Glossary

Processor

A processor is an integrated electronic circuit that performs the calculations that run a computer. A processor performs arithmetical, logical, input/output (I/O) and other basic instructions that are passed from an operating system (OS). Most other processes are dependent on the operations of a processor. A central processing unit (CPU) is also just known as a processor.

Manufacturer

The manufacturer is the company responsible for building the specific model of this system. They may be responsible for designing all of the parts or simply assembling the machine.

Model

A model, or model number, is a unique identifier given to each processor. Models allow both manufacturers and consumers to identify a particular product.

Codename

Large microprocessor manufacturers often make small improvements to their designs without completely throwing out the existing microarchitecture. Manufacturers use codenames to label each iteration of designs that use the same fundamental microarchitecture.

Genus

Processor genera are the second smallest grouping in the processor taxonomy and the smallest level at which the CSG project maintains a lineage. A genus contains one or more processor models and a one or more genera fall under a single microarchitecture. Processor models within a genus can vary in small ways like bus or cache sizes but are the same with respect to major microarchitectural design efforts. CSG's collection of processor genera was constructed by manual review of sources available online like manufacturer datasheets, product presentations, and Wikipedia.

Technology Information

Additional information about the technology.

Date

The date the processor was created.

Transistors (millions)

A semiconductor commonly made of silicon that can work as an amplifier or a switch. It can turn on and off simulating ones and zeros.

Die Size (NM)

The physical dimensions of a bare block of semi conductible material (a die) on which a circuit is fabricated.

Cache Data (KB)

The cache data shows the different categories of cache in the system and how many kilobytes of data each cache can hold.

Bus Width (Bits)

The precise number of bits that can be accessed from or transmitted to the system's central processing unit simultaneously.

Clock Speed (MHz)

The rate at which the cetral processing unit completes a single processor cycle.

Max Clock Speed (MHz)

The maximum rate at which processor cycles can be completed by the central processing unit.

TDP (W)

TDP or Thermal Design Power is the maximum power consumption of the processor under a theoretical load.

VDD Low (W)

The lower bound of the amount of voltage being sent to the central processing unit.

VDD High (W)

The higher bound of the amount of voltage being sent to the central processing unit.

System

A system is a supercomputer built to contain massive amounts of processing power. A system usually uses multiple processors and is used for mathematical models or complicated engineering problems. These systems generally take up entire rooms and are capable of doing complex calculations requiring parallel processing that is beyond personal use computers.

System Family

The system family is the group of systems that came before this specific generation of supercomputer. It can be looked at as a group of systems that share similar designs and implementations throughout their lineage.

Architecture

The way that the processors of a system are organized. For example, are the processors working parallel to each other or in tightly packed clusters.

Computer

The computer is a moniker with the system model, the clockspeed (GHz), and the computer-networking communication network.

Site

The location of the system, usually including the name of the company running the system.

Application

The precise application of the system. For example, if the system was meant to create mathematical models.

Region

The specific part of a continent where the System was made.

Continent

The continent where the System was made.

Segment

The field for which the supercomputer was built and run. Examples include research or academic use.

Microarchitecture

Microarchitecture concerns the design of the microprocessor. This in turn determines the pipeline and execution techniques, caching techniques, and the speed of the system bus. It can also determine what materials are used in the system’s creation.

Year

The year the item was made.

ISA

ISA is short for instruction set architecture. ISA defines the interface between interface hardware and software. ISA can be described as the interface to use the processor’s computer power.

ROB Size

The reorder buffer (ROB) is a queue of instructions in a program order that tracks the status of the instructions currently in the instruction window. The finite size of this instruction window is the ROB size.

TFU

The total number of functional units, sometimes called execution units, implemented in the given microarchitecture. This total includes integer, floating point, and load-store functional units. A functional unit is the part of the processor that performs the calculations requested by instructions in a program. An example of a functional unit is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Total Architecture Registers

Refers to the total number of registers in the architecture. A register is a temporary storage area built into a CPU. Some registers are used internally and cannot be accessed outside of the processor, white others are user accessible.

Standard Name

The first half refers to the generation (ex. DDR4) and the second half to the transfer rate.

Module Name

The first half refers to the generation and the second half to the bandwidth.

Generation

The name of the memory integrated circuit in the system which indicates where in the lineage of memory chips this specific system falls.

Type

The category that the memory item belongs to, such as synchronous dynamic random access memory.

Clock Rate (GHz)

The clock speed measures the number of cycles a CPU executes per second and is measured in GHz (gigahertz). A ‘cycle’ is a pulse synchronized by an internal oscillator which aids in calculating the clock speed of a processor. All other things being equal, a processor with a higher clock speed will be more performant.

Cycle Time (ns)

The time usually measure in nanoseconds between the start of one RAM memory access and the time the next can be started.

Transfer Rate (MT/s)

Commonly measures in bits per second, transfer rate is the time is takes to move information between one or more locations.

Bandwidth (MB/s)

Commonly measures in bits per second, bandwidth is the transfer capacity of a computer network.

tRCD/tRP

tRCD is Row Address to Column Address Delay. This is the minimum number of clock cycles required between opening a row of memory and accessing columns within it. tRP is Row Precharge Time. This is the minimum number of clock cycles required between issuing the precharge command and opening the next row.

tRCD

Row Address to Column Address Delay. This is the minimum number of clock cycles required between opening a row of memory and accessing columns within it.

tRP

Row Precharge Time. This is the minimum number of clock cycles required between issuing the precharge command and opening the next row.

CAS Latency

Column Address Strobe Latency. This is the number of clock cycles that pass from when an instruction is given for a particular column and the moment the data is available. In general, the lower the latency value, the better your module will perform.

Voltage (V)

The amount of volts that the RAM needs to operate effectively.

DIMM (Pins)

A dual inline memory module (DIMM) is a small-scale circuit board that holds memory chips on the motherboard.

SO-DIMM (Pins)

Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module. These memory modules have a smaller outline and thickness than standard DIMM modules and are designed primarily for notebook computers.

Micro-DIMM (Pins)

These memory modules have a smaller outline and thickness than standard SO-DIMM modules and are designed for mobile type, slim type, and super lightweight notebook computers.

Contributor

Contributors are individuals who have added value or made significant contributions to the field of computer science, often through novel ideas, code, research, or technical expertise. They play a pivotal role in advancing the state of technology and driving progress within the industry.

Contribution

Contributions are innovations or additions to the field of computer science achieved through the collaborative or individual efforts of one or more contributors. It encompasses a wide range of facets such as novel ideas, code, research findings, or technological advancements that advance the state of computer science.