6. OCR A Level (H046-H446) SLR2 – 1.1 CISC vs RISC

What is the core of all computers known as?

• The central processing unit

• The execution unit

• The instruction set

• The main memory

Answer explanation

The core of all computers is known as the instruction set, which is responsible for providing the commands that the computer can execute.

How many main categories of instruction sets are there?

• Four

• Two

• One

• Three

Answer explanation

There are two main categories of instruction sets, making the correct answer choice 'Two'.

What does CISC stand for?

• Compact Instruction Set Computer

• Central Instruction Set Computer

• Complex Instruction Set Computer

• Complete Instruction Set Computer

Answer explanation

CISC stands for Complex Instruction Set Computer, which refers to a type of computer architecture that uses a large set of instructions for complex operations.

What does RISC stand for?

• Reduced Instruction Set Computer

• Rapid Instruction Set Computer

• Real Instruction Set Computer

• Revised Instruction Set Computer

Answer explanation

RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is the main goal of CISC architecture?

• To complete tasks in as few lines of assembly as possible

• To use as many instructions as possible

• To execute instructions in multiple clock cycles

• To increase the number of machine cycles

Answer explanation

The main goal of CISC architecture is to complete tasks in as few lines of assembly as possible.

Which architecture is mainly found in desktop computers and laptops?

• RISC

• Neither RISC nor CISC

• CISC

• Both RISC and CISC

Answer explanation

CISC architecture is mainly found in desktop computers and laptops, making it the correct choice for this question.

What is a key feature of RISC processors?

• Instructions executed in multiple clock cycles

• Complex hardware

• High energy requirements

• Simple instructions executed within a single clock cycle

Answer explanation

RISC processors have a key feature of executing simple instructions within a single clock cycle, making them efficient and fast.

What does the use of RISC architecture result in?

• Higher energy requirements

• More complex hardware

• Lower energy requirements

• Less efficient processing

Answer explanation

The use of RISC architecture results in lower energy requirements due to its simplified instruction set and streamlined processing, making it more energy-efficient.

In which devices has RISC architecture become incredibly popular?

• High-performance gaming consoles

• Low power and portable devices

• Desktop computers

• Mainframe computers

Answer explanation

RISC architecture has become incredibly popular in low power and portable devices due to its efficiency and performance benefits.

What is the performance equation commonly used for?

• Determining the price of a computer

• Measuring a computer's speed

• Expressing a computer's performance potential

• Calculating the energy efficiency of a processor

Answer explanation

The performance equation is commonly used to express a computer's performance potential, not for determining price, measuring speed, or calculating energy efficiency.