Question

Identify four criteria you will consider in choosing a central processing unit.? (6)

Answer 1

There are many criteria which we should consider while choosing a CPU, some of them are;

1. Cores

It is the brain of the CPU which receives instructions and performs calculations according to those instructions. A CPU can have multiple cores. CPU with two cores is called a dual-core processor; with four cores, a quad-core; six cores, Hexa-core; eight cores, octa-core.

Nowadays the majority of consumer CPUs feature between two and twelve cores. Each core of a CPU can perform operations separately from the others. Or, multiple cores may work together to perform parallel operations on a shared set of data in the CPU's memory cache. And it will enhance the overall speed.

So we want to consider the number of the core when we are choosing the CPU.

2. Cache

Cache is nothing but a small amount of memory which is a part of the CPU which is located closer to the CPU than RAM. It is mainly used to temporarily hold instructions and data.

The CPU control unit automatically checks cache for instructions before requesting data from RAM. This will reduce the time for processing an instruction. Transfers to and from cache take less time than transfers to and from RAM. There are two main types of CPU and they are CISC and RISC.

3. Frequency

The frequency is the speed at which it operates. In some cases, a CPU running at a lower frequency may actually perform better than a processor running at a higher frequency due to the infrastructure of the CPU. It is important to look at a CPU’s “instructions per clock” in addition to the frequency of the CPU. While frequency is still a good indication of how quickly a processor can perform, it is no longer the only factor that impacts the actual speed of a processor.

4. Thermal Design Power

Processors normally generate heat while working. The specification named as thermal design power specification assigned in CPU explains how much heat the processor is going to give off. This will directly affect the type of cooling device needed for a CPU. If the CPU does not come with a cooling device or if the cooling device provided is not used, a device must be installed that can cool the system sufficiently. Overheating is a primary danger to a computer’s componentry.

5. Socket Compatibility

The socket compatibility creates an  nterface between a motherboard and its CPU. Socket compatibility is a primary concern when it comes to buying a processor. If a motherboard has already been acquired, make sure that the processor installed is compatible with the motherboard’s socket. Alternately, when building a computer around the processor, make sure that the motherboard is compatible with the existing processor.

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