1.6 CPU

Question 1

Processor Speed

Answer 1

Speed = CPU Clock. Actual speed may be different due to factors like clock speed, bus speed/width, cache sizes, and OS capabilities.

Question 2

Processor Cores

Answer 2

Additional Cores = Multiple sets of simultaneous calculations within the CPU.

Question 3

CPU Cache

Answer 3

Super fast, small capacity memory. Holds data, instructions, and/or results that CPU thinks will be accessed frequently/soon.

Question 4

L1, L2, and L3 Cache.

Answer 4

Each core usually has its own L1 and L2 Cache.

L1 Cache = closest to CPU Core. First place checked

L2 Cache = 2nd place to look/store.

L3 = Last place to look/store. Sometimes shared across multiple cores

Question 5

Hyper-Threading

Answer 5

Takes one CPU and makes it appear and work as if it were two. Usually 15 to 20% improvement. OS must support HTT (Hyper Threading Technology)

Question 6

32-bit vs 64-bit

Answer 6

Data “Width.” Total amount of data CPU can process at a single time. 64-bit can process double that of 32-bit. OS must support 64-bit to benefit from 64-bit architectures in CPU or Busses.