Chapter 3 Flashcards by Unknown Unknown

What does CPU stand for?

Central Processing Unit

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How does a CPU compare to a brain?

Overstates capabilities; CPUs rely on speed, not intelligence.

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What is the function of the External Data Bus (EDB)?

Allows communication with other devices like hard drives and keyboards.

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What do registers do in a CPU?

Store data and instructions for quick processing.

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What are general-purpose registers?

Registers that handle common tasks.

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What is the CPU clock?

A CPU clock sets the pace for the processor by generating cycles. Each cycle is one tick that lets the CPU do a basic task.
More cycles per second (measured in GHz) means a faster CPU

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Define clock speed.

Clock speed is the number of cycles a CPU completes each second. It’s measured in gigahertz (GHz), where 1 GHz equals 1 billion cycles per second.
More cycles = more tasks done faster.

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What units do modern CPUs operate at?

GHz (billions of cycles per second).

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What is RAM?

Random Access Memory that holds data the CPU and programs need.

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How does RAM operate in relation to CPU clock speeds?

Operates at clock speeds similar to the CPU.

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What does DRAM stand for?

Dynamic Random Access Memory.

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What is the Address Bus?

A set of wires that runs from the CPU and communicates with the Memory Controller Chip (MCC).

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What is the function of the Memory Controller Chip (MCC)?

Retrieves any row of RAM data the CPU needs.

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What is the abbreviation for bits?

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What is the abbreviation for bytes?

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What architecture do mobile devices use?

ARM Holdings.

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What is RISC architecture?

Reduced Instruction Set Computing architecture.

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What is CISC architecture?

Complex Instruction Set Computing architecture.

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What is microarchitecture?

Redesign of CPU architecture every 3-4 years.

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What does TDP stand for?

Thermal Design Power.

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What is 64-bit processing?

64-bit processing means the CPU can work with larger amounts of data and memory at once, making it more powerful and efficientCPUs have evolved from 8-bit to 64-bit over time.

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True or False: Modern CPUs can run 32-bit systems.

True.

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What is x86 processing?

Built on earlier Intel CPU architecture, representing 32-bit processing.

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What is virtualization support?

Intel and AMD support running multiple OS instances via virtualization.

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What is parallel execution in CPUs?

Processing multiple commands in parallel using pipelines, caches, and multi threading

What are the stages of pipeline execution?

* Fetch * Decode * Execute * Write

What does the Fetch cycle do?

Retrieve data

What does the Decode cycle do?

Understand the command

What does the Execute cycle do?

Perform the command

What does the Write cycle do?

Send results back.

What is a Pipeline?

keep all CPU stages active per clock cycle.

What is a Pipeline stall? How do modern processors reduce stalls?

A stall is when when a command takes longer than one cycle. To reduce stalls modern processors use multiple decode stages

What is cache in CPUs?

High-speed memory that preloads instructions and keeps copies of executed instructions. Also referred to as SRAM

List the types of cache and what they are used for

* L1 Cache - First cache CPU looks at, smallest and fastest * L2 Cache - Second cache CPU looks at, bigger and slower than L1. * L3 Cache - Biggest and slowest of all caches.

What is multithreading?

Simulates the action of a second processor to enhance CPU efficiency.

What is multi-core processing? How many cores can moderns processors have? Do they share cache and ram?

Cores in multi-core CPUs divide work independently of the OS. Up to 32 or more. Yes cache and ram are shared

What is integrated graphics?

CPU + GPU combination to improve performance while reducing energy, size, and cost.

What is an AMD APU? What commonly uses APUs?

Accelerated Processing Unit integrating GPU technology into processors. Xbox and Playstations

What does DEP stand for?

Data Execution Prevention.

What is the function of the NX Bit Technology?

Protects memory sections from threats.

What are socket types?

Specific connections CPUs must match on the motherboard.

Name an Intel socket type.

LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 2011, LGA 2066.

Name an AMD socket type.

FM2+, AM3+, AM4, TR4.

What is the purpose of CPU cooling?

To manage heat generated by CPUs.

List the types of CPU cooling.

* OEM Coolers * Liquid Cooling * Fanless Cooling * CPU Fan

What is overclocking?

Deliberately increasing the motherboard's speed, multiplier, and voltage.

What are the risks of overclocking?

Can destabilize system clock speeds and cause overheating or failure.

How can you reset overclocked settings?

Turn off the PC and move the CMOS jumper or press the CMOS reset button.

What are symptoms of overheating?

* Power button pressed but nothing happens * Improper installation of heatsink/fan * Dust buildup

What are symptoms of catastrophic failure?

* BSOD * Spinning Wheel (Mac) * Black screen with audible 'pop'

What can cause a burning smell in CPUs?

Short circuit on the motherboard.

What does 'Intel Core' represent in the CPU naming scheme?

Brand ## Footnote 'Intel Core' is the main identifier for Intel CPUs.

In the CPU name 'Intel i7 7600U', what does 'i7' signify?

Brand modifier ## Footnote 'i7' indicates a specific tier within the Intel Core branding.

What does the number '7' represent in the CPU naming convention?

Generation ## Footnote Indicates the generation of the CPU, with higher numbers typically being newer.

In 'Intel i7 7600U', what does '600' denote?

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) ## Footnote Higher SKU numbers generally indicate better features.

What does the suffix 'U' in 'Intel i7 7600U' indicate?

Alpha suffix (low power, mobile) ## Footnote This suffix indicates the CPU is designed for low power consumption, suitable for mobile devices.

What does 'AMD Ryzen' represent in the naming of AMD CPUs?

Brand ## Footnote 'AMD Ryzen' is the main identifier for AMD's line of CPUs.

In the CPU name 'AMD Ryzen 7 2700X', what does '7' signify?

Series ## Footnote Indicates the series of the AMD Ryzen CPU.

What does the number '2' represent in 'AMD Ryzen 7 2700X'?

Generation ## Footnote This number indicates the generation of the AMD Ryzen CPU.

In 'AMD Ryzen 7 2700X', what does '700' denote?

Model number ## Footnote Indicates the specific model within the Ryzen series.

What does the suffix 'X' in 'AMD Ryzen 7 2700X' indicate?

Performance suffix (higher performance) ## Footnote This suffix suggests that the CPU offers enhanced performance capabilities.