Factors affecting CPU performance

• What is the role of the Control Unit in a CPU?

  • Fetches instructions from memory
  • Decodes instructions
  • Coordinates the flow of data and instructions between the CPU components
• What does CPU performance refer to?

  It refers to how fast the CPU can operate.
• What is the function of the Memory Unit in a CPU?

  Stores instructions and data currently being processed
• What does the Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) do?

  Performs calculations and logical comparisons
• What does CPU stand for?

  Central Processing Unit
• How does a faster CPU performance affect computer usage?

  It allows quicker game playing and app opening.
• How does clock speed affect the CPU's performance?

  It affects every part of the CPU, including the ALU
• What are the factors that contribute to faster CPU performance?

  Higher clock speed, more cores, larger cache memory
• What does clock speed determine in a CPU?

  How fast the control unit fetches instructions
• If a core needs to access data that is not in its L1 Cache, where would it look next?

  The shared L2 Cache
• What do multi-core processors contain?

  Multiple independent cores
• How are the cores and caches organized within each processor?

  • Each processor has 4 cores (Core 1, Core 2, Core 3, Core 4)
  • Each core has its own L1 Cache
  • Each processor also has a shared L2 Cache
• What happens to a computer's performance with a higher clock speed?

  The computer can perform tasks faster
• How does the Memory Unit function in a CPU?

  It stores information the CPU needs immediately.
• What is the primary function of cores in multi-core processors?

  To execute instructions simultaneously
• What is the purpose of the L1 Cache in each core?

  To provide fast access to frequently used data
• How can clock speed be compared to a drummer in a band?

  The drummer's speed affects the band's tempo
• What is clock speed compared to in the study material?

  Heart rate
• What are the main components of the multi-core processor architecture shown in the image?

  • Processor 1 with Core 1, Core 2, L1 Cache, and L2 Cache
  • Processor 2 with Core 3, Core 4, L1 Cache, and L2 Cache
  • System Bus
  • Main Memory
• What is the purpose of the System Bus in this multi-core processor architecture?

  The System Bus allows communication and data transfer between the processors and the Main Memory.
• How does the cache hierarchy in this multi-core processor architecture help improve performance?

  • The L1 Cache for each core provides fast access to frequently used data
  • The shared L2 Cache between the cores allows for faster access to data compared to Main Memory
  • The cache hierarchy reduces the number of memory accesses to the slower Main Memory
• How do the components of a CPU work together?

  • Controlled by the Control Unit
  • Execute computer instructions
  • ALU performs calculations and comparisons
  • Memory Unit stores data and instructions
• What is the relationship between the cache levels in terms of speed and size?

  The higher the cache level, the slower but larger it is
• How many cores are there in each processor?

  4
• Which components largely influence CPU performance?

  Control unit and ALU
• What is the effect of higher clock speed on program execution?

  Leads to faster program execution
• How does the cache hierarchy in this architecture help improve performance compared to a single-core processor?

  It reduces the number of memory accesses to the slower Main Memory
• How does a multi-core processor improve computer performance?

  It allows more tasks to be done simultaneously
• What does L3 cache hold?

  Toys you use sometimes
• What is a multi-core processor compared to a single-core processor?

  Many little brains in one computer
• What are the main components of a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  Control Unit, Arithmetic/Logic Unit, and Memory Unit
• If you need to access a toy you use all the time, which cache would you use?

  L1 cache
• If the CPU needs to perform a complex mathematical calculation, which component would be primarily responsible for carrying out that operation?

  Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
• Which cache level is the slowest?

  L3
• How does multi-core processing affect application response times?

  It improves response times for applications
• What is the purpose of the Instruction Set Architecture?

  It defines the interface between software and hardware
• What does CPU performance refer to?

  How quickly your processor can run programs
• What is CPU cache compared to in the analogy?

  Special shelves for your favorite toys
• What does L1 cache hold?

  Toys you play with all the time
• Why is L1 cache important?

  It allows super fast access to frequently used items