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| Layman's Guide to CPUs |
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Page 3 of 4 Choosing the CPU We have to choose the CPU carefully. We need to consider issues such as the applications for which we plan to use the machine, the cost, the actual architecture of the CPU, and the way the CPU is integrated with the system. 32-bit versus 64-bitThe CPU is a data processor. The data/instructions come from the main system memory (R.A.M) using a path which is called the data bus. The width of this pathway directly affects the amount of data that can be handled by the unit. 64 bit CPUs are capable of handling more data at a time than 32 bit CPUs. This results in better performance. Typical 64 bit processors are AMD 64 series and Intel CPUs with EMT64 technology.A CacheThe CPU operates with greater speeds than the system memory. All CPUs have some memory of their own to hasten their operations. This CPU memory is known as cache and is classified as L1/L2/L3 cache. In order to integrate its operations, the CPU uses a clock. The measuring unit for the speed of this clock is GHz. Processors are rated using this unit. There are CPUs with different ratings such as 2.66 GHz, 2.8 GHz, 3 GHz etc. The processor may not indicate the above speeds. |
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