Microprocessors : A detailed explanation

Well first of all let me make it clear. Microprocessor is that component of the computer which is also known as the CPU of the computer. It is actually the brains of a computer and does all the main operations. I use the terms CPU and microprocessor interchangeably.

Some of the major manufacturers of the microprocessors are AMD, Intel, and Cyrix

Microprocessors aren’t stand alone i.e. they are attached to the Motherboard which has to be compatible for that particular microprocessor or CPU, as the CPU is very motherboard specific and have to be compatible in both ways.

The Pentium 4 Microprocessor is the most recent microprocessor released by Intel. This type of CPU is of the Socket 370 PGA design using 423 pins and is capable of speeds higher than 1.3 Ghz.

For the common naïve computer user, the Pentium 4 CPU might be thought of as the continuation of its predecessor Pentium 3.But its not so, the Pentium 4 CPU is basically a new design of the IA-32 NetBurst Architecture, based on 0.18 micron construction technology.Also alongwith the new FSB(front side bus), the P4 processor also features new WPN1(Williamette Processor New Instructions)instructions in its instructions set.The L1 cache size has been reduced from 16 KB in the P3 CPU to 8 KB for the Pentium4.The L2 cache is 256 KB and can handle transfers on every clock cycle.

The operating voltage level for the Pentium 4 core is 1.7 Volts.To dissipate the 55 watts of power(heat) that the microprocessor generates at 1.5 Ghz, the case incorporates a metal cap.In addition,firm contact between the microprocessor’s case and the heat sink feature built into the Pentium 4 system board must be maintained.

Pentium clones include AMD,Cyrix etc