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 CPU Definition: Acronym for Central Processing Unit. This is the term most commonly associated with the General Processing Unit and Arithmetic Processing Unit of a computer which are typically packaged together in a single chip. The CPU performs most computations in a computer and handles all task scheduling for the Operating System. Most CPUs are of the CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) type with large libraries of dedicated commands that provide more power as Moore's Law allows more CPU features to be added to a chip which moves more and more of the microcode processing to dedicated circuitry. RISC (reduced instruction set computing) processors do not scale as well as CISC when Moore's law is applied due to the fact that most instructions of a RISC processor are already optimized in the circuits of the chip. RISC processors have the disadvantage of having to execute many more commands to perform work than CISC processors for the same task. Usage: The CPU allows for general-purpose computing, relegating dedicated machines to obscurity. Posted by kingdurin on July 6, 2009 at 14:38:56 Pacific |
CPU Definition: CPU- The little green/silver chip that could (NOT the whole tower!) Usage: This CPU is an outdated Pentium 4! How can you expect to do anything on it! Posted by Polik on April 28, 2009 at 05:34:02 Pacific |
CPU Definition: Basically, it tells what the computer has to do. Usually it comes on a socket. Because today's CPU's run very hot, you will often see a heatsink with a fan on top of the CPU. CPU makers include AMD, Intel, and IBM. Usage: My CPU is getting hot, so it's slowing down on me! Posted by 747805020 on May 17, 2009 at 12:23:56 Pacific |
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