Difference Between System Unit And Central Process Unit (CPU)

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What Is System Unit?

The computer system unit is the enclosure for all the other main interior components of a computer. It is also referred to as the computer case, computer chassis or computer tower. Cases are typically made of steel or aluminum, but plastic can also be used. While most computer cases are rather dull, black, metal boxes, some manufacturers try to give the unit some flair with color and special design elements.  

The primary function of the computer system unit is to hold all the other components together and protect the sensitive electronic parts from the outside elements. A computer system is often designed large enough in size to allow for upgrades such as adding a second hard drive or a higher-quality video card.

What You Need To Know About System Unit

  • System unit is an aluminum case that contains the primary electronic components that performs operations and produce results for complex calculations. They normally available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is also referred to as computer tower or computer chassis.
  • In most computer system units, the front side contains the elements a user needs frequently such as the power button, an optical disk drive, an audio outlet for a pair of headphones and a number of USB connections.
  • The system unit holds the system devices that perform calculations as requested from the input device, which can range from a microprocessor to a capacitor or system clock.
  • Components of the system unit include: Ports, hard disk, RAM, motherboard, processors, fans, peripheral devices, BIOS, optical drive connectors, graphic card and power supply.
  • System unit contains or provides the power supply to the entire computer system.
  • It enables electronic components to work collectively in a common hardware environment.
  • System unit processes and controls the whole of the computer unit.

What Is Central Process Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is the brain of a computer, containing all the circuitry needed to process input, store data and output results. CPU is also referred to as central processor or main processor. CPU is responsible for interpreting most of computer commands (input from peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, printer etc). It performs most basic arithmetic, logic and I/O operations as well as allocates commands for other chips and components running in a computer.

What You Need To Know About Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • CPU also referred to as the brain of the computer or simply central processor is a chip that executes instructions and moves data around in a computer.
  • The CPU is often placed into a specific square-shaped socket found on all motherboards by inserting its metallic connectors or pins found on the underside.
  • The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.
  • The two typical components of a CPU include: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations; and the control unit (CU) which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.
  • CPU does not have a power supply. More importantly, to control instructions and data flow to and from other parts of the computer, the CPU relies heavily on a chipset, which is a group of microchips located on the motherboard.
  • In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system. It is responsible for giving logical output.
  • CPU contains microprocessor which process data present on the motherboard of the system unit.

Also Read: Difference Between Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) And Control Unit(CU)