Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU [Central Processing Unit]. It is the brain of the computer. It is the part that
does most of the work in a computer system. Just like how our brain controls
our body and processes information, the CPU carries out instructions from
programs and performs calculations. It’s made up of smaller components that
work together to execute tasks, making it the heart of any computing device.
All types of data processing operations from simple arithmetic to complex tasks
and all the important functions of a computer are performed by the CPU. It
helps input and output devices to communicate with each other and perform
their respective operations. It also stores data which is input, intermediate
results in between processing, and instructions. The CPU’s job is to make sure
everything runs smoothly and efficiently. In this article, we are going to discuss
CPU in detail.
What is a CPU?
A Central Processing Unit is the most important component of a computer
system. A CPU is hardware that performs data input/output, processing, and
storage functions for a computer system. A CPU can be installed into a CPU
socket. These sockets are generally located on the motherboard. CPU can
perform various data processing operations. CPU can store data, instructions,
programs, and intermediate results.

CPU
Different Parts of CPU
Now, the CPU consists of 3 major units, which are:
 Memory or Storage Unit
 Control Unit
  ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Let us now look at the block diagram of the computer:

Here, in this diagram, the three major components are also shown. So, let us
discuss these major components in detail.
Memory or Storage Unit
As the name suggests this unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate
results. The memory unit is responsible for transferring information to other
units of the computer when needed. It is also known as an internal storage unit
or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM)
as all these are storage devices.
Its size affects speed, power, and performance. There are two types of memory
in the computer, which are primary memory and secondary memory. Some
main functions of memory units are listed below:
 Data and instructions are stored in memory units which are required for
processing.
  It also stores the intermediate results of any calculation or task when
they are in process.
 The final results of processing are stored in the memory units before
these results are released to an output device for giving the output to
the user.
 All sorts of inputs and outputs are transmitted through the memory unit.
Control Unit
As the name suggests, a control unit controls the operations of all parts of the
computer but it does not carry out any data processing operations. Executing
already stored instructions, It instructs the computer by using the electrical
signals to instruct the computer system. It takes instructions from the memory
unit and then decodes the instructions after that it executes those instructions.
So, it controls the functioning of the computer. Its main task is to maintain the
flow of information across the processor. Some main functions of the control
unit are listed below:
 Controlling of data and transfer of data and instructions is done by the
control unit among other parts of the computer.
 The control unit is responsible for managing all the units of the
computer.
 The main task of the control unit is to obtain the instructions or data that
is input from the memory unit, interpret them, and then direct the
operation of the computer according to that.
 The control unit is responsible for communication with Input and output
devices for the transfer of data or results from memory.
 The control unit is not responsible for the processing of data or storing
data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical
functions or operations. It consists of two subsections, which are:
 Arithmetic Section: By arithmetic operations, we mean operations like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and all these
operations and functions are performed by ALU. Also, all the complex
 operations are done by making repetitive use of the mentioned
operations by ALU.
 Logic Section: By Logical operations, we mean operations or functions
like selecting, comparing, matching, and merging the data, and all these
are performed by ALU.
Note: The CPU may contain more than one ALU and it can be used for
maintaining timers that help run the computer system.
What Does a CPU Do?
The main function of a computer processor is to execute instructions and
produce an output. CPU work Fetch, Decode, and Execute are the fundamental
functions of the computer.
 Fetch: the first CPU gets the instruction. That means binary numbers that
are passed from RAM to CPU.
 Decode: When the instruction is entered into the CPU, it needs to
decode the instructions. with the help of ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit), the
process of decoding begins.
 Execute: After the decode step the instructions are ready to execute.
 Store: After the execute step the instructions are ready to store in the
memory.
Types of CPU
We have three different types of CPU:
 Single Core CPU: The oldest type of computer CPU is a single-core CPU.
These CPUs were used in the 1970s. these CPUs only have a single core
that performs different operations. This means that the single-core
CPU can only process one operation at a single time. single-core CPU
CPU is not suitable for multitasking.
 Dual-Core CPU: Dual-Core CPUs contain a single Integrated Circuit with
two cores. Each core has its cache and controller. These controllers and
cache work as a single unit. dual-core CPUs can work faster than single-
core processors.
 Quad-Core CPU: Quad-Core CPUs contain two dual-core processors
present within a single integrated circuit (IC) or chip. A quad-core
 processor contains a chip with four independent cores. These cores read
and execute various instructions provided by the CPU. Quad Core CPU
increases the overall speed of programs. Without even boosting the
overall clock speed it results in higher performance.
What is CPU Performance?
CPU performance is how fast a computer’s processor (CPU) can complete the
task. It is measured by the number of instructions completed in one second. Its
performance depends on the processor’s clock speed and other factors like its
design and the size of its cache.
What are Computer Programs and Where are They Stored?
A computer program is a set of instructions written by a programmer that tells
a computer what to do. For example, Using a web browser or a word processor
is a program, Performing math operations on a computer and clicking and
selecting items with a mouse or touchpad is also a program.
Storage of Programs
There are two ways of storing programs on the computer memory:
 Permanent Storage: Programs are stored permanently on storage
devices like HDD, or SSD.
 Temporary Storage: When a program is running on a CPU, its data is
stored in RAM from HDD or SDD. Temporary because RAM is volatile, it
loses all data when the power is turned off.
Advantages
 Versatility: CPU can able to handle a complex task, from basic calculation
to managing the operating system.
 Performance: Modern CPU are vary fast and able to perform billions of
calculation per second.
 Multi-core: CPU have multiple core and able to handle multiple task
simultaneously.
 Compatibility: CPUs are designed to be compatible with a wide range of
software, this help to run different applications by using single CPU.
Disadvantages
 Overheating: CPU generate a lot of heat while performing complex task.
This requires effective cooling solutions, such as fans or liquid cooling
systems.
 Power Consumption: High-performance CPUs can consume a vary high
amount of power, which cause to generate higher electricity bills and the
need for a robust power supply.
 Cost: Best performance CPU can be expensive. Which can be a barrier for
some users or applications that need high computing power.
 Limited Parallel Processing: While multi-core CPUs can handle multiple
tasks at once, they are still not as efficient at parallel processing as
specialized hardware like GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), which are
designed for handling many tasks simultaneously.