Chapter 5. 32-Bit Versus 64-Bit Platforms and Microsoft SQL Server 2005

CPU Basics

The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer system. The CPU handles the processing of the commands that run the operating system, SQL Server, and user programs. The CPU chip includes the processing system and some memory that can be used for instructions and data. The CPU that most of us use on a regular basis is known as the x86 processor.

The x86 processor has been around since the late 70’s, and we have come a long way in that time. Today’s PCs and servers are based on the Intel 8086 processor. The 8086, introduced in 1978, marked the beginning of ...

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