10. System Components

Question 1

What is the CPU?

Answer 1

Component that processes instrcuctions and directs other components to perform actions

Question 2

When a program starts, where is the instructions loaded into?

Answer 2

System memory (RAM)

Having more RAM allows to open more apps simultaneously

Question 3

Where does the CPU fetch instructions from?

Answer 3

System memory (RAM)

The CPU-to-memory bus (Front Side Bus or FSB) must be maximally fast.

Question 4

Meaning of PCB?

Answer 4

Printed Circuit Board

Question 5

What is a motherboard?

Answer 5

PCB with integrated processors, upgradeable slots, & interconnecting wires

Question 6

Main advantage of 64-bit?

Answer 6

Supports more system memory (RAM)

32-bit systems are limited to up to 4GB whereas 64-bit CPUs can address 256TB or more. A 64-bit CPU can run a 64-bit or 32-bit OS. A 32-bit CPU can’t run 64-bit software

Question 7

What is a CPU’s clock speed?

Answer 7

Amount of instructions it can process per second

CPU clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz)

Question 8

What is the Front Side Bus speed?

Answer 8

Interface between the CPU & system memory

The speed of the bus is usually determined by the memory controller, which might be part of the motherboard chipset or part of the CPU.

Question 9

What is a bus?

Answer 9

Circuitry that connects microprocessors & other components on the MOBO

Question 10

What do buses carry?

Answer 10

• Data
• Address info
• Timing signal
• Power

Question 11

2 types of buses PC systems have?

Answer 11

• System bus (aka Front Side Bus (FSB) or local bus
• Expansion bus (aka I/O bus)