CPU Architecture Fundamentals

CPU Architecture

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): defines the set of instructions that a CPU can execute
• Microarchitecture: the design of the CPU's internal components, such as execution units and registers
• Pipeline: a series of stages that an instruction goes through to be executed, including fetch, decode, execute, and store
• Cache Memory: small, fast memory that stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time
• Multithreading: the ability of a CPU to execute multiple threads or processes concurrently
• Core: the processing unit that executes instructions, modern CPUs have multiple cores

Memory Types

• RAM (Random Access Memory): volatile memory that stores data temporarily while the CPU processes it
  • DRAM (Dynamic RAM): requires periodic refreshes to maintain data
  • SRAM (Static RAM): does not require refreshes, faster than DRAM
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): non-volatile memory that stores permanent data
  • PROM (Programmable ROM): can be programmed once
  • EPROM (Erasable PROM): can be erased and reprogrammed
• Virtual Memory: uses a combination of RAM and hard disk storage to provide a larger address space

Motherboard Components

• CPU Socket: connects the CPU to the motherboard
• Chipset: a group of chips that manage data flow between components
• RAM Slots: connectors for adding RAM modules
• Expansion Slots: allow installation of expansion cards, such as graphics or sound cards
• Storage Connectors: SATA, IDE, and other connectors for hard drives and SSDs
• Power Connectors: connect the power supply unit to the motherboard

Storage Devices

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): uses spinning disks and magnetic heads to store data
• Solid-State Drive (SSD): uses flash memory to store data, faster than HDD
• Hybrid Drive: combines a small SSD with a larger HDD for faster access to frequently used data
• Optical Drives: CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives use lasers to read and write data to optical discs

Power Supply Units

• Wattage: the maximum power output of the PSU, measured in watts (W)
• Voltage Rails: provide multiple voltage outputs, such as +3.3V, +5V, and +12V
• Efficiency: the ratio of output power to input power, measured as a percentage
• Connectors: ATX, EPS, and PCIe connectors for powering the motherboard, CPU, and graphics cards
• Modular vs. Non-Modular: modular PSUs have separate cables for each component, while non-modular PSUs have all cables attached to the PSU unit

CPU Architecture

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) determines the instructions a CPU can execute, affecting software compatibility and performance.
• Microarchitecture designs internal components, such as execution units and registers, to improve efficiency and speed.
• Pipelines process instructions in stages (fetch, decode, execute, and store) to enhance performance and reduce latency.
• Cache Memory stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time, improving system performance.
• Multithreading enables CPUs to execute multiple threads or processes concurrently, increasing overall processing power.
• Cores are processing units that execute instructions, with modern CPUs often featuring multiple cores for enhanced performance.

Memory Types

• RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores data while the CPU processes it, with volatile data lost when power is turned off.
• DRAM (Dynamic RAM) requires periodic refreshes to maintain data, while SRAM (Static RAM) does not require refreshes and is faster.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent data, with PROM (Programmable ROM) allowing one-time programming and EPROM (Erasable PROM) enabling erasing and reprogramming.
• Virtual Memory combines RAM and hard disk storage to provide a larger address space, optimizing system performance.

Motherboard Components

• CPU Sockets connect the CPU to the motherboard, providing a secure and stable connection.
• Chipsets manage data flow between components, enabling efficient communication and data transfer.
• RAM Slots allow users to add RAM modules, increasing system memory and performance.
• Expansion Slots enable installation of expansion cards, such as graphics or sound cards, to enhance system capabilities.
• Storage Connectors (SATA, IDE, etc.) connect hard drives and SSDs to the motherboard, facilitating data storage and retrieval.
• Power Connectors connect the power supply unit to the motherboard, providing stable power delivery.

Storage Devices

• Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) use spinning disks and magnetic heads to store data, offering high storage capacities at a lower cost.
• Solid-State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory to store data, providing faster read and write speeds compared to HDDs.
• Hybrid Drives combine small SSDs with larger HDDs to offer faster access to frequently used data and larger storage capacities.
• Optical Drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) use lasers to read and write data to optical discs, providing a convenient way to store and transfer data.

Power Supply Units

• Wattage measures the maximum power output of the PSU, ensuring sufficient power delivery to system components.
• Voltage Rails provide multiple voltage outputs (e.g., +3.3V, +5V, +12V) to meet the power requirements of various components.
• Efficiency measures the ratio of output power to input power, with higher efficiency indicating less energy waste and reduced heat generation.
• Connectors (ATX, EPS, PCIe) enable power delivery to the motherboard, CPU, and graphics cards, ensuring stable system operation.
• Modular vs. Non-Modular PSUs differ in cable management, with modular PSUs offering separate cables for each component and non-modular PSUs having all cables attached to the PSU unit.

Test your knowledge of CPU architecture, including Instruction Set Architecture, Microarchitecture, Pipeline, Cache Memory, and Multithreading.