Factors which affect processor performance

Question 1

Multiple Cores

Answer 1

Increase in number of cores, allows for a greater throughput of data. If the software is threaded - can use multiple cores - it will divide up tasks to the different cores. However, it must be coded in, else it will use the single core

Question 2

Cache Size

Answer 2

Cache is a small amount of very fast memory. Repeatedly used instructions and data is stored in the cache for quick access. The bigger the cache, the more can be stored on it this reducing processing time

Question 3

Clock Size

Answer 3

The clock regulates the instruction execution rate. The faster the clock, the more cycles completed per second.