Modern computers are built out of a collection of seven primary components: the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, case, and power supply. Each of these—yes, even the case—now contains anywhere from a few microchips to potentially hundreds of chips that handle a wide variety of tasks. Audio, communication, graphics, storage, and, of course, the CPU, aka central processing unit. The primary building block of our modern computers is the silicon microchip, but what exactly is a microchip, and how is it made? It’s a fascinating and incredibly complex topic, so we’re going to give you the ultra-condensed version.
Microchips, microprocessors, CPU, GPUs, or whatever you want to call them are fundamentally similar. They’re all made from semiconductors, typically on 300mm silicon wafers, which in turn are cut from a large…
