Final answer:
The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the key component on a motherboard. It is an integrated circuit that controls data manipulation and performs various functions. Intel and AMD are the major manufacturers of processors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the most important component on the motherboard. It is an integrated circuit that implements a computer processor, capable of storing and manipulating data to perform various functions. The two major manufacturers of processors are Intel and AMD. Microprocessors, such as those developed by Intel, revolutionized computing by consolidating all of a computer's processing power onto a single chip. They allowed for the creation of personal computers that were easier to use and appealed to a larger market.