CPU and Memory

CPU and Memory

1. CPU

   • What is the CPU?
     • The CPU is the central processing unit, in other words the 'brains of the computer.
   • What is the purpose of the CPU?
     • The purpose of the CPU is to process data. It processes data by using what is known as the Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle.
   • The FETCH DECODE EXECUTE CYCLE
     • The Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle is where the CPU: Fetches the instruction from memory, decodes the instruction, and executes it/ displays an outcome, often on the monitor of the system.
   • Characteristics of the CPU
     • The CPU has a lot of characteristics which affect its performance. These include clock speed, number of cores and cache.
       • CLOCK SPEED
         • Clock speed is measured in Hertz. The faster a computers clock speed, the better the performance of it. It is possible to overclock your system, but overclocking it too far could lead to overheating and malfunction.
       • NUMBER OF CORES
         • A core is a processor in a computer system. The more cores a computer has, the higher its performance.
       • CACHE
         • Cache is a type of memory used in webpages and bookmarks. The larger the cache memory, the better the performance of the computer whilst using the internet.The cache is located nearby to the CPU, which is why it processes data so quickly.

2. Memory

   • RAM
     • RAM stands for Random Access Memory. The RAM in a computer is made up of a series of microchips. RAM is volatile, which means that when the computer shuts down all the data from RAM is lost.
   • FLASH MEMORY
     • Flash memory is a non volatile type of memory which stores data when a power supply is absent in a computer system.
   • ROM
     • ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The ROM chip in a computer system is usually located near to or on the motherboard. ROM is non volatile and ineditable, so data cannot be lost. ROM contains the boot up program of any computer system.
   • CACHE MEMORY
     • Cache memory is used mainly in websites/ bookmarks. Cache memory can be saved when the computer is shut down, but can be manually deleted.
   • VIRTUAL MEMORY
     • Virtual memory is simply used to temporarily store RAM files in the hard disk.