The processor is thought of as the brain of the computer. It is responsible for coordinating many of the functions of both hardware and software. Most calculations are done by the processors and it can perform millions of mathematical calculations a second.

A processor can also be referred to as a microprocessor or CPU (central processing unit)

Processor Specifications

 Processors are Processors are characterized by several specifications.

Manufacturer – The company that made the processor. Some examples are AMD or Intel (Pentium or Celeron)

Clock Speed – the speed at which instructions can be executed. The faster the clock, the more instructions the processor can execute. Clock speed is measure in megahertz (MHz).

Packaging – A processor can be packaged in a slotted to socketted format. The type of packaging must match the type of slot or socket on your motherboard. Socketted processors drop into a square socket on the motherboard. Slotted processors plug into a long slot on the motherboard much the same way that memory does.

Processor Problems

A processor is very sensitive to hear. Because of this if your computer is not properly cooled your processor can overheat and become damaged.

Processor Troubleshooting

There are no real troubleshooting steps for a processor other than trying a known good processor.

Knowledge Check #4

Which of the below pictured processors is known as a slotted processor?

Please include your answer to this question in the email that you started previously.

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