Factors Affecting CPU Performance

• CPU performance


  How much can be done in a set amount of time
• Factors affecting CPU performance

  • Clock speed
  • Cache size
  • Cache type
  • Number of cores
• Clock speed


  Machine Hertz, cycles per second, regulates circuits including the CPU
• Increasing clock speed


  Increases performance
• Cache


  Small, fast store of data to speed up the fetch stage by storing frequently used instructions
• Increasing cache size


  Increases performance up to a limit
• Cache types


  L1 cache (smallest, fastest), L2 cache, L3 cache (larger, slower)
• Cores


  Multiple processing units on the same chip, allowing parallel execution of instructions
• Increasing number of cores

  Increases performance, but not linearly due to efficiency limitations
• Manufacturers are constantly working to increase CPU efficiency and speed, which may go against the theoretical principles discussed