CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT:

The CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is

the brain of the computer and one of the
most important chip in the computer. New
CPUs are small and square and contain
multiple metallic connectors or pins on the
underside. The CPU is inserted directly into a
CPU socket, pin side down, on the
motherboard. Each motherboard will
support only a specific type or range of CPU
so checking the motherboard manufacturer's
specifications before attempting to replace
or upgrade a CPU is important. It is also
necessary to attach heat sink and small
fan directly on top of the CPU to help
dissipate heat.
A computer technician must know some of the important
factors about CPU or Processor.
1. Manufacturer. There are two major manufacturer of personal
computer processor, Intel and AMD. Choosing a processor
manufacturer will Depend on which motherboards are compatible
with your CPU.

Intel AMD
2. Processor type:
Desktop Processor - use to build
a desktop computers.

Mobile Processor - are used for

notebooks and other mobile
computers.

Server Processors - used in

servers computers.

Each type have different

performance, power
consumption and price.
3. Core:
A multicore processor, as the name
implies, actually contains two or more
processor cores in a single processor
package. From outward appearances, it
still looks like a single processor (and is
considered as such for Windows
licensing purposes), but inside there can
be two, three, four, or even more
processor cores. A multicore processor
provides virtually all the advantages of
having multiple separate physical
processors, all at a much lower cost.

You’ll usually notice that a core is

associated with a particular series. The
core is a good indicator of performance,
before considering other important
factors such as frequency (speed in GHz)
and cache (Very fast onboard CPU
memory) that is.
4. Frequency:
Still the most important factor in performance for today’s cpus, the
frequency represents the speed at which the processor runs, in GHz
(1GHz = 1000MHz). Video games performance is very dependent on
frequency, to the point where a fast dual-core processor will
outperform a slower quad-core processor in most video games.
5. FSB, Hyper-Transport or QPI:
This is the speed at which your
processor communicates with other
components in your system, such as
the memory for example. A higher
speed means higher bandwidth, or
in plain English, your system will be
able to move more data in a given
time, increasing performance in
specific cases.

You must make sure that it meets or

is lower than your motherboard
supported speed in order for your
processor to function with the
motherboard.
6. L2/L3 cache:
Cache is really quick on-board
CPU memory, much faster than
RAM, that your processor use
to store data that is about to be
processed and/or is used often.
The more cache you have, the
more data your processor can
store for ultra-quick access and
the more performance you’ll
get out of your processor.

Video games performance

greatly benefit from more L2
and L3 cache.
7. Manufacturing Tech:
In nm, the manufacturing
size at which the processor
transistors are produced. A
smaller number is better, as
this allows for more
transistors on the same
surface and reduced power
consumption compared to
an higher number.
8. Thermal Power Design (TPD):
This is a general measurement that
indicates how much power, in Watts,
that your processor will consume in
the worst case scenario. This is also
used to have an idea of how much
heat your processor will produce.

Same here, a lower number is

desirable, to lower your electricity bill.
A processor which consumes more
power and emit more heat will also
need a better heat sink, or a faster fan,
which usually results in a more noisy
computer.
Using the system information
properties on Windows.

Steps

1. Click Start button.

2. Right click on Computer icon
3. Click Properties
4. Look for CPU or Processor
information under System
Using the system information on
BIOS

Steps

1. Access the BIOS. Press F2,

F10, F12, or Del key.
2. Look for CPU or Processor
Configuration
Match the pins of the CPU to the holes of
the CPU support.
Match the shape formaed by the holes from the CPU support
to the CPU. This will be one of your guide in installing the
CPU
Position the CPU making sure that all
pins will be inserted inside the holes.
Do not push or force the CPU while inserting all pins
on holes. Pins will be inserted smoothly if you
position it correctly.
 1 2

Secure the CPU by clipping the CPU

using the CPU lever lock.
Install the Heatsink and plug the CPU power
connector to the motherboard CPU power controller
(Refer to your CPU motherboard manual for this.