Intel Processors
| Processor | Chip & Socket | Processor Speeds | Cache | Bus Architecture |
| Pentium 1993 | PGA Chip Socket 5, Socket 7 | 60, 66, 75, 90, 199, 120, 133, 150, 166 & 200 MHz | 16K of L1 cache divided into two 8k channels One channel is the data cache and another is the application code cache | Address: 32 bit Registers: 32 bit Data: 64 bit |
| Pentium Pro 1995 64 GB RAM | PGA Chip Socket 8 | 120, 200 MHz | Two cheap Chip 1: 16K of L1 cache Chip 2: 256K of L2 cache | Address: 36 bit Registers: 32 bit Data: 64 bit |
| Pentium II 1997 64 GB RAM | Socket Slot 1 | 233, 450 MHz | 32K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache | Address: 36 bit Registers: 32 bit Data: 64 bit |
| Celeron cheap(less expensive version of plentium II) | PGA chip | L2 cache either reduced or removed | ||
| Pentium III | SEC chip in Slot 1 PGA chip in Socket 370 | 450, 1000(1GHz) MHz | 32K of L1 cache 256/512K of L2 cache | |
| Xeon Designed for higher end system 64GB RAM | 2, 4, or 8 CPUs PGA Chip Socket 603 | 512K, 1MB, 2MB of L2 cache | ||
| Pentium 4 | PGA Socket 423 Socket 478 | 2, 4 GHz | 20K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache | |
| Itanium and Itanium II First 64 bit processor | Itanium – PAC Packaging Socket 418 Italnium II – OLGA Packaging Socket 611 | |||
| Pentium M for laptops M stands for mobile | ||||
| Intel Core 2 64 bit multicore processor | Core 2: LGA chip Socket 775(Socket T) | Core 2: 1 – 3 GHz | Core 2 – 2MB or 4MB of L2 cache | |
| Intel Atom for Netbook | 1GHz to 2 GHz | 32K of L1 cache 512K of L2 chache | ||
| Intel Core i3 Two processor cores | 64K of L1 cache 256K of L2 cache 3MB shared of L3 cache | |||
| Intel Core i5 Two and Four core processor | 64K of L1 cache 256K of L2 cache 3MB to 8MB of shared of L3 cache | |||
| Intel Core i7 Four or eight core processor | 64K of L1 cache 256K of L2 cache 6MB to 12MB of shared of L3 cache |
Non Intel Processors
| Processor | Chip & Socket | Processor Speeds | Cache | Bus Architecture |
| K6 Competitor of Intel Pentium Supports MMX technology | Socket 7 | 64K of L1 cache | ||
| K6-2 Competitor of Intel Pentium II Supports MMX technology | PGA chip Socket 7 | 100 MHz | 64K of L1 cache 256K of L2 cache | |
| K6-III Competitor of Intel Pentium III | PGA chip | 100 MHz | L1 cache L2 cache L3 cache | |
| Athlon Supports MMX technology | Slot A Socket later version PGA chp Socket A | 1.2 GHz | 128K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache | |
| Athlon XP Competitor of Intel Plentium 4 | PGA chip Socket A | 2 GHz | 128K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache | |
| Duron Competitor of Intel Celeron | PGA chip Socket A | 128K of L1 cache 64K of L2 cache | ||
| Opteron Competitor of Intel 64 bit Itanium processors and Xeon processors It can run both 32 and 64 bit application | Micro PGA chip Socket 940 | 1.8 GHz | 128K of L1 cache 1MB of L2 cache | |
| Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 64 bit systems for desktop systems Competitor of Intel Pentium 4 | Socket 754 Socket 940 Socket AM2 | 128K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache | ||
| Sempron Processor Low end version of Athlon 64 and has replaced the Duron as AMD low-end processor. Current version of Sempron are 64 bit with cache size reduced | ||||
| Phenom and Phenom II Triple & Quad core version (Deneb) | Socket AM2 | 1.8 GHz to 2.8 GHz Quad core version (Deneb) between 2.5 GHz and 3.0 GHz | 128K of L1 cache 512K of L2 cache 2MB of shared L3 cache | |
| Turion 64 and Turion 64 X2 AMD 64 bit mobile processor for laptop Also called Athlon Mobile 64 Turion 64 = Single core processor Turion 64 X2 – Dual core processor | Socket 754 Socket 940 AM2 | 128K of L1 cache either 512K or 1924K of L2 cache |
- The Athlon 64 X2 is the AMD dual core processor
- Phenom/Phenom II have triple-core and quad-core versions
- Turion is the AMD 64 bit processor for laptop computers
- Sempron processor is a low end version of the Athlon 64 and has replaced Duron as the AMD low-end processor.
| Processor | Socket | Number of pins |
| Pentium 4 | Socket 423 | 423 |
| Celeron | Earlier Celeron Socket 370 Later Celeron Socket 478 | 370 478 |
| Intel core i7 | i7 1st Generation Socket 1156 LGA I7 2nd & 3rd Generation Socket 1155 LGA I7 4th Generation Socket 1150 LGA I7 high end workstation and server Socket R 2011 LGA | 1156 1155 1150 2011 |
| Athlon XP | Socket A | 462 |
| Athlon 64 | Socket 754 Socket 940 AM2 | 754 940 940 |
| Phenom | AM2 | 940 |
| Turion | Socket 754 Socket 940 AM2 | 754 940 940 |
Intel generations of intel core processor
| Generation | Nickname | Chip Socket |
| 1st Generation | Nehelem | LGA 1366 socket, 1366 pins |
| 2nd Generation | Sandy Bridge | LGA 1155 socket, 1155 pins |
| 3rd Generation | Ivy Bridge | LGA 1155 socket, 1155 pins |
| 4th Generation | Haswell | LGA 1150 socket, 1150 pins |
| 5th Generation | Broadwell | LGA 1150 socket, 1150 pins |
| 6th Generation | Skylake | LGA 1151 socket, 1151 pins |
| 7th Generation | Kaby Lake | LGA 1151 socket, 1151 pins |
| 8th Generation | Coffee Lake | LGA 1151 socket, 1151 pins |
| 9th Generation | Coffee Lake Refresh | LGA 1151 socket, 1151 pins |
| 10th Generation | Comet Lake | LGA 1200 socket, 1200 pins |
| 11th Generation | Rocket Lake | LGA 1200 socket, 1200 pins |
| 12th Generation | Alder Lake | LGA 1700 socket, 1700 pins |
Superscalar Design
Superscalar design is a type of computer processor architecture that allows for the execution of multiple instructions in parallel, in order to improve the overall performance of the processor.
In a superscalar processor, multiple instructions are fetched from memory and analyzed to determine which instructions can be executed simultaneously. These instructions are then dispatched to separate execution units within the processor, which can operate on different data types or perform different operations.
Superscalar processors can achieve higher instruction-level parallelism than scalar processors, which execute instructions one at a time in a sequential manner. The ability to execute multiple instructions simultaneously allows the processor to perform more work in a given period of time, resulting in improved performance.
Superscalar design is a common approach used in modern CPUs, including those found in desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices.
Different types of socket, their pins and the processors which use them
- LGA 775: 775 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Core 2 Duo and Pentium Dual-Core)
- LGA 1155: 1155 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge)
- LGA 1156: 1156 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Lynnfield and Clarkdale)
- LGA 1366: 1366 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Core i7-900 series)
- LGA 2011: 2011 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E)
- LGA 2066: 2066 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X)
- LGA 1200: 1200 pins (used for Intel processors such as the Comet Lake and Rocket Lake)
- AM4: 1331 pins (used for AMD processors such as the Ryzen and Athlon)
- TR4: 4094 pins (used for AMD processors such as the Threadripper)
- sTRX4: 4094 pins (used for AMD processors such as the Threadripper 3000 series)
- SP3: 4094 pins (used for AMD processors such as the Epyc)
Note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other less common CPU socket types that are not included here. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the number of pins and socket type can vary depending on the specific CPU model, even within the same family.
Socket, Processor, and Pins
Difference between Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) and Information Technology Extended (ITX) motherboards
The main differences between ATX and ITX motherboards are their size, form factor, and number of expansion slots.
- Size: ATX motherboards are larger in size compared to ITX motherboards. ATX motherboards measure around 12 inches by 9.6 inches, whereas ITX motherboards measure around 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches.
- Form Factor: ATX and ITX motherboards have different form factors. ATX motherboards are rectangular in shape and have four screw holes, while ITX motherboards are square in shape and have only two screw holes.
- Number of Expansion Slots: ATX motherboards typically have more expansion slots compared to ITX motherboards. ATX motherboards usually have four to seven expansion slots, while ITX motherboards typically have only one.
Additionally, due to their smaller size, ITX motherboards often have fewer features and components compared to ATX motherboards. For example, ITX motherboards may only have two RAM slots instead of four, and may not have as many USB or SATA ports.
Overall, the choice between an ATX and ITX motherboard ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the system being built. ATX motherboards are better suited for systems that require more expansion slots and features, while ITX motherboards are better suited for compact systems with limited space for components.
What is Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a specialized hardware security module used to store sensitive information and cryptographic keys in a secure way, and to perform security-related tasks such as authentication and encryption. It is typically found on the motherboard of a computer or other electronic device.
TPM operates as a microcontroller that contains its own processor, memory, and firmware. It is designed to ensure the integrity of the system by providing hardware-based security functions, such as:
- Secure Boot: TPM can be used to ensure that the system boots only from trusted sources, preventing malicious software from loading during startup.
- Platform Authentication: TPM can be used to authenticate the platform and verify its integrity to remote systems.
- Key Generation and Management: TPM can generate and store cryptographic keys that are used to protect data and authenticate users.
- Data Encryption and Decryption: TPM can be used to encrypt and decrypt data, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
- Remote Attestation: TPM can provide a way for remote systems to verify the integrity of the platform and the software running on it, making it useful for secure remote access and cloud computing scenarios.
Overall, TPM is an important component of modern computer security, providing a hardware-based root of trust that can be used to enhance the security of a wide range of systems and applications.
What is Secure Boot
Secure Boot is a security feature that is built into modern computer systems to protect against unauthorized operating system and software loading. It was introduced by Microsoft in Windows 8, and it has since become a standard feature on most modern computer systems.
Secure Boot works by verifying the digital signature of the bootloader, which is the software responsible for loading the operating system. If the digital signature is valid and matches the one stored in the firmware, the bootloader is allowed to load the operating system. This ensures that only trusted software is loaded on the system and helps to prevent malicious software from being loaded.
Secure Boot is implemented using a combination of hardware and software components. The firmware in the system’s motherboard contains a key that is used to verify the digital signature of the bootloader. The bootloader is signed by the manufacturer of the operating system, and the digital signature is verified by the firmware during the boot process.
In addition to protecting against unauthorized operating system loading, Secure Boot also helps to prevent rootkits and other types of malware from being installed on the system. It provides a more secure foundation for the operating system to run on, which makes it more difficult for attackers to compromise the system.
Overall, Secure Boot is an important security feature that helps to protect modern computer systems against a wide range of security threats.
What is a core in a computer processor?
In simple language, a core in a processor is like a mini computer within the larger computer. A processor (also known as a CPU) is the “brain” of the computer, and it contains one or more cores that can perform calculations and execute instructions.
Think of it this way: if the processor is a factory, then the cores are like the workers inside the factory. Each worker can perform a specific task, and by working together, they can complete more complex tasks.
Similarly, a core in a processor can perform a specific set of instructions and calculations simultaneously with other cores, allowing the processor to handle multiple tasks at once. Having multiple cores can improve the performance of a computer, especially for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as gaming, video editing, or running virtual machines.
In summary, a core in a processor is a separate processing unit that allows the processor to handle multiple tasks at once, making the computer run faster and more efficiently.
What is multi threading in computer?
Multithreading is a technique used by computer programs to perform multiple tasks or subtasks simultaneously within a single process. A thread is a lightweight unit of execution that can run concurrently with other threads, sharing the same memory and resources of the parent process.
In a single-threaded program, all code execution happens sequentially, one instruction at a time. However, with multithreading, a program can be designed to split its work into multiple threads, which can then run in parallel on different processors or processor cores, or on the same processor using time slicing techniques.
For example, a web browser might use one thread to download web pages in the background while using another thread to render the user interface. Similarly, a video editing application might use multiple threads to encode video files while allowing the user to continue working on other tasks.
Multithreading can provide several benefits, including faster processing of data, improved responsiveness of the application, and more efficient use of system resources. However, designing and implementing multithreaded applications can be more complex than single-threaded applications, as developers must ensure proper synchronization and communication between threads to prevent race conditions and other types of errors.
Difference between multithreading and core in computer
Multithreading and cores in a computer processor are two different concepts that can improve the performance of a computer in different ways.
A core in a processor is a physical component that can execute instructions and calculations in parallel with other cores. Having multiple cores allows a processor to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, making the computer run faster and more efficiently.
On the other hand, multithreading is a software-based technique that allows a program to perform multiple tasks or subtasks simultaneously within a single process. A thread is a lightweight unit of execution that can run concurrently with other threads, sharing the same memory and resources of the parent process.
So while a core is a physical component that provides hardware-based parallelism, multithreading is a software-based technique that allows a program to make use of multiple cores or processors to perform tasks in parallel.
To put it another way, cores are like the workers in a factory, while threads are like the tasks that the workers are assigned to perform. Having more workers (cores) can allow a factory (processor) to handle more tasks (threads) at once, making it more efficient and productive.
Overall, both multithreading and cores can improve the performance of a computer, but they do so in different ways and have different requirements for implementation.
Difference between CPU and Processor?
In computer terminology, the terms CPU (Central Processing Unit) and processor are often used interchangeably, and in most cases, they refer to the same thing.
However, technically speaking, the CPU refers specifically to the chip inside a computer that is responsible for executing instructions, performing arithmetic and logic operations, and controlling the input/output operations of the computer. It is the “brain” of the computer, and it is the most important component in terms of determining the performance of the system.
On the other hand, the term processor can refer more broadly to any device or component that performs processing operations. For example, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is a type of processor that is specifically designed for handling graphics and visual processing tasks.
In general, however, the term processor is often used interchangeably with CPU to refer to the chip inside a computer that performs the majority of the processing operations. So while there may be some technical differences between the two terms, they are often used interchangeably in common usage.
Difference between physical and logical cores
In computer processors, a physical core is a complete processing unit that is capable of executing instructions and performing calculations independently. A processor may have one or more physical cores, and each core is capable of performing a certain number of calculations or instructions per second, depending on its clock speed and other factors.
On the other hand, a logical core is a virtual core that is created by a technique called hyper-threading. Hyper-threading allows a single physical core to be divided into multiple logical cores, each of which can execute a different set of instructions or calculations simultaneously. Essentially, hyper-threading allows a single physical core to function as two logical cores.
While logical cores can improve the performance of certain types of applications, they are not as powerful as physical cores because they share resources such as cache memory and execution units with the physical core. In addition, the performance gains from hyper-threading are not always proportional to the number of logical cores, as some applications may not be optimized to take advantage of multiple threads.
In summary, physical cores are complete processing units that can execute instructions and perform calculations independently, while logical cores are virtual cores created by hyper-threading to improve performance by allowing a single physical core to function as multiple cores.