ARM Processors do not have model names because they are licensed to other companies like Apple, Samsung and Qualcomm
Practical examples of TDP for various devices:
|Device|CPU Power (watts)|
|—|—|—|
|Smartphone|2-15 watts|
|Laptop|7 - 65 watts|
|Desktop|50 - 140 watts|
Parallel Execution - Multiple pipelines, dedicated cache and capability to work with multiple threads/programs at once. Multiple circuits doing multiple jobs, keeping every stage of the processor busy on every click of the clock.
CPU Stages - { Fetch; Decode; Execute; Write }
Minimu of 4 stages per CPU. Sometimes up to 20 stages.
Pipeline Stall - When a complex command requires more than one clock cycle.
Cache
| Type | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cache | L1 | Smallest and fastest cache, unique to each CPU |
| Motherboard Cache | L2 | Larger than L1 but slower cache, unique to each CPU |
| Smart Cache | L3 | Largest cache, shared amongst all CPUs. Slowest |
Modern Terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Frontside Bus | Address bus and EDB (Connecting CPU, MCC, and RAM) |
| Multi-threading (Hyper-threading) | Enhance a CPUs efficiency with caveates; Simulates multiple processors but only has the resources of a single processor |
| Multi-core Processing | L3 cache shared by all cores; Applications must be modified for parallelism to have a performance impact |
| Integrated Memory Controller | Enables faster control over things like L3, found within CPUs which means different types of IMCs can only handle certain types of RAM. |
| Socket | Every CPU has a specific socket for which it fits into. Intel processors have many pin connection points, AMD processors have pins. Page 103 for more |
CPU Security Bits
NX bit technology - Enables CPU to protect sections of memory
Intel - XD bit (eXecute Disable)
AMD - Enhanced Virus Protection
ARM - XN (eXecute Never)
Naming Conventions
Intel Core I7 7500 U Processor
Brand
Intel Core
Brand Modifier
i7
Generation
7
SKU Numbers
500
Alpha Suffix
U
- U - Desktop Processor using Ultra-Low Power
- K - Unlocked Processor capable of being Overclocked
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Brand
AMD Ryzen
Market Segment/Power
7
Generation
5
Model Number
00
Power Suffix
X
CPU Installation
Don’t bend pins
Make sure power supply is rated for it
Provide adequate cooling
Socket Types:
Intel : Land Grid Arrays (LGA) - Hundreds of tiny contact points that line up with socket pins
AMD : The CPU has pins, the sockets have holes. Known as Pin Grid Array (PGA)
ZIF : Zero Insertion force
CPU Cooling:
Heat sync, Fan assembly; Thermal paste between heat sync and CPU
Specialized CPU coolers
Liquid cooling
Overclocking Utilities:
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU)
AMD Overdrive Utility
Typically, overclocking can be accomplished by RTFM, Jumpers, CMOS settings, Software configuration & Increasing voltage to the CPU. Reset CMOS via CLRTC jumper or shorting pins for a second and restarting the system.
Also, RTFM
Proprietary Crash Screens: Blue screen of death (Windows), Endless spinning pinwheel (MacOS)
Practice Test
What do registers provide for the CPU?
A. Registers determine the clock speed.
B. The CPU uses registers for temporary storage of internal commands and data.
C. Registers enable the CPU to address RAM.
D. Registers enable the CPU to control the address bus.What function does the external data bus have in the PC?
A. The external data bus determines the clock speed for the CPU.
B. The CPU uses the external data bus to address RAM.
C. The external data bus provides a channel for the flow of data and commands between the CPU and RAM.
D. The CPU uses the external data bus to access registers.What is the function of the address bus in the PC?
A. The address bus enables the CPU to communicate with the memory controller chip.
B. The address bus enables the memory controller chip to communicate with the RAM.
C. The address bus provides a channel for the flow of data and commands between the CPU and RAM.
D. The address bus enables the CPU to access registers.Which of the following terms are measures of CPU speed?
A. Megahertz and Gigahertz
B. Megabytes and gigabytes
C. Megahertz and gigabytes
D. Frontside bus, backside busWhich CPU feature enables the microprocessor to support running multiple operating systems at the same time?
A. Clock multiplying
B. Caching
C. Pipe-lining
D. Virtualization supportInto which socket could you place an Intel Core i5 (Alder Lake)?
A. Socket LGA 1700 Intel, so Socket LGA… i5 older, so guessing here
B. Socket LGA 2066
C. Socket C
D. Socket AM4Which feature enables a single-core CPU to function like two CPUs?
A. Hyper-threading
B. SpeedStep
C. Virtualization
D. x64What steps do you need to take to install a Core i7 CPU into an AM4 motherboard?
A,B,C = NOPE
D. Take all of the steps you want to take because it’s not going to work
Core I7 is an Intel CPU, and AM4 is a CPU socket type. These two are not compatible.A client calls to complain that his computer starts up, but crashes when Windows starts to load. After a brief set of questions, you find out that his nephew upgraded his RAM for him over the weekend and couldn’t get the computer to work right afterward. What could be the problem?
A. Thermal paste degradation
B. Disconnected CPU fan
C. Bad CPU cache
D. There’s nothing wrong. It usually takes a few days to acclimate.Darren has installed a new CPU in a clients computer, but nothing happens when he pushes the power button on the case. The LED on the motherboard is lit up, so he knows the system has power. What could the problem be?
A. He forgot to disconnect the CPU fan
B. He forgot to apply thermal paste between the CPU and the heat-sink and fan assembly
C. He used an AMD CPU in an Intel motherboard
D. He used an Intel CPU in an AMD Motherboard
Best guess, C/D factored out because they wouldn’t fit otherwise.
Score: 10/10 (100%)