1.2 - CPU Performance Flashcards
What is a cache memory?
Temporary storage for frequently used instructions
Describe 2 ways that more cache memory will mean that performance is higher
Closer to the CPU than RAM so can provide data and instructions at faster rate. Higher performance because the instructions and data can be accessed quicker
Explain why most computers only have a small amount of cache memory
Expensive
What is clock speed and what are its units?
Measure of how quickly the CPU can process instructions. Measured in GHz
Explain how a higher clock speed improves performance
FDE cycle is performed faster, more instructions can be executed can be processed each second.
Define underclocking and its effects
When clock speed is lower than recommended. Computer perform faster but decrease lifespan.
Define overclocking and its effects
When clock speed is higher than recommended. Computer perform slower but increase lifespan.
What is a core?
Complete set of CPU components. Each core can perform FDE cycle
Why should a quad-core processor have higher performance than a dual-core processor?
Can process more instructions simultaneously
Explain why more core doesn’t necessarily mean the performance will be better
If one core is waiting for another to finish processing, performance will not increase. Some programmes is not written for multi cores