IGCSE Computer Science Hardware

What does CPU stand for in computer hardware?

• Central Power Unit

• Central Processing Unit

• Central Processing Unit

• Computer Processing Unit

What is the function of RAM in a computer system?

• To display graphics on the monitor

• To permanently store data and instructions for the CPU

• To control the computer's power supply

• To temporarily store data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly.

Explain the role of the motherboard in a computer.

• The motherboard acts as the central nervous system of a computer, facilitating communication between all components.

• The motherboard controls the speed of the computer's processor.

• The motherboard is responsible for displaying graphics on the screen.

• The motherboard is only necessary for laptops, not desktop computers.

Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in CPU operation.

• The fetch step involves retrieving the next instruction from memory. The decode step interprets the instruction and determines what operation needs to be performed. The execute step carries out the operation specified by the instruction.

• The fetch step involves writing data to memory.

• The execute step interprets the instruction.

• The decode step determines the next instruction to fetch.

What are registers in a CPU and how are they used?

• Registers in a CPU are external devices connected via USB

• Registers in a CPU are used to store power supply information

• Registers in a CPU are only used for cooling purposes

• Registers in a CPU are small storage locations within the processor that hold data temporarily. They are used to store instructions, data, and memory addresses during program execution. Registers are much faster to access than main memory, which helps improve the overall speed and efficiency of the CPU.

Which component of a computer is responsible for executing instructions?

• Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

What is the significance of the clock speed in a CPU?

• The clock speed in a CPU influences the battery life of a device

• The clock speed in a CPU controls the screen resolution

• The clock speed in a CPU indicates the number of instructions it can execute per second.

• The clock speed in a CPU determines the amount of storage capacity

Explain the concept of cache memory in a CPU.

• Cache memory in a CPU is a small, high-speed memory unit that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce the average time to access memory. It helps speed up the processing by providing quick access to the most used data.

• Cache memory is a type of long-term storage in a CPU

• Cache memory slows down the processing speed of a CPU

• Cache memory is used to store data that is rarely accessed

How does the CPU interact with the motherboard in a computer system?

• Through the CPU socket and motherboard's chipset and buses.

• Through the RAM slots and GPU connection on the motherboard.

• By directly communicating with the power supply unit.

• Via the cooling fan and heat sink attached to the motherboard.