Intel Core i7
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| Add captionIntel Core i7 is a name that the company Intel uses for the computer processors it makes for desktop and laptop computers . Intel uses this name for the fastest processors that they think will be used to build computers for consumers instead of business people. Intel started to use this name in 2008. Before 2008, Intel used the name "Core 2" for this kind of processor. There are different types of Core i7 processor. The name does not name a type. Instead, it is the name for all of the fast processors that Intel thinks should be sold to consumers. Intel uses two other "Core i-" names for its processors for consumers: "Core i5" and "Core i3." Intel uses the "Core i5" name for processors that are not quite so fast as the "Core i7" processors. The "Core i5" processors can do most things that most people want to do quickly except for playing some types of computer games. Intel uses the "Core i3" name for processors for computers that are even slower than "Core i5" processors. "Core i3" can do most simple things for most people.[1][2][3][4] Intel uses a different name, Xeon, for processors that Intel makes for "server" computers for businesses. Some of the "Core i7" processors are almost the same as some of the "Xeon" processors, but each of the Xeon processors is a little bit different than the "Core i7" processor, because a "server" computer is not the same as a consumer computer. Intel also makes other "Xeon" processors that are not the same as any "Core i7" processor. Unlike the Core i7, Xeon processors support ECC (error corrected) memory, and multiple CPUs on the same motherboard. Central processing unit central processing unit (CPU) is an important part of almost every computer. The CPU sends signals to control the other parts of the computer, almost like how a brain controls a body. The CPU is an electronic machine that works on a list of things to do, called 'instructions'. It reads the list of instructions and does (executes) each one in order. A list of instructions that a CPU can read is a computer program. A machine that can perform the job of a CPU is often called a Turing machine by mathematicians. The speed that a CPU works at is measured in Hertz, Hz. Modern processors often run so fast that gigahertz, GHz, is used instead. One gigahertz is one billion hertz. The CPU market for desktop (home) computers is controlled by two companies: Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (usually shortened to AMD). There are other CPU manufacturers like ARM, IBM, VIA, MCST, ELVEES, SRISA, NTC Module, Sun Microsystems and others, but their CPUs usually have more specific uses (for example in mobile phones, cars, game consoles, or in the military). Motherboard The motherboard or mainboard is the main circuit board in a complex electronic system, like a computer. It is the most 'central' part of a computer. All of the different parts of the computer are connected to the motherboard. This lets them work together. In most computers, the motherboard is a big green board, but many come in different colors like black, red and yellow. "On-board"Electrical parts must be on the motherboard. These parts include transistors and resistors. Major parts that are attached to the board are able to be removed in the future so that they can be upgraded. The CPU is an example of a part that is usually removable.Parts that are not "on-board" can be bought as a card. In fact, many of the on-board parts on today's computers were at one time an expansion card that became very popular. These were put on the board to free up the card slots for other things. Computers today usually have a memory port, 2 or more USB ports, a parallel port (for use with old printers usually), audio & microphone jacks, a network port and ports for the keyboard and mouse. There are also some rare motherboards that have plugs only for very specific parts. All of the slots and plugs both inside and outside the computer case are shaped a certain way to accept a certain type of part. Some will not even accept parts even one generation behind, such as the CPU and memory. Others, like the video plug have not changed in years. Some of the plugs, such as the video, keyboard and mouse plugs, are a special color. These colors make it easier to pair the plug to the port. The motherboard is also referred to as the PCB which stands for ‘printed circuit board’ |
