1.1.2 Types of Proessor Flashcards
(a) The differences between and uses of CISC and RISC processors. (b) GPUs and their uses (including those not related to graphics). (c) Multicore and Parallel systems
What are the two main types of processor?
CISC and RISC
What are the characteristics of a CISC processor?
More instructions are availible
Instructions may take multiple cycles to complete
Has a single set of registers
What are the characteristics of a RISC processor?
Less instructions are availible
Instructions take single cycles to complete
Has multiple sets of registers
What does CISC stand for?
Complex Instruction Set Computer
What does RISC stand for?
Reduced Instruction Set Computer
What are the advantages of a CISC processor over a RISC processor?
Programs take up less RAM
Easier to write programs with
Compilers are simpler
What are the advantages of a RISC processor over a CISC processor?
Easier to pipeline instructions
Simpler to design
Cheaper to build (Requires less transistors)
Less cooling required (less transistors)
Less power required (less transistors)
Programs run faster
What is a multicore processor?
A processor with more than one processing unit, that can independently process multiple instructions at the same time
What is parallel processing
Processing multiple instructions at the same time
What is a co-processor?
A co-processor is a specialised extra processor that can assist the main processir by running some instructions in parrallel, but may not be able to run it’s own FDE cycles
What is a GPU?
A GPU is a type of co-processor that has built in circuitry for graphics operations and process lots of data at the same time
What are the most common uses for a GPU?
Graphics
Machine learning
Cryptocurrency mining
