
It is also separate from the graphics card or graphics chip, which renders the video and 3D graphics that are displayed on your screen.ĬPUs are built by placing billions of microscopic transistors onto a single computer chip. It is separate from the memory, which is where information is temporarily stored. The silicon chip sits in a special socket located on the main circuit board (motherboard or mainboard) inside the device. The CPU is the core component that defines a computing device, and while it is of critical importance, the CPU can only function alongside other hardware.


Here, we explain how CPUs interact with other parts of your devices and what makes them so integral to the computing process. They are responsible for processing and executing instructions and act as the brains of your devices. One component term you may have encountered is “CPU,” which stands for “ central processing unit.”ĬPUs reside in almost all devices you own, whether it’s a smartwatch, a computer, or a thermostat. If you’re just learning about the world of computers and electronics, the terminology used to refer to different parts can be confusing.
