What is CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the heart and brain of a computer. It receives data input, executes instructions, and processes information. It communicates with input/output (I/O) devices, which send and receive data to and from the CPU. Additionally, the CPU has an internal bus for communication with the internal cache memory, called the backside bus. The main bus for data transfer to and from the CPU, (Central Processing Unit) memory, chip set, and main socket is called the front-side bus.

The CPU contains internal memory units, (Rom & Ram) which are called registers. These registers contain data, instructions, counters and addresses used in the A.L.U’s (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) information processing.

Some computers utilize two or more processors. These consist of separate physical CPU's located side by side on the same board or on separate boards. Each CPU has an independent interface, separate cache, and individual paths to the system front-side bus. Multiple processors are ideal for intensive parallel tasks requiring multitasking. Multi-mode CPU's are also common, in which a single chip contains multiple CPU's.