CPU Architecture and Computer Memory Systems

Intel Pentium Processors and CPU Sockets

Intel Pentium processor: The processor is placed and secured into a compatible CPU socket found on the motherboard. Processors produce heat, so they are covered with a heat sink to keep them cool and running smoothly.

The CPU chip is usually in the shape of a square or rectangle and has one notched corner to help place the chip properly into the CPU socket. On the bottom of the chip are hundreds of connector pins that plug into each of the corresponding holes in the socket. Intel and AMD have also experimented with slot processors that were much larger and slid into a slot on the motherboard. Also, over the years, there have been dozens of different types of sockets on motherboards. Each socket only supports specific types of processors and each has its own pin layout.

Primary Components of the CPU

In the CPU, the primary components are the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), which performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations, and the CU (Control Unit), which directs all of the processor's operations.

Evolution and Types of CPUs

In the past, computer processors used numbers to identify the processor and help identify faster processors. For example, the Intel 80486 (486) processor is faster than the 80386 (386) processor. After the introduction of the Intel Pentium processor (which would technically be the 80586), all computer processors started using names like Athlon, Duron, Pentium, and Celeron. Today, in addition to the different names of computer processors, there are different architectures (32-bit and 64-bit), speeds, and capabilities.

Types of Memory in a Computer

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in a computer where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. The memory is divided into a large number of small parts called cells. Each location or cell has a unique address which varies from zero to memory size minus one.

Memory is primarily of three types:

• Cache Memory
• Primary Memory / Main Memory
• Secondary Memory

Cache Memory Functions

Cache memory is a very high-speed semiconductor memory which can speed up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and programs which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and programs are transferred from the disk to cache memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can access them. This cache is usually located on the computer processor chip (CPU) and not on the motherboard.

Advantages of Cache Memory

• Cache memory is faster than main memory.
• It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
• It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
• It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages of Cache Memory

• Cache memory has limited capacity.
• It is very expensive.