microcode
CPU's hidden language
Microcode is the lowest level of software inside a processor, translating machine instructions into the elementary operations the hardware actually performs.
It sits between the instruction set a programmer sees and the physical circuits.
Microcode can be updated to fix processor bugs or security vulnerabilities: Intel released a microcode patch for the vulnerability.
Boot-up initialization firmware
- UEFIFirmware interface for booting
- patchMaterial covering damage
- updateNew version or information
- flashBrief burst of light
ROM · bootloader · embedded · chipset · motherboard · controller · binary · version
Main computing chip
- instructionGuidance for action
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- cacheConcealed storage spot
- siliconMetalloid in electronics
transistor · semiconductor · processor · x86 · RISC · AMD · Intel · chip
Processor calculation component
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
- fetchGo get and return
- executeCarry out fully
bitstream · sequencer · microarchitecture · timing · circuitry · hardwired · horizontal · vertical
Constructing from components
- mnemonicTechnique for retention
- operandQuantity being calculated
- hexadecimalSixteen-digit numeral system
- binaryConsisting of two parts
bitwise · low-level · debugger · disassembler · encoding · format · addressing
Carrying out a task
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- speedupIncrease in pace
- tuningAdjusting pitch accuracy
profiling · bottleneck · efficiency · parallelization · pipelining · scheduling · acceleration · overclocking
BIOS
Boot-up initialization firmware
flash · ROM · bootloader · embedded · chipset · motherboard · controller · binary · version · release
CPU
Main computing chip
- instructionGuidance for action
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- cacheConcealed storage spot
silicon · transistor · semiconductor · processor · x86 · RISC · AMD · Intel · chip · die
ALU
Processor calculation component
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
- fetchGo get and return
execute · bitstream · sequencer · microarchitecture · timing · circuitry · hardwired · horizontal · vertical
assembly
Constructing from components
- mnemonicTechnique for retention
- operandQuantity being calculated
- hexadecimalSixteen-digit numeral system
binary · bitwise · low-level · debugger · disassembler · encoding · format · addressing
performance
Carrying out a task
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- speedupIncrease in pace
tuning · profiling · bottleneck · efficiency · parallelization · pipelining · scheduling · acceleration · overclocking
microcodehigh-level language
Abstracted programming syntax
source code · Python · Java · scripting language · assembly language