Book 2 Chapter 2

Question 1

What is the function of the processor multiplier?

Answer 1

It determines the CPU’s effective clock speed by multiplying the base clock (e.g., a base clock of 100 MHz with a multiplier of 36 gives 3.6 GHz).

Question 2

What is the difference between a processor’s TDP and clock speed?

Answer 2

TDP (Thermal Design Power): Indicates the maximum amount of heat the CPU generates.

Clock Speed: Indicates how many cycles per second the CPU can execute.

Question 3

What is an integrated GPU, and what are its benefits?

Answer 3

A GPU built into the CPU. It saves space, reduces cost, and is sufficient for basic tasks but less powerful than dedicated GPUs.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a processor architecture like x86 or x64?

Answer 4

It defines the CPU’s instruction set and determines compatibility with software and operating systems.

Question 5

How does a processor’s cache hierarchy (L1, L2, L3) affect performance?

Answer 5

Higher-level caches (L1) are faster but smaller, while lower-level caches (L3) are larger but slower, balancing speed and storage.