Module 2 Flashcards
Ports
Connection points that we can connect devices to that extend the functionality of our computer
What is a CPU
The brain of the computer, it does all the calculations and data processing.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory. The computer’s short term memory, where data is stored temporarily.
What is the hard drive?
Long-term data storage device
What is the motherboard?
Connects all the other parts together.
What is the PSU
Power supply unit. Provides the power necessary to power computer.
What are programs?
Instructions that tell the computer what to do
External Data Bus
A row of wires that interconnect the parts of a computer
What connects the CPU and the RAM?
A Data Bus
MCC
Memory Controller Chip. Contains the logic for reading and writing to a computer’s main memory
Where is the MCC located?
MCC’s can be located in the northbridge, in which case it will be connected to the CPU via the EDB and ADB, however modern CPUs have an integrated MCC
What is the function of the MCC
The MCC retrieves data from the RAM and sends it to the CPU
How is the MCC Connected to the Ram?
The MCC is connected to the RAM via a multiplexor
ADB
Address Bus. Connects the CPU to the MCC. Sends data address from CPU to the mcc
What are the 3 different cache levels in a CPU?
L1: L1 cache is the fastest and smallest of the three CPU cache levels. L1 holds the data currently in use by the CPU. Each CPU core usually has its own L1 cache smallest and fastest cache
L2: L2 cache holds less data than L3 cache, but it has faster access speeds. L2 holds a copy of the most recently accessed data that is not currently in use by the CPU. Each CPU core normally has its own L2 cache.
L3: cache is the largest and slowest of CPU cache. However, it is often twice as fast as RAM. L3 is the first CPU cache location to store data after it is transferred from RAM. L3 cache is often shared by all of the cores in a single CPU.
Clock Speed
The maximum number of clock cycles that i t can handle in a certain time period
4.4 gigahertz in 3.4 billion cycles per second
What is over-clocking?
Increasing the rate of clock cycles in order to perform more tasks
What are the three variables involved in overclocking a CPU?
Overclocking a CPU’s frequency involves three variables:
- The base CPU clock frequency, often measured in GHz.
- The core frequency, which is calculated by multiplying the base frequency by the CPU core multipliers.
- The core voltage, which needs to be increased in small increments to meet the increasing power demand of the CPU during the overclocking process.
How can overclocking a CPU damage a computer?
- Damage the CPU
- Overheat surrounding hardware causing the system to fail
- Shorten computer’s overall lifespan
- Void the warranty
How to find system information on a windows pc?
in the RUN window type msinfo32
How to safely overclock a cpu?
- check if CPU supports overclocking
- check if motherboard supports overclocking
- Ensure appropriate cooler is installed
- Clean inside of computer
- Follow manufacturers instructions for overclocking
What does it mean if the computer freezes or crashes while overclocking the PC.
If the computer freezes or crashes, it has either become completely unstable or the CPU is not getting enough voltage to support the overclocked frequency. Use the BIOS to return to the last stable frequency or increase the voltage in 0.01V increments until stable.
While overclocking a pc, what should and shouldn’t you do if the voltage seems to be insufficient?
If the voltage appears to become insufficient to support the new frequency, increase the voltage by 0.05V. Do not increase the voltage above 1.4V without specialized cooling hardware.
What language does a CPU process?
binary
What is a cpu instruction set?
An instruction set, also known as an instruction set architecture (ISA), is a set of commands that a microprocessor can understand and execute.
These instructions tell the processor what operations to perform, such as arithmetic, data manipulation, and input/output operations.
Instruction sets are hardcoded into the cpu, different manufacturers may use different instruction sets.
If a CPU’s instruction set changes, would it be necessary to update the compiler?
Yes, if the instruction set changes, then the compiler would also need to be updated. The compiler translates high-level programming languages into machine code that uses the instruction set of the processor. If the instruction set changes, the compiler needs to translate the code differently.
Who are the main CPU manufacturers?
Intel
AMD
QUALCOMM
What are the two main types of CPU sockets?
Land Grid Array (LGA) - Pins come out of the motherboard
Pin Grid Array (PGA) - Pins come out of the CPU
What are some considerations when determining whether a CPU is compatible with the motherboard
- LGA or PGA
- 32 bit or 64 bit architecture
What is the purpose of RAM
Before a program is executed by the CPU, a copy of that program is first loaded into the RAM
The instructions are requested from the Ram by the CPU via the MCC
What is DRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory
What is DIMM
Dual inline Memory Module, is a type of DRAM
What is SDRAM?
Synchronized Dynamic Random Access Memory
Ram is synchronized to CPU clock speed, allowing for quicker processing of data.
What is DDR SDRAM?
Double Data Rate Synchronized Dynamic Random Access Memory
What is the chipset on a motherboard?
A chipset is a collection of electronic components on a motherboard that manages the flow of data between the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. It acts as the traffic controller of the motherboard, facilitating communication between all connected components
What is a Northbridge
One of the two chips in the motherboard chipset, located on the northside of the motherboard and connects with and regulated communication between the CPU, the RAM and the PGC-IE / AGP slot (Video card slot)
In modern cpu’s the northbridge has been directly integrated into the cpu.
What is a Southbridge
One of the two chips in the motherboard chipset, located at the south side of the motherboard near the PCI slots. Connects to and regulates communication between the PCI slots, USB Connectors and the SATA ports, and maintains the Input/output controllers