What is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)


  • A CPU is brain of a computer. It is responsible for all functions and processes. Regarding computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
  • The CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions.
  •  It processes the data and produces output, which may stored by an application or displayed on the screen.

Central Processing Unit

The CPU is comprised of three main parts :

  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes all arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic calculations like as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical operation like compare numbers, letters, or special characters
  • Control Unit (CU): controls and co-ordinates computer components.
    1. Read the code for the next instruction to be executed.
    2. Increment the program counter so it points to the next instruction.
    3. Read whatever data the instruction requires from cells in memory.
    4. Provide the necessary data to an ALU or register.
    5. If the instruction requires an ALU or specialized hardware to complete, instruct the hardware to perform the requested operation.
  • Registers: Stores the data that is to be executed next, "very fast storage area".