Processor frequency: Specifies the operating (internal) frequency of CPU's core. The higher the frequency is for a given CPU family, the faster the processor is. To save power most laptops include a "Speedstep" feature which lowers the frequency of an idle CPU core. Frequency * Instructions per clock (IPC) is the total CPU efficiency.
Word size: The number of bits a CPU can processes at once. A processors word size is often the same as the external data bus.
Overclocking: Modifying settings to run your CPU (or other parts) past the speed that it is rated at. The gaming community is the driving force behind this practice and today, many manufacturers build and advertise this ability into their products. The common risk is destroying hardware due to overheating.
Data path: The path that data follows within the CPU, along the bus from registers to the Arithmetic Logic Unit and back is called the CPU Datapath. All data in the computer, regardless of type is sent along the Data Path.
SRAM: Static Random Access Memory. SRAM is volatile memory and only holds information until it is overwritten or loses power.
Primary, external and memory cache: Primary cache is referred to as Level 1 cache and is often a reserved area of memory. External cache referred to as Level 2 cache and is not built into the CPU, rather it is installed on the motherboard. Memory cache is the main area of RAM used by the operating system.
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