Processors Quiz Questions Flashcards
Learn the basic concepts of the Section 3.4 Processors to pass the quiz.
Lately your computer is spontaneously shutting down after only a few minutes of use. What is the most likely cause?
An overheated CPU will cause a spontaneous reboot or intermittent system crashes.
Note: A spontaneous reboot can also be caused by a bad power supply or device driver. A clicking noise when reading or writing data from the hard disk is an early sign of a drive failing. A failed UPS (or failed battery in the UPS) would result in a complete loss of power to the computer if the outlet (or wall) power was lost. A system notification would indicate whether there is a failed drive, as it would not allow reading or writing.
What is true of processor cache?
1) L3 Cache is shared between all cores.
2) L1 Cache is typically unique to a processor core.
Note: L1 cache is integrated on the processor die itself and is typically unique to the processor core on multi-core systems.
L3 cache is shared between all cores.
The size of the cache increases as you move from L1 to L3, with L1 being the smallest.
Originally, only L1 cache was on the processor die, with L2 cache being on the motherboard between the CPU and the RAM. As processor technology has advanced, L2 cache moved to the processor die, with L3 cache being on the motherboard. Today, all three cache levels are located on the processor.
As a general rule, a processor with more cache performs better than a processor with less (all other things being equal).
You want to add a second processor to your dual-processor system. What should you do?
Match the speed of the new processor with the speed of the existing processor.
Note: When adding multiple processors in a multi-processor system, the speed of the processors must be the same. The terminating resistor occupies the processor slot when a second processor is not installed; it must be removed before the second processor is added. L2 cache is on the processor and cannot be upgraded.
Which of the following statements are true?
1) 64-bit processors use the x86-64 instruction set (also referred to as x64).
2) 32-bit processors use only the IA-32 instruction set (also referred to as x86).
Note: The processor instruction set identifies all instructions (operations) that a processor can perform. 32-bit processors use the IA-32 instruction set (also referred to as x86). Itanium processors from Intel use the IA-64 instruction set. AMD64 and Intel 64 processors uses the x86-64 instruction set (also referred to as x64). 32-bit applications CAN run on 64-bit processors. x64 processors execute both 320bit and 64-bit instructions in the hardware.
You have an AMD and an Intel processor, both of which have the same speed rating and both of which use the same front-side bus rate. Which of the following statements is true about the relative performance of both processors?
Performance will depend on other factors such as cache and other features.
Note: Processor performance is dependent on the specifications of the chip, not on the manufacturer or even the speed rating. Other factors, such as the amount of cache, has a greater impact on performance than does the processor speed.
Where should the thermal paste go when installing a processor?
Between the heat sink and CPU.
Note: Thermal paste or a thermal pad is found between the heat sink and the CPU. The thermal paste helps to make a god contact between the CPU and the heat sink so that the heat can move between the two. Processors require some form of heat dissipation system to function properly. Without a heat dissipation system, a processor will overheat and burn out in less than a minute. Most modern CPUs require a heat sink and a fan.
Your computer has one single core processor installed. The motherboard supports processors with up to four cores. You want to upgrade your computer to a dual-core system. Which of the following will be part of your configuration.
Replace the existing processor.
Note: A multi-core system supports processors that have multiple processors on a single processor die. Multi-core systems have a single processor slot. To upgrade this system, you will need to remove the existing processor and replace it with one with two cores. Multi-processor systems have multiple processor slots on the motherboard. All processors in the system should be of the same speed. Unused slots are filled with a terminating resistor. Dual channel memory does not affect using dual processors or dual core processors.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a multi-processor system?
Multiple processor sockets on the motherboard.
Note: A multiple-processor system has multiple CPUs, with each CPU requiring a different processor socket on the motherboard.
A multi-core system is a processor with multiple CPUs on the same die. A multi-core system uses a single processor socket for multiple CPUs. L2 cache might be shared between two or more cores in a multi-core system, but would not be shared in a multiple processor solution. 64-bit processors are required to be able to use more than 4 GB of memory.
What are two major disadvantages to over clocking the CPU?
1) Increased heat output.
2) Voided warranty.
What is the purpose of cache memory?
Allows a processor to access data more quickly.
You have an existing computer that you’ve been using for years. You decide to upgrade the processor. You check the motherboard documentation and purchase the fastest processor that is supported by the motherboard. When you start the computer, it beeps regularly but nothing is shown on the screen and it doesn’t start. What should you do first?
Flash the BIOS.
Note: Flashing the BIOS is often required to upgrade system components that are part of the motherboard, such as to upgrade to a faster processor. If the motherboard list the processor as supported but it is not correctly recognized, update the BIOS to the latest version. Press F8 while booting to enter the advanced boot menu when Windows loads. However, this option assumes the BIOS has loaded correctly and the computer passed the POST tests. Replacing the motherboard is likely not required as the motherboard was working correctly and the documentation states the CPU is compatible with the motherboard. Only replace the CPU after you have determined that it is faulty.
What is a ZIF socket?
Zero Insertion Force socket. A special socket for inserting and securing a processor.
You test adding a second CPU. You remove the terminating resistor from the second CPU slot, insert the CPU and perform your testing. Upon conclusion of the test you remove the second CPU and find that your system no longer boots up properly. How can you correct this situation?
Replace the terminating resistor in the slot that was occupied by the second CPU.
Note: In this case, the motherboard originally required a terminator. Whenever a second CPU is removed, the terminator must be replaced. Some motherboards are self-terminating, while others require a terminating resistor in the unused processor slot. When troubleshooting a problem, focus first on the things you changed, in this case, removing the terminator. Most motherboards now detect new processors, so changing the BIOS is likely not necessary.
