Prelims - Introduction to the Cpu

Question 1

is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer

Known as the “brain” of the computer

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Question 2

A general term that usually refers to the CPU can describe any processing unit

Answer 2

Processor

Question 3

A type of CPU implemented as a single integerated circuit (IC)

Answer 3

Microprocessor

Question 4

What does the CPU do?

Answer 4

Fetch
Decode
Execute
Store

Question 5

Types of memory

Answer 5

• RAM
• ROM

Question 6

Types of memory under RAM

Answer 6

SRAM, DRAM

Question 7

Types of memory under ROM

Answer 7

PROM, EPROM, EEPROM

Question 8

Controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any data processing operations

Answer 8

Control Unit

Question 9

Is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical functions or operations.

Answer 9

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Question 10

2 subsections of ALU

Answer 10

Arithmetic section
Logic section

Question 11

Arithmetic Section

Answer 11

operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,

Question 12

Logic section

Answer 12

operations like selecting, comparing, matching and merging the data

Question 13

Parts of the CPU

Answer 13

Memory or Storage Unit
Control unit
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Question 14

RAM

Answer 14

Random Access Memory

Question 15

Stores the data currently being processed by the CPU

Volatile memory that directly interacts with the CPU for processing data

Answer 15

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Question 16

Non-volatile memory that is primarily used to store firmware and essential system software that does not need to be modified frequently

Retains its data even when the computer is powered off, making it ideal for storing instructions that the system must access immedietly upon startup

Answer 16

Read-only memory (ROM)

Question 17

Memory that requires a continuous power supply to maintain the stored data

Answer 17

Volatile Memory

Question 18

Characteristics of a Volatile Memory

Answer 18

Data is lost when the power is turned off

Typically faster than non-volatile memory

Primarily used for temporary storage and working data

Question 19

Memory that retains its data even when the power is turned off

Answer 19

Non-Volatile Memory

Question 20

Characteristics of non-volatile memory

Answer 20

Data is retained even after the system is powered off

Typically slower than volatile memory but used for long-term storage

Essential for storing the operating system, files, and programs

Question 21

is how fast a computer’s processor (CPU) can complete the task

It is measured by the number of instructions completed in one second

Answer 21

CPU performance

Question 22

refers to the frequency at which the CPU
operates. It represents how many cycles per second the CPU can execute

Answer 22

Clock speed (GHz)

Higher clock speeds generally mean the CPU can process more instructions per second, leading to faster performance.

Question 23

determines how many tasks a CPU can handle
simultaneously

Answer 23

Core Count

More cores generally lead to better performance in applications designed to take advantage of parallel processing

Question 24

is a small, high-speed memory located within the CPU that stores frequently accessed data and instructions. It comes in different levels (L1, L2, L3), with
L1 being the fastest and smallest.

Answer 24

Cache Memory

A larger cache allows the CPU to access data more quickly without needing to
retrieve it from slower main memory(RAM), leading to faster execution of tasks.

Cache efficiency is particularly important for tasks that involve repetitive data
processing, like running loops in code

Question 25

How ALU and CU work together

Answer 25

1. CU fetches an instruction from memory and decodes it
2. If the instruction requires an arithmetic or logical operation, the CU sends the necessary control signals to the ALU
3. The ALU performs the operation using the data provided (usually from registers) and returns the result.
4. The CU then coordinates the storage of the result back into memory or a register, and the cycle continues with the next instruction