microprocessor Last modified: Wednesday, February 05, 2003
A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, the terms microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably. At the heart of all personal computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor. Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for automobiles. Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors: Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute. bandwidth : The number of bits processed in a single instruction. clock speed : Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute. In both cases, the higher the value, the more powerful the CPU. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor that runs at 50MHz is more powerful than a 16-bit microprocessor that runs at 25MHz. In addition to bandwidth and clock speed, microprocessors are classified as being either RISC (reduced instruction set computer) or CISC (complex instruction set computer). See the Microprocessor Comparison Chart page in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia for a comparison of microprocessors.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• For internet.com pages about microprocessor . Also check out the following links! Microprocessor Comparison Chart  A cut-to-the-chase guide that compares and contrasts popular processing chips. PC system processor reference guide  Comprehensive look at the system processor. Covers semiconductor technology, manufacturing, characteristics, power, voltage levels, cooling, packaging, sockets, external and internal architecture. Discusses performance factors. Complete look at over 20 popular processors, including the latest offerings from Intel, AMD and Cyrix. VLSI Microprocessors  Excellent collection of high performance microprocessor resources from the Supercomputer Software Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Great Microprocessors of the Past and Present Article on "Great Microprocessors of the Past and Present", including an index and in-depth descriptions. National Semiconductor home page This home page offers links to company and product information, design engineer resources, news articles, information on environmental health and safety, and an annual report. Processor Architecture and Operation Provides a complete look at the way processors work. Includes sections on external processor interfaces and operations, internal processor architecture and operations, and processor performance. This page is from "The PC Guide". Processor Physical Characteristics Discusses the physical properties of processors. Includes information on processor manufacturing, physical chip characteristics, power and voltage, cooling and packaging, and sockets and slots. Yahoo!'s microprocessor page Yahoo!'s directory of microprocessor hardware components.	Microprocessors 386 Alpha Processor AMD array processor bandwidth chip CISC clock speed CNR CPU Cyrix fab fabless flip-flop GHz Intel microprocessors Merced microcode microcontroller microprocessor Moore's Law Motorola microprocessors oscillator clock overclock Pentium microprocessor Give Us Your Feedback Processors microprocessor Products Shop here to Save Money on Processors at DealTime! Search by brand or type to find the best price across 100s of stores! Shop by Top Models: Intel CORE 2 QUAD Q9400-2.66GHz-6MB-1333FSB-LGA775-Quad Core (BX80580Q9400) Boxed Processor 20 store offers from $150 - $358 Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9650 3.00 Ghz 1333mhz Fsb 12mb L2 Cache Lga 775 (BX80569Q9650) Boxed Processor 15 store offers from $329 - $548 Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, 3Ghz (BX80570E8400A) Boxed Processor 18 store offers from $150 - $282 AMD HDZ955FBGIBOX Phenom II X4, Black Edition 3.20 GHz AM3 8MB Desktop Processor Retail (HDZ965FBGIBOX) 18 store offers from $175 - $273 IBM Xeon® E5345, 2.33 GHz (42C0570) Processor Upgrade 17 store offers from $110 - $860