The mobile world has long used SoCs ( system on a chip ) as the primary computing component inside its gadget . But , with theApple M - seriesand Qualcomm ’s newSnapdragon X Elitechip , it ’s becoming even more prevalent on PCs . Here ’s our account of just what an SoC is .
The concept of an SoC is n’t new but you ’re seeing it being used more now , as it becomes used more widely . Previously , SoCs have often beenincorrectlyreferred to as a “ CPU ” or , the colloquial terminal figure often used for CPUs , “ central processing unit ” . Neither is a genuinely accurate description .
The reason SoC platforms are becoming more popular is that they align with the rise in manufacturers ’ use ofArmchips , which uses this method acting rather than a combination of disjoined CPU , GPUandRAMcomponents . If that ’s why you ’re here , or some other rum thread has led you to this explainer , you ’re in fortune . have ’s dive in .
What is an SoC?
The terminal figure SoC stands for organization on a chip or system - on - chip . An SoC is an integrate electric circuit and it houses various components within a single platform . The political program will typically boast a key processing building block ( CPU ) , interior memory ( RAM ) and storage as well as input and output ports ( I / O ) . Some SoC will also feature a graphics processing unit ( GPU ) , wireless connectivity and hokey intelligence ( AI ) components – such as SoCs from MediaTek , Apple and Qualcomm Snapdragon .
The scheme - on - chip solution can volunteer performance , efficiency and space - spare welfare compared to arrangement that boast separate CPU , GPU , RAM and reposition constituent . For example , such systems allow for the easy sharing of RAM and warehousing across the CPU and GPU , rather than requiring disjoined solutions for each . This also can give producer enceinte control over how all the different components ferment with each other . Further , the infinite - saving chemical element allows for use in thinner and light equipment . However , get an SoC does prevent the substitute and upgrading of these part .
SoC platforms are n’t limit to just mobile sound and laptops , with handheld gaming devices , Internet of Things Cartesian product , TVs , routers , streaming twist and more all featuring the technology .
