Processor
 

Older systems (386 & older) had a separate processor and math coprocessor, called the ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit). However, modern systems, beginning with the 486 and Pentiums, incorporate both in the same chip. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) slot is usually centrally located on the motherboard, and this microprocessor is usually referred to as the brains of the computer. A computer cannot operate without the CPU. Means that CPU is the most important components that determines the speed and capability of the motherboard and computer system.

The Control unit, which is a component that directs and coordinates most operation of the computer, and

Arithmetic/Logic Unit, which perform the execution part of the machine cycle, arithmetic, comparison and logical.

There are two types of common processor that use in PC.

-Intel processor
-AMD processor

Intel Processor

Intel Processor was introduce in 1978. Although the industry expected it to be called 80586. Since 1993, Intel decides to change their processor name to Pentium. Pentium processor keep improve and introduce. Until 1997, MMX technology was introduced in Pentium processor. At the same year, Intel has improved their processor by on die a L2 cache on the processor, called Pentium II. Following by Celeron, Pentium III and the latest is Pentium IV processor.

Each processor has different pin. Therefore, each processor uses a different motherboard with different socket.

AMD Processor

The first AMD processor was 386Dx and 486 by using its own hardware design and Intel’s microcode. After that Am386DX- was introduce. It ran faster than Intel‘s fastest 386DX chip. Since then, AMD introduce AMD5K86 or as known as AMD-K5 that similar to Pentium Pro. Following by AMD-K6, K6-2, K6-III, Athlon and Duron.

Same as Intel processor, each processor has different pin Therefore, each processor uses a different motherboard with different socket.

Processor Sockets

The microprocessor or CPU is connected to the motherboard via a socket. The design and size of the socket has changed throughout the generations with the aim being towards ease of use. The pins that on the bottom of the CPU are very easy to damage if the insertion process is don without a proper way. There are basically two different types of CPU sockets that have been used on the motherboard :

-LIF - Low Insertion Force
-ZIF - Zero Insertion Force

LIF Socket

The LIF socket also called as Standard socket. LIF sockets are not common nowadays and are usually only seen on older systems. It requires only 60lb of insertion force for a 169-pin chip. You must be very careful not to bend the pins in the process. Otherwise it will damage the CPU pins. To remove the CPU, a special tool is required, which is simply called a chip removal tool. It is used to pry the CPU out of the socket.

ZIF Socket

The ZIF socket are common use in nearly today motherboard because it require no insertion force, that’s why is named as Zero Insertion Force Socket. This socket almost eliminate the risk involve in upgrading or inserting the CPU. The CPU that using ZIF socket are much easier to handle because you can just simply lift of the handle, drop the chip into the socket, and then close the handle.

Motherboard chipset

A chipset consist of chips and other component on the motherboard that allow different component such as microprocessor, memory, peripherals to communicate with each other. The motherboard chipset consist of bus controllers, peripheral controllers memory controllers, cache controllers, clock and timers. The motherboards chipset are design to define the performance limitation of a PC. It defines how much and the type of RAM can be use on that particular motherboard. It defines the type of processor can accommodate with the motherboard, for example Pentium 4 processor use different chipset compare with Mac G4 processor. Also, it defines the cache size, speed and types of expansion slots.

Chipset are constantly being introduced and improve by motherboard chipset manufacturers. Those older motherboard chipset sometimes are difficult to find for replacement, will most likely lead to the replacement of entire the motherboard because chipsets are constantly changing.

Real Time Clock (RTC)

Used for all timing purposes in the computer. It is powered by the onboard battery and continues to run even if the computer is turned off and unplugged. The RTC is sometimes referred to as the System Clock: The motherboard contains system clock to synchronize the operation of the bus and other components. Some motherboards incorporate specific jumpers on the motherboard which allow a user to set different clock rates to work with the CPU. However, not all jumpers on a motherboard are used for controlling the system clock, and not all motherboards have this ability enabled. Power users will usually purchase a motherboard that contains the ability to set the clock rate so that they can try to improve the systems speed and performance. This is called over-clocking, or making changes to the recommended settings for the motherboard and system. Over-clocking can destroy a computer, and is not recommended for those not experienced or familiar with how it works and what it does

Onboard Cache RAM

Motherboards contain slots or sockets that the cache is inserted into. Cache is sometimes upgradeable to larger capacities depending on the motherboard design and limitations, and is usually included in the purchase of the motherboard. However, newer systems are now being manufactured with the cache RAM soldered to the motherboard, therefore the cache ram are not upgradeable. Onboard cache is extremely fast, even faster than RAM and is used for temporary and recently used data memory storage. This helps to speed up the system performance.

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