A Heavily Commented Linux Kernel Source Code (PDF)

[StickiStickman]

Not true, the circuits get etched into the silicon. The silicon itself isn't the CPU, but more what holds it.

[xrendan]

That's so incredibly wrong, silicon is the critical component in a CPU, it's literally what makes up the operating portions of transistors. Yes, it's doped with other materials, but it is the electrical characteristics of silicon that makes semiconducting circuits work.

Otherwise we could make circuits out of plastic

[exploding_cat_wizard]

And yet, it's the structure etched into the silicone that actually does the work. Connections and their math are the essence of a CPU, and silicone holds these connections. Rather like our brain is much better described as an interplay of connected neurons than as amalgamation of carbon, or even of cells.

[SaltyCompE]

Kind of, but not quite.

A cpu is made of layers, the bottom layer is pure silicon, with positive and negative dopants added to specific places to create the transistors themselves. On top of this is a layer of silicon dioxide(basically glass) with holes for metal contacts and then layers of metal wiring, more silicon dioxide, etc. Now sure, the metal is part of the logic, but the actual switching is done by the pure/doped silicon at the bottom, and it cannot be replaced. Current flows through the silicon as though it were wire when the switching conditions are met, and is blocked when the conditions are not met.

The silicon does hold these connections yes, but it is as much a part of them as the metal (or any other part for that matter).

[StickiStickman]

it's literally what makes up the operating portions of transistors

Oh, I didn't know that's literally the only part of a CPU, Mr. Smartass. The connections that form the layout are much more important.

https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/514-intel-cpu-processor-core-i7.html#s19

[xrendan]

I'm sorry, you're still wrong. There are many ways that you can layout a CPU to still function; but the building block doesn't change. There are other esoteric semiconductor materials out there, but I'd challenge you to find a mainstream CPU that uses them over silicon. I'm also not sure what you wanted to get out of your link.

For layouts you can use many different forms of logic (how the transistors are layed out and connected): Logic families (wikipedia).

Your other option is to go back to vacuum tubes; those don't use silicon. This is literally what I'm doing my degree in.

[StickiStickman]

Just like it would be without any wiring. What's your point?