Chapter 3 Flashcards
selects and stores data that the processor is most likely to use in the near future
cache memory
stores random based data based on time (first-in, first-out; etc)
simple memory buffer
maintains an index of the memory addresses that have been copied into cache
Tag Ram
Cache that can keep a processor working under certain circumstances, even though a cache miss has occurred .
Non-blocking cache
What two motherboard settings can often be altered to overclock a processor?
Processor voltage and Front side(processor bus speed)
Which processor feature is transparent to the operating system, intended to be used by BIOS (or some other low-level programs) and performs system functions such as ACPI and APM power management, booting from a USB device, and BIOS updating?
SMM
Which of the liquid cooling techniques does the author recommend? ___________ pipes
heat
A ____________ memory controller or switch enables cores in the processor to communicate between themselves without using the North Bridge (memory controller hub).
crossbar
An Active Heat Sink may not include a fan.
false
Which of the processor modes can run a virtual 16-bit real-mode environment within 32-bit protected mode (enter three words in blank, include dash) ___________ ________ __________ mode [x]? Which of the processor modes presented by the author permits 64-bit applications and 32-bit applications to run simultaneously (enter three words in blank, include dash) ___________ ________ __________ mode [y]?
x: IA-32 virtual real
y: IA-32e 64-bit extension
Name three types of thermal interface material that can be placed between the processor and heatsink to ensure maximum heat transfer. Which offers the best performance?
Grease, special pad, special double-sided tape; grease offers the best performance
All processor die on a wafer will run at the highest-rated speed the die was designed for (T/F)
false
What is one cost-effective way to improve the cooling performance of a heatsink?
lower the temperature of the air entering the heatsink
What are the two main parameters that identify a processor? How [x] and how [y]
x: wide they are
y: fast they are
(Type in exact number or no credit )How many fans are required for a computer system that meets TAC Design Guide v.2.0 specifications?
3
Manufacturers will sometimes mark and sell higher performance processors as lower performance processors to meet sales demand.
true
Setting a processor to run at a speed faster than the speed it is rated at is known as ________________.
overclocking
What is the name of the process that adds chemical impurities to a silicon wafer to make the wafer a semiconductor?
doping
What is the name of the first microprocessor designed and marketed by Intel [x]?
When was it introduced [y]?
x: 4004
y: 1971
What are the four main areas of processor evolution listed by the author?
increasing transistor count and density
increasing clock speeds
increasing the internal register size
increasing the number of cores on a chip
What are two possible causes for a computer’s processor not being properly identified during the POST?
Motherboard not properly configured
BIOS not updated
Which of the following determines how much data a processor can operate on at one time and how much data is moved around together inside a processor?
Internal register size (internal database)
The author states that, according to his experience, defective processors are often the cause of a failed computer.
false
predicts the flow of a program through several branches
Multiple Branch Execution
executing instructions when they are ready, regardless of their location in the program
Dataflow analysis
Executing instructions further on in the program that will likely be used
Speculative Execution
Name three possible features contained in Core i processors that are not normally functions included in processors?
north bridge of chip set
Memory Controller
graphics processor
Name the processor manufacturer to first market a 64-bit processor for PCs
AMD
The author says a sure way to get a high-quality heatsink for a processor is to buy the processor boxed with the heat sink from the manuacturer(t/f)
true
What is microcode?
instructions and tables that control how the processor operates.
What is the ability of a processor to execute more than one instruction simultaneously called?
Superscalar Technology
What is the name of the technology that permits a single processor or processor core to handle two independent sets of instructions?
HT(hyperthreading) Technolgy
One of the 3 improvements to the CPU architecture that MMX provides is Larger ____________
L1 Cache
Another improvement that MMX provides is 57 __________________
new commands
Another improvements to the CPU architecture that MMX provides is a new instruction capability called _______________
SIMD
What are 3 benefits of lower processor voltages?
Less heat
lower power consumption
can be made to run faster
The difference in clock rate of two processors from different manufacturers is a good way to compare their performance.
false
What are the two advantages of a heatsink fan that has four leads?
Fan control is more precise
fan can run at more speeds
How often is the combination of L1 and L2 cache able to supply the CPU with the information the CPU requests (hit ratio)?
99
All processors in the Core 2 family are 64-bit processors.
true
