Processors (P1, P2)

A processor, or CPU, is the brain of the PC. It performs the general tasks of the computer and co-ordinates the tasks performed by the memory, video card, hard drive and the other storage systems. The CPU is a very complex chip that is made of silicon that fits directly onto the motherboard, or in specialist cases it fits onto a daughterboard that connects to the motherboards via a direct interface.




A CPU chip showing the connection pins.

 

Before the modern CPU’s that are used today their existed a fixed program processor that meant you had to physically change the wires around to perform specific tasks. These were contained in ENIAC computers that were used to compute the “ballistic firing tables”.




An ENIAC in use.

 

The control unit takes all the processes and interprets and directs them to their appropriate locations. The arithmetic/logic unit does exactly what it suggests, it performs all the logic and arithmetic calculations that the computer requires. The memory unit is where the data and instructions are held when the calculations are going on.

A diagram showing the tasks within the processor.

1. To change the processor you must first make sure that you are earthed and that the side of your computer has been removed via the two screws at the back

2. Secondly you must remove the power cable that is allowing power to the processor.

3. The next thing to remove is the heatsink and fan that are situated on top of the processor.

4. You will need to remove the cable going from the fan to the motherboard first and then release the catch to allow the heatsink and fan to come off.

5. Once these are removed you then need to find the release bar which will allow the CPU to be detached from the motherboard.

6. Then simply pull the CPU directly upwards from the slot making sure you do not bend the pins.

7. Then simply place the new CPU back into the slot and complete the tasks to take it out in reverse.

A motherboard with heatsink and fan attached.