If you are looking to learn more about computer repair, it is essential that you are informed about the parts of a computer. And one of the most important parts of a functioning computer is the Central Processing Unit, otherwise known as the CPU. The CPU is as important as any part in the computer as it is literally the brains of the whole operation. Also called Microprocessors, CPUs are very small chips that fit into the motherboard and are covered by the heatsink and then a fan to keep the CPU as cool as possible. The heatsink and fan form a seal with a silver paste used in building computers called thermal compound which allows for even disbursion of heat out of the computer. Because the CPU is so delicate, it can be ruined or broken by simply becoming overheated, and is for sure the most delicate part of the computer.

Central Processing Units are necessary for all computers, laptops as well as desktops. As technology has advanced, there is no longer a need for multiple CPUs in one computer to process all the data in the computer. In today’s computer, you will usually find just one CPU and can process all the data needed to run the applications performed on your computer.

When you purchase a Central Processing Unit or Microprocessor, there are plenty of terms you will need to have some knowledge about so you know which one to buy. They have several different aspects and numbers that describe the different speeds and similar that the CPU will run at. These numbers and aspects allow you to compare CPUs against one another, as well, to tell which is better, and include transistors, microns, Data Width, MIPS, and clock speed.

Transistors Number: tells you how many transistors there are on the chip. As newer and newer central processing units are designed and produced, the number of transistors you will find on them has gone up.

Microns: unit of measurement that describes how wide the smallest wire on the chip is. The lower the micron number, the higher the transistor number, usually – small wires mean there is more room on the chip.

Data Width: describes the width of the ALU on the chop. The higher the Data Width, the more information can be processed by the CPU at one time.

Clock Speed: maximum speed the central processing unit can run at, and MIPS stands for “millions of instructions per second.” The millions of instructions per second measurement is a rough estimate of the performance of the central processing unit, as in, how much information your CPU can process in a second