Sentralprosessor

Sentralprosessor, often abbreviated as CPU, is the primary component of a computer responsible for executing instructions. It functions as the brain of the computer, performing most of the processing within the system. The CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them. This cycle of fetch-decode-execute is fundamental to the operation of any computing device.

The core of a CPU is its processing unit, which includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing calculations and logical operations, and a control unit (CU) for managing the flow of data and instructions. Modern CPUs also contain registers, which are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU itself, used to hold data and instructions that are currently being processed. The speed at which a CPU can perform these operations is measured in Hertz (Hz), typically gigahertz (GHz) for modern processors. This clock speed indicates the number of cycles the CPU can complete per second.

CPUs are designed with varying numbers of cores, which are essentially independent processing units within a single CPU. A multi-core processor can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, significantly improving performance for multitasking and demanding applications. The architecture and design of a CPU, including its instruction set, cache memory, and manufacturing process, all contribute to its overall performance and efficiency.