CPU Performance Flashcards
1
Q
How does cache memory improve performance?
A
- Cache is closer to the CPU than RAM, meaning it can provide data and instructions to the CPU at a faster rate.
- A computer with more cache memory should have a higher performance because repeatedly used instructions can be stored and accessed faster.
2
Q
What is the limitation of cache memory?
A
- Costly, so most computers only have a small amount.
3
Q
What is clock speed and how is it measured?
A
- It is the measure of how quickly a CPU can process instructions.
- It is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
- 3.5Ghz = 3.5 billion cycles per second.
4
Q
How does clock speed improve performance?
A
- The faster the clock speed, the faster the computer can perform the FDE cycle resulting in better performance because more instructions can be processed each second.
5
Q
How does overclocking affect performance?
A
- Overclocking is when the computer’s clock speed is increased higher than the recommended rate.
- This will make the computer perform faster, but it can lead to overheating and could damage the machine.
6
Q
How does underclocking affect performance?
A
- Underclocking is when the computer’s clock speed is decreased lower than the recommended rate.
- This will make the computer perform slower but will increase the lifespan of the machine.
7
Q
What is a core?
A
- A complete set of CPU components.
8
Q
How does the number of cores improve performance?
A
- A computer with more cores will have a higher performance because it can process more instructions at once.
9
Q
Limitations of having more cores
A
- If one core is waiting for another core to finish processing, performance may not increase at all.
- Some software is not written to make use of multiple cores, so it will not run any quicker on a multi-core computer.
