4.7.3.7 Factors affecting processor performance Flashcards
What’s the effect of adding more cores / processors?
Two or more independent processors means that tasks can be run in parallel, and since tasks are split up speed of execution is increased.
What’s the effect of increasing cache memory?
Increasing this small amount of fast memory placed on the processor would mean that the predicted next instructions are stored which speeds up execution of programs.
What’s the effect of increasing clock speed?
The processor will execute more instructions per unit time, this could also cause overheating and malfunctions.
What’s the effect of increasing word length?
The processor can handle more data per instruction, it can handle a larger amount of memory and have a larger instruction set.
What’s the effect of increasing address bus size?
You can address more unique memory locations and the maximum amount of storage is increased
What’s the effect of increasing data bus size?
More data can be moved around per unit time, increase in number of bits transferred
How would upgrading of the motherboard improve performance?
Allows for faster execution of programs and connection of new I/O ports
How would upgrading RAM improve performance?
More programs in memory so programs are executed faster
How would upgrading the Hard Disk improve performance?
More programs can be permanently stored and there’ll be faster loading speed
