Speeding up the CPUs

To enhance the speed of operations, CPU manufacturers use various techniques. Hyperthreading is a technique that Intel uses. This allows execution of instructions at the same time leading to faster CPU performance. Gains in performance can be achieved by using a right mix of applications. Another technique is to place more than one unit core within a single CPU. The Core Duo processors from Intel and the Athlon 64 X2 processors from AMD use this technique. Performance gains result from dual core CPUs.

Motherboards

The motherboard of the computer is used to incorporate the CPUs with the rest of the system. Motherboards can be categorized by the way in which the CPU is designed to integrate with the board. Thus, we have Socket 754, Socket 939, and socket AM2 motherboards. These support AMD processors. Socket LGA 775 And socket mPGA478 motherboards are for INTEL processors. The CPU is connected to other devices within the computer via a FSB (Front Side Bus). This has speed ranges from 400 to 1033 MHz. Normally, the faster the FSB, the faster will be the CPU.

Reducing heat build up

While carrying out its operations at full speed, the CPU consumes power.Heat will also build up. In order to bring down the temperatures of the CPU, Intel and AMD have developed technologies -

SpeedStep by Intel
Cool'n'Quiet by AMD

These techniques help to keep the temperatures down. A cooler CPU is beneficial in many ways. It lowers the power bill, gives longer life reduces noise levels and, for laptops, conserves battery power.

Conclusion

This article has discussed the various parameters in the structure of a CPU. And helps to transfer the technology to a layman to help in the process of selecting the right CPU for his computer.

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