The processors also have performance specifications that a buyer must know accurately before purchasing the product. As in the case of Hard Disks, better specs of the CPU will make the system perform faster. This topic has been divided into two posts to make them short and readable. The specification categories are:
- Number of Cores: Cores are the physical sub-units of a processor that can process individually. Each core has its own computing units, CPU caches and lookaside buffer. More the number of cores, more instructions can be executed independently at the same time.
- Number of Threads: Number of Threads are the hardware ability of a processor to execute that many logical processes within a single core or processor. More the number of threads, more instructions can be executes on the same processing unit.
- Clock Speed: It is the frequency at which the CPU executes the instructions. It is measured in billions of cycles per second (GHz). This determines the actual processing speed of the processor. But, having a processor clocked at 3.4 GHz isn't the sole factor to guarantee a fast computer.
- CPU cache: Integrated on the CPU die itself, the CPU cache is the fastest memory unit of the system. It is responsible to make the processing of data faster in processes where data has to be transferred between the processor and the RAM.
- DMI/FSB: Direct Media Interface or DMI is the technology that is used in Intel's i3, i5, i7 processors that has separate channel of buses for transfers to and fro. One channel each is provided for RAM, PCI-E and other devices. Front Side Bus or FSB was the technology that was used in processors prior to i3. FSB has a single channel of buses for transfers to all the components and devices of the system.
Rest of the specifications to be continued in the next post.
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