1.1.2 Types of Processor

Question 1

What is RISC typically used for?

Answer 1

• Smart phones and embedded systems due to its low power usage and less complex/expensive hardware.

Question 2

What is CISC typically used for?

Answer 2

• Laptops and computers due to it being able to execute more complex instructions which makes it easier for developers to code low level applications.

Question 3

Characteristics of RISC

Answer 3

• Small, simple, fixed length instruction set.
• Once instruction executed per clock cycle.
• Limited addressing modes.
• Less complex hardware so more complex compiler is needed.
• Less transistors.
• Uses a lot of RAM.

Question 4

Characteristics of CISC

Answer 4

• Large, complex, variable-length instruction set.
• Instructions can take several clock cycles to be executed.
• Compound addressing modes.
• More complex hardware so less complex compiler is needed.
• More transistors.
• Makes efficient use of RAM

Question 5

What are typical uses of a GPU besides gaming?

Answer 5

• Machine learning.
• Oil exploration.
• Weather modelling.
• Statistical analysis.

Question 6

Characteristics of the GPU?

Answer 6

• Hundreds of cores.
• Made for parallel processing with SIMD.