Name: Class:
Task 1
1. The performance of a CPU is dictated and dependent on a number of factors. Complete the
table below, stating how each of the factors mentioned affects the performance of a CPU.
Factor How this affects performance
Clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicates how many
cycles a CPU can execute per second. Higher clock speeds
generally lead to faster processing and improved performance for
Clock speed
tasks requiring quick calculations. However, performance also
depends on other factors like CPU architecture, core count, and
thermal management.
● Reducing Latency: A larger cache can store more frequently
accessed data, minimizing the time the CPU spends waiting for
data from slower main memory.
● Increasing Hit Rate: With more data stored, the likelihood of
cache hits increases, allowing the CPU to process instructions
Cache Size
more efficiently.
● Improving Throughput: Enhanced cache performance leads to
better overall system throughput, as the CPU can execute
more instructions per cycle without being bottlenecked by
memory access delays.
The number of cores in a CPU affects performance by enabling
parallel processing, which allows multiple tasks to be executed
simultaneously. More cores can improve multitasking capabilities
Number of cores and enhance performance in applications optimized for
multi-threading, such as video editing and gaming. However, overall
performance also depends on factors like clock speed, architecture,
and workload type.
2. Two computers have different specifications.
Computer A has a quad-core processor with a frequency of 2 GHz.
Computer B has a dual-core processor with a frequency of 4 GHz.
(a) What is the maximum number of fetch-execute cycles that each processor could
achieve?
Computer A: 8
Computer B: 8
(b) Explain why choosing processor B may be the better choice.
At 4 GHz, Processor B can execute more cycles per second than A's 2 GHz, enhancing
performance, especially for single-threaded tasks.
(c) Discuss how the use of cache can improve the performance of CPUs.
1
In summary, the use of cache significantly enhances CPU performance by reducing latency,
increasing data access speed, improving throughput, leveraging locality of reference,
lowering bandwidth demands, and enhancing multitasking capabilities. This results in faster
and more efficient processing of tasks.
Task 2
Match up the terms on the left with the statements on the right.
Data Bus 1.Co-ordinates and controls all operations carried out
4 by the computer.
2.Used for communicating the physical addresses of
Control Bus
computer memory elements/locations that the CPU
6
wants to access.
Address Bus 3.Responsible for arithmetic operations and logical
2 operations.
4.Responsible for transporting the actual physical
System bus
data, the bits and bytes of information between
8
memory and the CPU.
Control Unit 5.A set of registers which act as a working area,
1 often storing numbers and results of calculations.
Clock 6.Carries command and control signals to and from
7 every single connected device.
ALU 7.Controls the timing of the processor.
3
General Purpose
8.The collective name for the data bus, control bus
Registers
and address bus.
5
Task 3
Label the boxes with the following components: CPU, keyboard controller, display controller.
Draw the connections between the Address bus and the components, showing the direction of
each connection.
2
Processor -> Keyboard Controller -> Display controller
