[Popular Science] What is a CPU? What is i5-8300H?

Question 1. What is a CPU? What is the use?

CPU is the abbreviation of Central Processing Unit (Central Processing Unit), also known as processor. It is one of the core components in a computer system, responsible for executing computer instructions and controlling computer operations. The CPU can be thought of as the brain of a computer, it reads instructions from the computer's memory, executes them and stores the results back into memory. The CPU also includes functions such as various logic circuits, controllers, and cache memory, which can provide good performance and energy efficiency ratio.

The CPU is one of the most important components of a computer, and it has a very important impact on the performance and response speed of the computer. Therefore, when choosing a computer or upgrading a computer, it is very important to choose the appropriate CPU.

The CPU is the core of a computer system . It is responsible for executing computer instructions and controlling computer operations. It is a key component of computer data processing and calculation. Here is a simple and understandable example:

Suppose you are using a computer to write a document . When you enter text on the keyboard , this input data is sent to the computer's memory for storage. Then, when you need to edit or format that data , your computer sends those instructions to the CPU to execute .

For example, when you click the copy , cut , or paste buttons, the computer sends those instructions to the CPU for execution . The CPU reads these instructions and uses them to manipulate data in the computer 's memory . Like copying or cutting a piece of text and pasting it in another location. The CPU performs calculations based on these instructions and data , and returns the results to the computer's memory so that you can see the updated document on the screen.

It's a common metaphor to compare the CPU to the brain of the human body, as they both process information and control the body's movements. Here is a real life example:

Imagine you are cooking dinner. You need to chop vegetables, cook rice, grill meat, etc. It's like a computer performing various tasks, each of which requires the execution of a series of instructions.

In this example, you can compare the CPU to your brain. Your brain receives and processes your sensory input, such as seeing a kitchen knife with your eyes, picking it up with your hand, etc. The brain then translates these sensory inputs into a series of instructions, such as putting a kitchen knife on a cutting board, placing vegetables on a cutting board, and so on. These instructions can be thought of as computer instructions executed by the CPU.

You then pass those instructions to your hands, which perform tasks like chopping vegetables, cooking rice, and grilling meat. It's like the CPU sends computer instructions to other parts of the computer to perform tasks.

Therefore, the CPU can be compared to the brain of the human body, which is responsible for receiving, processing and executing various instructions to complete various tasks.

In this example, the role of the CPU is to receive and execute computer instructions, control computer operations, process data and output results, enabling the computer to complete tasks such as document editing and formatting.

Question 2. How to choose a CPU?

Multiple factors need to be considered when choosing a CPU, including performance , price , power consumption , number of cores , main frequency , etc. Here are some helpful guidelines:

Determine the level of performance you need. Different CPUs have different performance levels, from low-end to high-end, including entry-level, mid-range, high-end and top-level CPUs. Choosing the right CPU depends on your application needs and budget.

Determine if your application requires a multi-core CPU. If you need to handle a lot of multitasking or multithreading work, then choosing a CPU with more cores can improve processing efficiency. For example, applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming can gain significant performance gains from multi-core CPUs.

Know your motherboard type. Different motherboard types support different CPU sockets and chipsets, so you need to choose a CPU that is compatible with your motherboard.

Determine your budget . CPU prices can vary widely, so you need to determine your budget in order to choose the best CPU for you.

Consider power consumption and heat dissipation. Some high-performance CPUs require higher power consumption and cooling capabilities, so you'll want to make sure your computer is equipped with a proper cooler and power supply.

It should be noted that when choosing a CPU, you need to make trade-offs based on factors such as specific application scenarios and budgets, and choose the most suitable CPU for you.

Question 3. What does the phrase "Intel Core i7-8650U @ 1.90GHz quad-core 14nm" mean?

This sentence describes an Intel processor, the specific information is as follows:

Model: Intel Core i7-8650U
Frequency: 1.90GHz Number of
cores: Quad-core
Manufacturing process: 14nm
Handle multiple tasks at the same time. The manufacturing process is 14nm, which means that the processor uses a more advanced manufacturing process, which can provide better energy efficiency ratio and performance. This information can help people understand the performance and functional characteristics of the processor.

Question 4: What is the main frequency of the CPU, the number of cores 4, and the manufacturing process?

These parameters have an important impact on the performance and energy efficiency of the processor. The following is an easy-to-understand comparison:

Main frequency : 1.90GHz indicates the clock speed of the processor , also known as the main frequency. The higher the frequency , the more instructions the processor can execute per second . Therefore, the same processor, the higher the main frequency , the faster the processing speed .

Number of cores : Quad-core means there are four separate processing units in the processor that can execute multiple instructions simultaneously . This means, the processor can handle multitasking and multithreading applications faster , such as video editing, gaming , and more.

Manufacturing process : 14nm indicates the manufacturing process of the processor , also known as the process node . The smaller the process node , the more transistors the processor can integrate , providing better performance and energy efficiency . Therefore, the 14nm manufacturing process can provide better energy efficiency ratio and performance than the 20nm or larger manufacturing process .

In summary, the higher these parameters, the better the performance and energy efficiency of the processor. Therefore, when choosing a processor, you can choose a processor with the appropriate main frequency, core count, and manufacturing process to meet the needs according to the application's requirements and budget.

Question 5. Model: Intel Core i7-8650U What does each letter mean here?

Each letter here represents a different meaning and specification:

i7: Indicates the series of Intel processors , which is one of the high-performance processor series. The i7 series processors usually have a higher main frequency and more cores to meet high performance requirements.

8: Indicates the 8th generation Intel processor , also known as the Kaby Lake Refresh architecture. The 8th generation Intel processor uses a 14nm manufacturing process, which has better energy efficiency ratio and performance.

6: Indicates the level of the processor , indicating that this is a high-performance processor, usually used for applications that require high performance, such as games , video editing, 3D modeling, etc.

50: Indicates the positioning of the processor , indicating that this is a commercial processor , usually used in high-end notebook computers, workstations and other commercial occasions.

U: Indicates the power supply type of the processor , indicating that this is a low-voltage processor, suitable for portable computers and notebook computers, and can provide better performance and energy efficiency ratio.

Therefore, these letter combinations represent the processor's family, generation, grade, positioning and power supply type and other specification information.

Question 6. What does 12th Gen Inter Core i7-12700H Intel7 mean?

12th Gen: "12th Gen" stands for the 12th generation of Intel Core series processors. These processors are Intel's latest generation processors, which use advanced manufacturing processes and new technologies to provide higher performance and energy efficiency.

Inter Core: "Inter Core" stands for Intel Core processor, which is a series of high-performance processors launched by Intel Corporation.

i7-12700H: "i7-12700H" is the model number of the processor. Among them, i7 indicates that this is a high-performance processor of the Intel Core series, the number 12700 indicates the performance level of the processor, and the letter "H" after the number indicates that this is a processor suitable for notebook computers.

Intel7: "Intel 7" stands for Intel's manufacturing process, which is a state-of-the-art 7nm manufacturing process introduced by Intel Corporation, which can provide higher performance and energy efficiency ratio .

Therefore, these character combinations represent information such as the generation, series, model, power supply type, and manufacturing process of the processor.

Question 6.1 What does i7-12700H mean?

i7: Indicates that this is a high-performance processor of the Intel Core series, usually used for applications that require higher performance, such as games, video editing, 3D modeling, etc.

12700: It is part of the processor model number, indicating the performance level of this processor. The two digits after this number indicate the generation number of the processor, which can be used to distinguish different generations of processors.
12: Indicates that this is the 12th generation of Intel processors, that is, the 12th generation Core processor. Released in October 2021, the 12th-generation Core processor is the latest generation of processors launched by Intel. It adopts a 10-nanometer manufacturing process and has higher performance and lower power consumption.
7: Indicates that this is an i7 series processor, which is a high-performance processor series among Intel Core processors. The i7 processor usually has a higher main frequency and more cores to meet high performance requirements.
00: has no special meaning here, it may be a placeholder in the number of this model.

H: Indicates that this is a processor suitable for notebook computers, with low power consumption and heat dissipation requirements, suitable for portable computers.

Question 6.2: Which one is better for processors ending in H, U and K?

Letters at the end of a processor model number usually indicate different characteristics and uses. Processors ending in H, U, and K are usually used in different application scenarios.

Processors ending in H are usually designed for high-performance laptops or workstations, with higher power consumption constraints and higher performance, suitable for professional applications that require stronger processing performance, such as video editing, Game development, engineering design, etc.

Processors ending in U are usually designed for thin and light portable notebooks and ultrabooks, with lower power consumption and better battery life, suitable for use in mobile office environments, such as working on the road, in the Working in public places such as coffee shops, etc.

Processors ending in K are usually designed for overclocking enthusiasts and usually have higher clock speeds, larger caches, and higher performance potential. This type of processor is usually suitable for users who want to customize their computer and are willing to spend time and money to achieve overclocking.

So which processor is better depends on your needs and usage. If you need a high-performance processor to run complex applications or play games, you may be better off choosing a processor ending in H; if you need a portable device and need longer battery life, then choose a processor ending in U Probably better; if you're an overclocking enthusiast and want better performance potential, you might be better off choosing a processor ending in K.

ranking	CPU model	benchmark score	number of cores/threads	main frequency	price	year of issue
1	Intel Core i9-12900K	31233	16/24	3.2 GHz (5.2 GHz)	$729	2021
2	Intel Core i9-11900K	28262	8/16	3.5 GHz (5.3 GHz)	$539	2021
3	Intel Core i9-11900	24008	8/16	2.5 GHz (5.2 GHz)	$439	2021
4	Intel Core i7-11700K	22703	8/16	3.6 GHz (5.0 GHz)	$399	2021
5	Intel Core i7-11700	19890	8/16	2.5 GHz (4.9 GHz)	$323	2021
6	Intel Core i5-11600K	17118	6/12	3.9 GHz (4.9 GHz)	$263	2021
7	Intel Core i5-11400	13053	6/12	2.6 GHz (4.4 GHz)	$182	2021
8	Intel Core i3-10100	8271	4/8	3.6 GHz	$129	2020
9	Intel Core i3-9100	7283	4/4	3.6 GHz	$93	2019