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Definition: chip types
Following are the types of chips used in computers and computer-based devices. There are also custom-made chips for special purposes (see ASIC).
CPU Chip
The central processing unit executes instructions that it extracts from memory (RAM). The instructions cause data in memory to be calculated, compared and copied (see 3 C's). See CPU.
RAM Chips
Random access memory chips are the temporary workspace where all instructions and data reside while being processed. See memory.
SSD Chips
Although hard drives are still made and are the primary storage in many desktop computers, solid state drives constructed of flash memory chips are the storage in laptops and increasingly in desktops. In smartphones, tablets, appliances and myriad other electronic products, SSD chips are the primary storage. See SSD and hard drive.
Input/Output (Chipset)
Chips control the transfer of data and instructions to and from the CPU, memory, storage and network. This I/O circuitry is often contained in a single chip (see PC chipset). See I/O.
GPU Chip
Gamers typically use a desktop computer with a separate GPU card for the fastest rendering. However, some laptops have a discrete GPU or GPU capability built into the chipset. See GPU and PC chipset.
Microcontrollers
A microcontroller, which is used by the billions in all kinds of products, is a single chip that contains the CPU, storage, memory and input/output control. See microcontroller.
System-on-chip (SoC)
An SoC combines multiple functions on a single chip. For example, in a smartphone, the SoC includes the CPU, GPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and more. An AI processor may also be part of an SoC. See SoC.
Chips Control Everything
CPU Chip
The central processing unit executes instructions that it extracts from memory (RAM). The instructions cause data in memory to be calculated, compared and copied (see 3 C's). See CPU.
RAM Chips
Random access memory chips are the temporary workspace where all instructions and data reside while being processed. See memory.
SSD Chips
Although hard drives are still made and are the primary storage in many desktop computers, solid state drives constructed of flash memory chips are the storage in laptops and increasingly in desktops. In smartphones, tablets, appliances and myriad other electronic products, SSD chips are the primary storage. See SSD and hard drive.
Input/Output (Chipset)
Chips control the transfer of data and instructions to and from the CPU, memory, storage and network. This I/O circuitry is often contained in a single chip (see PC chipset). See I/O.
GPU Chip
Gamers typically use a desktop computer with a separate GPU card for the fastest rendering. However, some laptops have a discrete GPU or GPU capability built into the chipset. See GPU and PC chipset.
Microcontrollers
A microcontroller, which is used by the billions in all kinds of products, is a single chip that contains the CPU, storage, memory and input/output control. See microcontroller.
System-on-chip (SoC)
An SoC combines multiple functions on a single chip. For example, in a smartphone, the SoC includes the CPU, GPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and more. An AI processor may also be part of an SoC. See SoC.
Chips are the processing components in every computer and computer-based device. The postage stamp on the CPU represents the physical area inside the chip package that contains the actual transistors, although the stamp is considerably thicker. See active area and head of a pin.