Processors

Question 1

What role does Level 1 Cache memory perform?

Answer 1

Integrated on the processor die itself and stores instructions for the processor.

Question 2

What is the biggest limitation of using a 32-bit processor?

Answer 2

The amount of memory it can utilize. 32-bit processors can only utilize 4GB of RAM.

Question 3

What factors should be considered when comparing the speed of computers?

Answer 3

Processor speed (in MHz), similar or different processors used, cache memory, throttling or over clocking of components, amount of RAM, type & speed of HDD, hyper or multi-threading options

Question 4

What are the benefits of using a smaller processor size during CPU manufacture?

Answer 4

Smaller transistors, smaller CPU die with more transistors, and less power consumption.

Question 5

What is the difference between hyper-threading and multithreading?

Answer 5

Hyper-threading: a feature of some Intel processors that allows a single processor to run threads (instructions) in parallel, as opposed to processing threads linearly. Hyper-threading enables a processor to execute two threads at the same time.

Multi-threading: A feature of an application that allows it to send multiple threads at the same time.

Question 6

Under what circumstances might you choose to use throttling?

Answer 6

To increase battery life or the performance of the machine (i.e. over clocking). Throttling can also be used in low memory conditions to slow down the processing of I/O memory requests, processing one sequence at a time in the order the request was received.

Question 7

What is virtualization?

Answer 7

Virtualization allows a single physical machine (known as the “host operating system”) to run multiple virtual machines (known as the “guest operating systems”). The virtual machines (VMs) appear to be self-contained and separate physical systems.

Question 8

What three components are used with a CPU to dissipate heat?

Answer 8

Heat sink, thermal paste or pad, & a CPU fan.

Remember: Without a heat dissipation system, a processor will overheat and burn out in less than a minute.

Question 9

What role does Level 2 cache memory perform?

Answer 9

Additional cache used for both instructions and data. Depending on the processor, L2 cache might be shared between two or more cores, or exclusive to a single core.

Question 10

What role does Level 3 cache memory perform?

Answer 10

Additional cache beyond the level 2 cache. For multi-core systems, L3 cache is shared between all cores.

Question 11

What is Cache memory?

Answer 11

Cache is memory that the processor can access directly without using the system RAM.

Question 12

What is process size?

Answer 12

Refers to the manufacturing process used to etch transistors onto the silicon wafer that will become the CPU. A smaller process size means smaller transistors, which translates into a smaller CPU die with more transistors and less power consumption.

Question 13

What is Throttling?

Answer 13

The process of modifying the operating characteristics of a processor based on current conditions.

Question 14

Which CPU features enable advanced virtualization support?

Answer 14

Hardware support is provided by processors with the following features:

• Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT)
• AMD’s AMD Virtualization (AMD-V)

Question 15

What is Turbo Boost?

Answer 15

The opposite of throttling; allows the processor to dynamically run above its rated speed to improve performance.

Question 16

What is an Integrated Memory Controller?

Answer 16

Processor including the memory controller on the processor die rather than in the Northbridge chip, resulting in faster memory access by the processor.

Question 17

What are the dangers of Overclocking?

Answer 17

Can cause system instability, component damage, can void your warranty, may require more voltage, & often increases heat output.

Question 18

What are the two types of CPU sockets?

Answer 18

Pin Grid Array (PGA) and Land Grid Array (LGA)

Question 19

What is a Pin Grid Array?

Answer 19

A processor that implements a series of pins on the underside of the processor package in an array. The pins are inserted into corresponding receptacles within the processor socket on the motherboard.

Question 20

What is a Land Grid Array?

Answer 20

Connecting pins are on the socket instead of the bottom of the processor. Conducting pads are implemented on the bottom of the processor that contact the protruding pins from the processor socket.