T1 - MS Flashcards
Explain why having a dual core processor might improve the performance of the computer. (2)
- Dual core is 2 processors/cores //
double the number of processors/cores - Parallel processing can take place
… which means each processor can
execute a separate instruction at the
same time
…which enables multitasking
Explain how the cache size can affect the performance of the CPU. (2)
Cache stores frequently/recently/next
to be used instructions/data
…that can be accessed faster than
accessing them from RAM
State the purpose of a CPU. (1)
CPU performs the FDE cycle
or
Process instructions
State what is meant by a single core 2.5 GHz processor. 2`
Single core means there is only one
processor
2.5Ghz means it can run 2.5 billion
FDE cycles per second
Identify two registers used in Von Neumann architecture.
MAR
MDR
Embedded system
Embedded system has one/few
functions
Embedded system is single chip
Embedded system is part of a larger
system
CU
runs FE cycles
MAR
Stores the
address of the
data to be
fetched from, or
the address
where the data
is to be stored.
PC
Stores the
address of the
next instruction
to be fetched
from memory.
Increments in
each fetch-
execute cycle.
Give one difference between RAM and flash memory.
RAM is volatile // Flash memory is non-
volatile
RAM stores currently running
programs/instructions/data/OS // Flash
memory stores files and software
RAM can be directly accessed by CPU
// Flash data has to go to RAM before
CPU
Describe the purpose of ROM in a tablet computer. 2
Store BIOS
… the boot-up instructions
Describe what the internal secondary storage device will store.
Software / applications / programs
…including OS
Give three benefits of the tablet having a solid state device instead of a magnetic device.
faster access/read/write speed
Smaller in physical size
More durable/robust
Uses less power
Give two drawbacks of the tablet having a solid state device instead of a magnetic device.
limited number of read/write times
more expensive (per byte)
(usually) smaller capacity
State the difference between RAM and ROM.
ROM is non-volatile, RAM is volatile //
by description
