The Central Processing Unit

Microprocessors, also called central processing units (CPUs), are frequently described as the 'brains' of a computer, because they act as the central control for the processing of data in personal computers (PCs) and other computers. Chipsets perform logic functions in computers based on Intel processors. Motherboards combine Intel microprocessors and chipsets to form the basic subsystem of a PC. Because it's part of every one of your computer's functions, it takes a fast processor to …

…to 200 MHz and are the most widely used processor today. Intel is currently producing two new pentium processors with MMX technology. These two processors, running at 166 & 200 MHz, are made to accelarate graphics and multimedia software packages. Currently the newest processor to be introduced in a 400 MHz processor made also by Intel. This new processor illustrates the performance potential of the new P6 architecture. It contains 7.5 million transistors and also includes the new MMX technology.