The CPU

One of the most important components found on any motherboard is the CPU, or central processing unit. The CPU is the brains of the computer, requesting information from devices, modifying and creating information, and then sending information to devices. It's also the first component your friends will ask you about when you buy a new PC! Recognizing different CPU types is very important in determining

  • Which computers are capable of performing certain tasks

  • Which computers are obsolete

  • Which computers can be updated through a CPU change

The following tables provide an overview of CPU types, including their speed, voltage, and socket type. Use Table 4.4 along with the illustrations to help you recognize the major CPUs.

tip

The 2003 version ...

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