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When we buy a computer, we usually look at processor in terms of configuration of computer. When some users buy a laptop, they often pay special attention to processor frequency and mistakenly believe that higher processor frequency, better performance of laptop. Runs faster. To questions of many friends, next editor will explain to you, what is main frequency of processor? The higher frequency of processor, better?

What is processor frequency?

CPU base clock, which is clock speed at which CPU core runs (CPUClockSpeed). It is common to say that a certain CPU is in megahertz and that number of megahertz is "basic CPU frequency". Many people think that main frequency of processor is its operating speed, but this is not so. The fundamental frequency of CPU indicates rate at which digital pulse signal oscillates in CPU and is not directly related to actual processing power of CPU.

There is a definite relationship between base frequency and actual compute speed, but there is no definitive formula to quantify numerical relationship between two, because CPU compute speed depends on performance metrics of all aspects of CPU pipeline (cache, instruction set, CPU bits, etc.) d.). Since base frequency does not directly represent operating speed, under certain circumstances, actual speed of a CPU with a higher base frequency may be lower. For example, most AMD AthlonXP series processors can have a lower fundamental frequency, achieving performance of an Intel Pentium4 series processor with a higher fundamental frequency, which is why AthlonXP series processors are named after PR value. Thus, fundamental frequency is only one aspect of CPU performance and does not reflect overall performance of CPU.

CPU base frequency does not reflect CPU speed, but increasing base frequency is critical to improving CPU processing speed. For example, assuming CPU executes an operation instruction in one clock cycle, when CPU is running at a fundamental frequency of 100 MHz, it will be twice as fast as when it is running at a fundamental frequency of 50 MHz, because 100 MHz clock cycle is faster than time. 50 MHz clock cycle is halved.

In other words, a processor running at a fundamental frequency of 100 MHz takes only 10 ns to execute a work instruction, which is half of 20 ns running at a fundamental frequency of 50 MHz, and natural operating speed is doubled. It's just that overall speed of computer depends not only on speed of processor's calculations, but also on operating conditions of other subsystems, only by increasing main frequency, speed of each subsystem and speed of data transfer between them can be improved. After improvement, overall speed of computer can really be improved. .

Increasing base frequency of processor is mainly limited by manufacturing process. Because CPU is made on a semiconductor silicon chip, wires are needed to connect components on a silicon chip. In high-frequency state, thinner and shorter wire, better, in order to reduce parasitic interference such as distributed capacitance of wire, so as to ensure CPU can work properly. Thus, limitation of production process is one of biggest obstacles to developmentmain frequency of processor.

The higher frequency of processor, better?

This is not necessarily case, as base frequency is only one aspect of CPU performance and does not reflect overall CPU performance. There is also an external frequency, frequency of front bus (FSB), memory, etc., if they do not match, then it is like a highway, then wide, then narrow, when it is wide, everyone drives smoothly, and when it is narrow. There will be traffic jams and all data will be blocked there, which is so-called bottleneck, and even large bottles must be poured bit by bit through narrow neck, so iron must be properly selected.

However, blindly increasing processor frequency can also have negative consequences. As frequency of processor increases, its calorific value will inevitably increase with it, and consequence of this will be that laptop will heat up during use, and accumulation of too much heat will cause system instability, crashes, etc.; If laptop CPU cooling is not done properly, it can also cause laptop components to burn out, especially for those users who like to use laptop on bed.

Summarizing: higher main frequency of processor, better. It's not absolute. If there is a small difference in main frequency between two processors and a large difference in second-level or third-level cache, then we select main frequency. The one that is slightly smaller and has a larger cache, if there is a big difference in processor frequency, then we can choose one , which has a higher frequency!

The higher main frequency of processor, faster calculation speed, but this does not mean that its performance is better. In general, this is enough. Unless professional enthusiasts are only chasing extreme speed, main board depends on material and interface of capacitor, compatibility with desired CPU, whether it supports main memory card specifications, and after-sales service and manufacturer's driver updates.

Main processor frequency settings

FSB is also referred to as CPU external frequency or base frequency, and unit is "MHz". The main frequency of CPU has a certain ratio (multiplier) to FSB. Since operating frequency of memory and L2Cache set on motherboard are synchronized with FSB of CPU, overall performance of a computer assembled with a CPU with a high FSB is higher than that of a processor.CPU with same main frequency, but one level below FSB above. This relationship of parameters is used when choosing a motherboard.

The frequency multiplier is proportional ratio between CPU main frequency and FSB, usually: main frequency=FSB*multiplier. The frequency multiplier of all Intel processors (with exception of a few tested products) is normally locked (frequency locked). Users cannot adjust base frequency of processor by adjusting frequency multiplier,but they can still set different fundamental frequencies by adjusting external frequency. . Processors from AMD and others are unlocked.

What is processor frequency? The higher frequency of processor, better? Here you will be presented with contents of editor. I hope that after reading contents of above articles, it will be useful for you when choosing a processor for your computer in future. To measure performance of a processor, fundamental frequency is one aspect, but not decisive aspect, it must also be measured in conjunction with other processor parameters.