1. The CPU (or Central Processing Unit

2. Statistics Clock speed – number of instructions that can be executed per second Data width – The number of bits held in each register Number of Transistors – The electronic component that makes computation possible

3. Multi-Core Multiple processors on one chip Examples: Dual-core or Quad-core Supercomputers have many processors Cannot increase speed indefinitely –One calculation depending upon previous one

4. Moore’s Law “The number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law) Has leveled off in recent years due to not being able to squeeze more transistors onto a chip

5. Components Inside Registers – hold data or instructions Clock – tells the CPU when to execute the next instruction ALU – Does the math Address Bus – Sends an address to RAM or ROM Data Bus – Sends data to or from RAM or ROM

6. Special Registers Instruction Register – holds the current instruction (example – add or subtract Program Counter – holds the address of the next instruction to be executed ALU has three registers –2 for input –1 for output –Always takes 2 inputs, does an operation, and sends it to output