Computers have become an integral part of our world. They are found in almost every field of life. They make every task a lot easier and act as the brain of any organization or company. However, you might wonder what the most important part of this machine that acts as an essential personal and official piece of technology is.
Undoubtedly, the CPU or processor is the most important part of a computer. It acts as the computer’s brain, and without the CPU, no functions can be performed on a computer. Some people also consider the motherboard the most important part of a computer as it houses all the internal components of the computer.
However, some disagree because they do not consider the motherboard a separate component. In this article, we will see how the CPU is the most important part of the PC and why sometimes the motherboard is also given this title.
What Is a CPU?
The CPU or central processing unit is the brain or nucleus of a computer. It is directly attached to the motherboard through intricate needle-like connections. From there, connection lines attach the CPU to all computer parts.
How Does the CPU Work?
The main function of the CPU is to coordinate and process information. It tells a computer’s components what to do, acting like a manager. That’s why it is the most crucial part of a computer; without the CPU, a computer can never perform any task.
A CPU usually performs its tasks in four steps.
Fetch Data
The first task of a CPU is to fetch user data. It takes input from all the programs and hardware connected to the computer. This information can directly be sent to the CPU or come from the memory where it was stored previously.
Decode Information
Then, the CPU decodes this information into computer-readable syntax and language because the user command is not directly readable by the PC. A faster CPU can perform this task very quickly, while a slower CPU will make you wait a bit.
It then analyzes this information and identifies where this decoded information should be sent.
Execute Commands
The next step is to execute the command. Here, the CPU takes help from its ALU or Arithmetic and Logic Unit. It assigns the task to the relevant hardware, and the results are executed as outputs for the user.
Store Data
Once the command is ready to be executed, the CPU writes this command in the computer’s memory. This cycle then continues until the CPU keeps receiving inputs. It decodes and analyzes the information and sends the decoded commands to the memory, where they are stored temporarily before execution.
Why Is the Motherboard Considered the Most Important Part of a Computer?
All components of a computer are crucial for its working. The computer will simply not work if you take out any of these components. However, some people consider the motherboard the most important computer part.
Although the motherboard is not directly performing any single task like other hardware parts, it houses some of the most crucial components of a computer. So, because the motherboard alone houses all the hardware parts, it becomes the most important part of the computer.
What are the Functions of a Motherboard?
The motherboard is a circuit board, usually green in color. It contains a circuit network connecting all a PC’s components.
The motherboard has separate housings for the CPU, GPU, RAM, and hard disks, and all other parts (e.g., external ports) also come in contact with the motherboard. So, the basic function of a motherboard is communication between different hardware components.
Placement of Components
The motherboard has defined slots for all the hardware components because the parts of a personal computer are easily removable and upgradable. It houses the CPU and GPU close to each other. RAM slots are also defined so we can easily upgrade the RAM capacity.
Some computers also come with embedded GPUs. It means the GPU is built-in with the CPU, so an external graphics processor is unnecessary. On the edges of a motherboard, you will see all the ports that peak out of your computer casing.
Connection Establishment
Every part of the computer performs the tasks according to the requirement. The CPU processes the information and directs other parts to execute the commands successfully.
However, this whole process needs a network of communication. Without this network, no exchange of information can take place. You might have seen golden lines running all over your motherboard. These lines are the circuits responsible for communicating data between all computer parts.
The Bottom Line
The most important part of a computer is its CPU. It’s because the CPU acts like the brain of a computer. Not only it processes all the input information, but it also communicates this information to all other components. Without the CPU, a computer cannot process anything.
However, some think the motherboard is a PC’s most important component. The conflict arises as the motherboard isn’t a working part or a component. It only works as a data communicator and holds all the computer components on its circuit board.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the CPU and GPU are two different components of a computer. Sometimes, a processor comes with integrated graphics and a CPU. However, a GPU only renders the graphics and is controlled by the CPU, like all other components.
Yes, the motherboard is connected to all aspects of the computer, directly or indirectly. Most essential components – like RAM, CPU, and storage – are directly connected through their respective slots, while other components are indirectly connected.
