CPU

CPU

1. Central Processing Unit- the "brain"

   • Works in conjuction with other hardware

2. Fetch Decode Execute (FDE)

   • Fetch instructions from RAM
   • Decode the instruction
   • Execute the instruction using appropriate hardware

3. Speed

   • Clock rate
     • How fast the CPU completes the cycle, measured by a small oscillating crystal
   • Cache Memory
     • Stores frequently used instructions to decrease FDE cycle speed