CPU

Also known as a processor or microprocessor the CPU was first developed by Intel in 1974 and is short for Central Processing Unit. The computer CPU is responsible for handling all instructions and calculation it receives from other hardware components in the computer and software programs running on the computer. Below is a graphic example of what the original Intel Pentium processor looks like.

Today there are several different manufactures of computer processors. However, Intel and AMD are the leaders in the PC market.

• Additional information and help with computer processors can also be found on our CPU help page.
• Additional information about installing a computer hardware including a computer processor can be found on document CHADD.

Many new computer users may improperly call their computer and even sometimes their monitor a CPU. When referring to your computer or monitor it is proper to refer to them as either computer or monitor and not CPU.