CPU
The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is the "brains" of a computer, and processes all the logic required to execute computer programs. Modern CPUs have evolved from very simplistic machines into mutliple-core mutliple cache beasts. Current processors, like the ones from Intel and AMD, are based on the x86 instruction set. CPUs apply to all modern computing devices, from desktop and notebook computers to game consoles and even cell phones.
Typically, CPU speed is measured in number of instructions per second, or hertz. CPUs have evolved to the 1-2GHz range, where the clock speeds have started approaching theoretical limits of physics. Now, companies are adding multiple cores and fast caching mechanisms to improve CPU speed. While current CPUs use electronics, future CPUs will use light which will increase the speed exponentially.
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11/02/09 5:25pm Computing, Home A/V, Mobile Apple pitches $30 per month iTunes TV program to studios, Snow Leopard 10.6.2 kills hackintosh Atom netbooks, Sprint WiMAX goes live in Chicago, Dallas, and eight North Carolina cities
Apple is reportedly trying to get content producers (TV studios and the like) to agree to a plan by which Apple would offer an… dig deeper
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10/14/09 6:30pm Computing, Gaming NVIDIA Tegra chosen for new Nintendo DS, Wi-Fi tech upgrade would enable P2P Wi-Fi on any device, Finland declares broadband internet a legal right
NVIDIA's Tegra platform, which includes both a CPU and a GPU, has been selected as the basis for the hardware of the successor to… dig deeper
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09/23/09 7:38pm Computing, Mobile Intel unleashes quad-core Core i7 CPUs for laptops, Apple iPhone to launch in South Korea, Palm slammed with Pre app store submissions
Intel announced today that it is launching laptop versions of its top-end, quad-core Core i7 processors. Two laptops that will… dig deeper
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07/02/09 4:02pm Mobile Apple warning could address iPhone 3G and 3GS overheating issues
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06/23/09 4:50pm Computing NPD study finds most people don't know netbooks, notebooks are different
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06/23/09 1:44pm Mobile Intel and Nokia team up; phones may get Intel processors
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06/08/09 4:10pm Computing, Mobile Apple WWDC 2009 keynote roundup: iPhone 3GS, MacBook Pro and Air, iPhone OS 3.0, Snow Leopard
Apple announced a truckload of new products today, including a new iPhone, new MacBooks, and major software updates. Here's your one-stop shop for all the WWDC 2009 keynote news you need. dig deeper
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05/27/09 8:21am Computing Apple's white MacBook silently updated with faster processor and memory, more storage
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03/04/09 6:30pm Computing Intel, AMD to start building graphics processors into their CPUs
Embedded graphics will move the GPU in low-end systems from the motherboard chipset to within the main processor. dig deeper
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02/10/09 8:00am Computing Column How Apple's new Mac OS X Snow Leopard will change your life (or won't), part 1
Snow Leopard will be pouncing on Mac users this year but how will it change your Mac? Obsessable gives you the run down. dig deeper
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02/04/09 9:01am Computing NVIDIA Ion netbook graphics are great for media playback, horrible on battery life
The reviews are in for NVIDIA's Ion platform and as expected, graphics-related tasks are fast but battery life takes a serious hit. dig deeper
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02/03/09 1:28pm Computing, Gaming feature Graphics and video cards 101: The PC with a view
These kids and their new-fangled video machines. What is the difference between a video card and a graphics card? dig deeper
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