Of course, which CPU you should buy is dependent on what kind of workloads you plan on giving your computer. If you’re looking to upgrade the performance power of your desktop PC, then buying a new CPU is worth considering. It’s not possible to change the motherboard either, so it’s best to think of laptops as non-upgradable in this regard.

In laptops, on the other hand, the CPU and cooler are as good as impossible to remove (and even harder to replace). Most of the time, if you’re upgrading to a CPU that’s a year or two newer than your current one, you’ll also need to fit a new motherboard. It doesn’t mean a processor can be easily swapped for a more powerful model, however, as the CPU will need to be compatible with the motherboard.ĭeal: Intel Core i9-10850K processor for just £378 (save £62) This means replacing a processor is a relatively simple process. In a desktop PC, the CPU and cooler are designed to be easily removeable. You wouldn’t be able to see it if you took the side panel off your desktop PC, as it will be hidden under a cooling fan – a CPU is a powerful component and would get very hot without proper cooling. In a computer, the CPU is found at the heart of the system, plugged into the motherboard. Mobile SoCs contain a CPU and loads of other important kit that makes your phone work Where is the CPU? Such multi-purpose chips are known as SoCs (system-on-a-chip). In smartphones and tablets, the chip containing the CPU may also handle phone calls, Wi-Fi, GPS and many other things.

Most modern computer CPUs share a chip with a computer’s graphics electronics (that decides what appears on your monitor). In modern computers, and especially in smartphones, the CPU may sit on the same physical chip as other components. For example, both phones and TVs have CPUs inside them. If something can run programs, chances are it will have a CPU.

In fact, CPUs exist in many types of devices apart from computers. It’s responsible for telling all the other components in a computer what to do, according to the instructions it is given by the programs (software) running on that computer. The CPU, Central Processing Unit (or simply processor) is the main chip in a computer responsible for carrying out all tasks. We’ve assembled this guide to tell you everything you need to know about a CPU, which should help you out tremendously whenever looking to buy a new laptop or gaming PC in the future. But what is a CPU and why is it important? If you’ve read a review for a computer or phone, you’ve probably come across the term ‘CPU’.

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