{"id":1319,"date":"2018-06-20T07:37:26","date_gmt":"2018-06-20T07:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/help_desk\/?p=446"},"modified":"2018-06-20T07:37:26","modified_gmt":"2018-06-20T07:37:26","slug":"getting-to-know-technology-processor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.semtechit.com\/getting-to-know-technology-processor\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting to Know Technology: Processor"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"A computer is a complicated device, so it needs something to help it \u201cthink.\u201d Because of this weighty responsibility, the component that serves this purpose is arguably one of the most important of all a computer\u2019s pieces. Known as a CPU, this little chip is truly essential to the computer\u2019s function. For today\u2019s Tech Term, we\u2019ll examine it a little more closely.<\/p>\n

What Does a CPU Do?<\/strong>
\nA CPU, or central processing unit, sits atop the motherboard and decodes the instructions that it receives from the RAM, or Random Access Memory, before sending these instructions to the appropriate components of the computer. Whether you\u2019re accessing a document from your computer\u2019s local memory or even starting up the operating system, your CPU is playing a key role.<\/p>\n

This is not to say that a better CPU necessarily translates into better performance, mind you. What it will do is help your programs, applications, and system-as-a-whole run faster. Other beneficial effects require other components to be improved.<\/p>\n

How Does the CPU Work?<\/strong>
\nThe CPU has worked in essentially the same way since it was first introduced. Its function can be effectively split into three distinct tasks: fetch, decode, and execute.<\/p>\n