How Do CPUs Keep Track of Time using Real-Time Clocks?

Discover how CPUs maintain accurate time with Real-Time Clocks (RTC) on motherboards, ensuring reliable performance even when powered off.

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CPUs keep track of time using an internal clock known as the Real-Time Clock (RTC). The RTC is a battery-powered chip on the motherboard that maintains time even when the computer is off. It provides essential timekeeping functions for the system, such as timestamps for file creation and modification. The operating system regularly synchronizes with the RTC to ensure accurate timekeeping, providing reliable and consistent performance for various time-sensitive tasks.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a Real-Time Clock (RTC)? A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a battery-powered chip that keeps track of time even when the computer is shut down.
  2. Why is accurate timekeeping important for CPUs? Accurate timekeeping is vital for tasks such as file timestamps, scheduling tasks, and synchronizing operations within a computer system.
  3. How does the operating system synchronize with the RTC? The operating system regularly updates the RTC to ensure that the system clock remains accurate for time-sensitive applications.
  4. Can a CPU function without a Real-Time Clock? While a CPU can function without a Real-Time Clock, it would lack the capability for accurate time-sensitive operations and timestamps.

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