Multi-core & Parallel systems

• What is the central processing unit (CPU) responsible for in a computer system?

  The CPU drives the day-to-day operation of the computer.
• How did early computer systems differ from modern multi-core systems?

  Early systems had one CPU integrated into a single chip, while modern systems can have multiple cores on a single chip.
• What is a co-processor?

  A co-processor is an additional processor that assists the CPU in performing tasks.
• What is a multi-core processor?

  A multi-core processor is a single physical chip that contains two or more independent processing units or cores.
• What is the term used for a chip that contains multiple CPU cores?

  Chip multiprocessor (CMP).
• What is the common term for a CMP with two cores?

  A dual-core processor.
• What is the common term for a CMP with four cores?

  A quad-core processor.
• What can enhance the performance of multi-core processors?

  On-chip shared cache and effective communication methods.
• Why doesn't doubling the number of cores necessarily double the performance?

  There are overheads involved with inter-core communication, and some programs are not designed to utilize multiple cores effectively.
• What is parallel processing?

  Parallel processing is the processing of program instructions by dividing them among multiple processors or cores.
• How does parallel processing improve program execution?

  By running a program in less time through simultaneous execution of tasks.
• How is parallel processing achieved in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

  By assigning separate processing cores to different stages of the cycle.
• What factors affect the extent to which parallel processing can speed up computation?

  The actual task being carried out and whether the software is designed to utilize parallel processing.
• What is Amdahl's Law and its significance in parallel computing?

  • Amdahl's Law predicts theoretical speed increases in task execution with improved resources.
  • It highlights that simply adding more processors may not significantly speed up execution.
• What is the difference between parallel processing and concurrent processing?

  Parallel processing involves executing multiple actions simultaneously, while concurrent processing supports multiple actions in progress at the same time.