Hardware How to Make a CPU: From Sand to Shelf

Discussion in 'Article Discussion' started by Claave, 10 Jun 2010.

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  1. Claave

    Claave You Rebel scum

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    We’re pretty sure that most computer enthusiasts are aware that CPUs are made from silicon. Far fewer are likely to realize exactly how much work goes into making what is effectively a wonder of the modern world. Processors are made on a mind bogglingly small scale to withstand huge tolerances, with even the cheapest chips requiring hundreds of manufacturing stages to get from wafer to motherboard...

    http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2010/06/10/how-to-make-a-cpu-from-sand-to-shelf/1

    :geek:
     
    Claave, 10 Jun 2010
    #1
  2. Mankz

    Mankz 5318008

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    Brilliant, brilliant article. :thumb:
     
    Mankz, 10 Jun 2010
    #2
  3. tigertop1

    tigertop1 New Member

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    Clearly and expertly explained. It should be made available to schools and other learning centres as an example on how science should be taught
     
    tigertop1, 10 Jun 2010
    #3
  4. The_Beast

    The_Beast I like wood ಠ_ಠ

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    The picture are really good :hehe:
     
    The_Beast, 10 Jun 2010
    #4
  5. badders

    badders Neuken in de Keuken

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    This.
     
    badders, 10 Jun 2010
    #5
  6. Tom @ CCL

    Tom @ CCL AKA: Yewen

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    How can I do anything but agree, my favourite article of the year.

    Actually, have just posted a link to it on our facebook page:
    http://www.facebook.com/CCLOnline

    Educate the world, one article at a time!
     
    Tom @ CCL, 10 Jun 2010
    #6
  7. enikmaster

    enikmaster New Member

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    great article and cg work!
     
    enikmaster, 10 Jun 2010
    #7
  8. Fabou

    Fabou New Member

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    Thank's a lot for this clever article who taught me a lot.
     
    Fabou, 10 Jun 2010
    #8
  9. general22

    general22 New Member

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    This is great! The accompanying graphics were also very good.
     
    general22, 10 Jun 2010
    #9
  10. mclean007

    mclean007 Officious Bystander

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    I liked it, but it glossed over the point I was hoping it would answer, which is how do you actually build those 30 layers of interconnects between the transistors?
     
    mclean007, 10 Jun 2010
    #10
  11. BentAnat

    BentAnat Software Dev

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    Loved the article. Mentioned lots of things I already knew, but summarised it in an article that I'd ALMOST show my mother, and try to make her understand.
    I say almost, because I still can't get my motherdearest to understand that memorysticks can only go into one type of port on the PC.
     
    BentAnat, 10 Jun 2010
    #11
  12. Eggy

    Eggy New Member

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    Great article but I've read a very similar article with the same pics in a Dutch hardware magazine a while ago. So I guess it's from Intel hehe.
     
    Eggy, 10 Jun 2010
    #12
  13. Fizzban

    Fizzban Man of Many Typos

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    You said it.

    This understatement is an understatement ;)
     
    Fizzban, 10 Jun 2010
    #13
  14. _Metal_Guitar_

    _Metal_Guitar_ New Member

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    Now that was a fantastic read. Thank you.
     
    _Metal_Guitar_, 10 Jun 2010
    #14
  15. confusis

    confusis Kiwi-modder

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    How much actual sand is required to build one CPU?
     
    confusis, 10 Jun 2010
    #15
  16. general22

    general22 New Member

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    If the sand was 100% silicon dioxide pure then probably a little over 2 times the weight of the CPU in sand
     
    general22, 10 Jun 2010
    #16
  17. yakyb

    yakyb i hate the person above me

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    what i find even more amazing is that the majority of this has occurred in the last 70 years
     
    yakyb, 10 Jun 2010
    #17
  18. olimorgan

    olimorgan New Member

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    Just think what will be possible in the next 70. Just hope I get to experience it
     
    olimorgan, 10 Jun 2010
    #18
  19. Sifter3000

    Sifter3000 I used to be somebody

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    I was going to say half a sandcastle, but yeah, that sounds right :p
     
    Sifter3000, 10 Jun 2010
    #19
  20. WarrenJ

    WarrenJ Well-Known Member

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    Your best technology article to date. Really good read. Now, how to mod a processor....
     
    WarrenJ, 10 Jun 2010
    #20
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