23 years
97.9 Customer Satisfaction Score
200k Tickets Closed
83% resolved remotely
97% Resolved within SLA Goal

A computer is a complicated device, so it needs something to help it “think.” Because of this weighty responsibility, the component that serves this purpose is arguably one of the most important of all a computer’s pieces. Known as a CPU, this little chip is truly essential to the computer’s function. For today’s Tech Term, we’ll examine it a little more closely.

What Does a CPU Do?
A 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’re accessing a document from your computer’s local memory or even starting up the operating system, your CPU is playing a key role.

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.

How Does the CPU Work?
The 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.

  • Fetch – First, the CPU receives its instructions from the RAM in the form of a series of numbers. These instructions are small portions of the greater operation that the computer is performing. As the CPU receives each instruction, it is stored in what is called an Instruction Register.
  • Decode – Once the instruction is stored, it is sent to a specialized circuit, referred to as the instruction decoder. The decoder translates the instruction into actionable signals to the rest of the CPU.
  • Execute – Finally, the instruction is forwarded to the part of the CPU that can enable it to be completed. This final version is also written to the memory on the CPU register, so it can be quickly accessed later.

Choosing Your Next CPU
If you’re considering an upgrade, switching your CPU for a better one can be an effective way to improve some aspects of your computer’s performance. A good rule of thumb to remember: the more cores, the better. While the earliest CPUs only had one, the latest go all the way up to 18 cores and beyond. Most modern PCs have two to four cores.

Of course, you should also consider other factors when selecting a CPU. For instance, you may have heard the terms “32-bit” or “64-bit” tossed around in reference to CPUs. This determines the size of the data sample that the processor can handle. Frequency is another variable you should keep in mind, as it refers to the operating speed of the processor itself. It isn’t outside the realm of possibility for a faster dual-core CPU to outpace a slower quad-core. On top of all of this, your computer’s motherboard might only support a limited number of CPUs on the market.

Want Help?
For assistance and consultation into upgrading your systems, the trustworthy technicians at Palindrome Consulting are here for you. Call 305-944-7300 for assistance.

Schedule your No-Obligation IT Assessment with Palindrome Consulting

Schedule Now

Elizabeth Mitrani
Elizabeth Mitrani
17:23 06 Aug 19
Palindrome Consulting was key in establishing my business and helps me keep it running. They are the consummate... professionals, incredibly knowledgeable and are always available to help. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that I was up and running quickly and that any issues that may arise on my end or dealt with immediately. I highly recommend Palindrome Consulting.read more
Moshe Rubinstein
Moshe Rubinstein
14:57 28 Jun 19
They are there every step of the way. Responsive and timely. The full service mentality mixed with the problem solving... abilities, is what makes them an easy choice.read more
Benjamin Wainberg
Benjamin Wainberg
14:09 28 Jun 19
Palindrome Consulting is customer centric. For Palindrome Data Safety is paramount; they keep their and our systems... updated with the newest technologies and are not shy at changing to better alternatives. Their platforms are always running and in the odd case there is an event, their technical team has an awesome response time.read more
Copier Man
Copier Man
13:56 28 Jun 19
We have been using Palindrome since 2005. They make my company feel like we are #1 all the time. Expert staff are... always available to help all my users all around the country.read more
Martin Feldman
Martin Feldman
16:43 26 Jun 19
As a partner in Fischer & Feldman, P.A. we have utilized Palindrome Consulting as our IT experts for many years. In... addition to keeping our server up and running, they are available to consult on the everchanging cloud and web landscape. We could not function as a successful law firm without their constant care, attention and almost IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TIME.read more
Rebecca Fischer
Rebecca Fischer
16:39 26 Jun 19
Palindrome has been my IT company for more than 15 years. We have been through four server and computer replacements... over the years all of which went smoothly. As technology has changed Palindrome has kept us current in their recommendations and are extremely responsive when we run into a software or hardware problem. We have been through hurricanes with Palindrome and felt confident they would have us up and running as quickly as possible and despite the fact we are probably a smaller client, they have treated us as one of their most important clients. I highly recommend Palindrome and have complete confidence in their capabilities and service. They have even gone the extra mile when we wanted to donate our old computers to a children's special needs school and delivered the computers, set them up and provided service for the same. Ilan Sredni is the consummate professional and has surrounded himself with top professionals and skilled technicians.read more
Nelson T
Nelson T
20:32 25 Jun 19
Palindrome Consulting has proven itself time and time again to be the epitome of professionalism and technical... expertise. They take the time to listen to your needs and then apply their wealth of technical knowledge to create truly innovative and robust solutions. They truly deliver piece of mind.read more
Next Reviews
js_loader