dual Core CPU is Core 2 Duo E6400.
3. Quad Core CPU
As the name suggests this CPU has 4 cores. Four cores does not mean that the speed is increased by four times. It means that the execution becomes more enhanced. It has the ability to execute the multiple tasks with enhanced speed. For instance if the user has opened four applications, the CPU loads all the applications and simultaneously executes them. The control jumps forth and back to process the instructions. These CPUs should be used when users do Graphic designing, Video Editing etc. It can handle single threaded jobs efficiently.
4. Hexa Core CPU
As the name suggests, this CPU has six cores. They can execute the tasks with much more speed and efficiency. The speed, clock speed is much more as compared to the previous processors. This CPU is capable for ideal tasks like video editing, scientific simulations, gaming without lagging or freezing. Example of Hexa Core CPU is Intel Core i3
5. Octa Core CPU
As the name suggests this CPU comprises eight cores. It basically comprises of two Quad cores. This CPU is capable for advanced tasks. The speed is of another level and it is also known as dual quad processor. It can handle multi threaded jobs efficiently.
6. Deca Core CPU
The word Deca means ten. In this CPU there are 10 cores. This is the most fastest CPU capable of doing multi tasking and parallel computing at an advanced level. Each core has the capacity to perform tasks simultaneously. This core is also implemented in smartphones for enhanced video editing, gaming as this CPU does not cause the device to lag.
Selection of CPU
There are different types of CPUs available. One must choose CPU based on his/her requirements. However the choice must be generalized. Let us have a look:
- With the increase in number of cores, price also increases. For instance Quad Core CPU is costly as compared to Single Core or Dual Core CPU.
- Dual Core and Quad Core CPU should be preferred for web browsing, multimedia, executing light weight applications.
- Hexa Core and Octa Core CPUs should be preferred for video editing, gaming etc.
- Deca Core CPU should be preferred for advanced multitasking.
FAQs on Types of CPU
Q.1: Which type of CPU should be preferred for day to day tasks and why?
Answer:
For day to day tasks Quad Core CPUs or Hexa Core CPUs should be used. This is because these two types are budget friendly and also supports advanced multi tasking.
Q.2: Who are the 2 major manufacturers of CPUs?
Answer:
Intel and AMD are two major manufacturers of CPU. They mainly create three types of CPUs: Budget Friendly, Mainstream and High End CPUs.
Q.3: How does the number of cores in a CPU affect the performance?
Answer:
With the increase in number of cores, the multitasking capability of the CPU increases. The CPU can support the execution of heavy software and hence is perfect for video editing, scientific simulation etc.