The computer CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the part of the machine that makes the computer function, basically. It is responsible for carrying out the instructions of a program, which is done by accessing information from the memory and performing some specific action with it. After performing this action, it performs a 'writeback', wherein the changed information is re-written onto the memory.
Although they did not start out this way, modern CPUs are microprocessors. The invention of these microprocessors and their subsequent revisions is what has allowed modern machines to reach the 'clock' speeds that they do. These speeds are referred to as processor speeds, and have reached into the gigahertz range in recent years.
Many of these CPUs have reached their capacity for performing operations, which is why in recent years, manufacturers have turned to multiple core machines. The number of cores refers to the number of processors in the machine, and the more cores, the more tasks that can be performed simultaneously at peak speed. Theoretically, these machines should be faster than they really are. Software is generally considered the problem with reaching theoretical maximum speeds.
Computers create heat, something that anyone who has ever used a laptop on their lap can verify. Too much heat causes the machine to shut down in order to prevent damaging itself. There are several methods of keeping the area cool, including fans (air cooling) and liquid cooling. Air cooling is by far the more common of the two.
Allowing an air-cooled machine to build up dust, or not allowing proper clearance from objects can increase the temperature to a dangerous level. This can not only 'fry' the circuits and damage the machine beyond repair, but it can also cause fires in severe cases. This is why most computers come with detailed instructions on how to position them (such as not placing the machine directly on carpet or another soft surface).
Liquid submersion cooling is performed by materials such as oils, in which the CPU is submerged. It is rare because it is prone to problems-- leakage being the main one. If the material leaks into the other components of the machine, damage occurs and destroys the computer. Evaporation means that the liquid must be replaced periodically, which also increases the chances of damage via spills.
Water cooling is not a submersion method. Because the properties of oil and water differ, they must be used in different manners to cool machines. It is much more efficient at removing heat than air cooling, and because of this, has been used for mainframe computers and jury-rigged by users for many years. It is still quite uncommon in commercial personal computers, but is present in a few. Potential complications such as condensation and leaking make it less popular than air cooling in all but the highest-performance machines.
Machines these days can do things that machines twenty years ago could only dream about, and CPUs are one of the major things that are responsible for that. Since the invention of the microprocessor, personal computers have gone from being calculators and word processors to being capable of multiple different complex actions at the same time. Supercomputers are even more powerful. If it weren't for the invention of the microprocessor computer CPU, none of these things would be possible.
Although they did not start out this way, modern CPUs are microprocessors. The invention of these microprocessors and their subsequent revisions is what has allowed modern machines to reach the 'clock' speeds that they do. These speeds are referred to as processor speeds, and have reached into the gigahertz range in recent years.
Many of these CPUs have reached their capacity for performing operations, which is why in recent years, manufacturers have turned to multiple core machines. The number of cores refers to the number of processors in the machine, and the more cores, the more tasks that can be performed simultaneously at peak speed. Theoretically, these machines should be faster than they really are. Software is generally considered the problem with reaching theoretical maximum speeds.
Computers create heat, something that anyone who has ever used a laptop on their lap can verify. Too much heat causes the machine to shut down in order to prevent damaging itself. There are several methods of keeping the area cool, including fans (air cooling) and liquid cooling. Air cooling is by far the more common of the two.
Allowing an air-cooled machine to build up dust, or not allowing proper clearance from objects can increase the temperature to a dangerous level. This can not only 'fry' the circuits and damage the machine beyond repair, but it can also cause fires in severe cases. This is why most computers come with detailed instructions on how to position them (such as not placing the machine directly on carpet or another soft surface).
Liquid submersion cooling is performed by materials such as oils, in which the CPU is submerged. It is rare because it is prone to problems-- leakage being the main one. If the material leaks into the other components of the machine, damage occurs and destroys the computer. Evaporation means that the liquid must be replaced periodically, which also increases the chances of damage via spills.
Water cooling is not a submersion method. Because the properties of oil and water differ, they must be used in different manners to cool machines. It is much more efficient at removing heat than air cooling, and because of this, has been used for mainframe computers and jury-rigged by users for many years. It is still quite uncommon in commercial personal computers, but is present in a few. Potential complications such as condensation and leaking make it less popular than air cooling in all but the highest-performance machines.
Machines these days can do things that machines twenty years ago could only dream about, and CPUs are one of the major things that are responsible for that. Since the invention of the microprocessor, personal computers have gone from being calculators and word processors to being capable of multiple different complex actions at the same time. Supercomputers are even more powerful. If it weren't for the invention of the microprocessor computer CPU, none of these things would be possible.
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