CPU multiplier

Factor influencing processor clock speed In computing, a clock multiplier (also known as a CPU multiplier or bus/core ratio) determines how many times faster the processor’s internal clock runs compared to its external base clock. It directly influences the CPU’s operating frequency, calculated as: CPU Speed = Base Clock × Multiplier. For example, a processor with a 100 MHz base clock and a 36× multiplier runs at 3.6 GHz internally. Modern processors from AMD and Intel dynamically adjust this multiplier to manage performance, power consumption, and heat through technologies such as Turbo Boost and Precision Boost. This may be implemented with phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency multiplier circuitry. A CPU with a 10x multiplier will thus see 10 internal cycles for every external clock cycle. For example, a system with an external clock of 100 MHz and a 36x clock multiplier will have an internal CPU clock of 3.6 GHz. The external address and data buses of the CPU (often collectively termed front side bus (FSB) in PC contexts) also use the external clock as a fundamental timing base; however, they could also employ a (small) multiple of this base frequency (typically two or four)