7. OCR A Level (H446) SLR2 – 1.1 GPUs and their uses

What is often used as an analogy for the CPU in a computer?

• The heart

• The brain

• The muscle

• The skeleton

Answer explanation

The CPU is often used as an analogy for the brain in a computer because it processes information and makes decisions, similar to how the brain functions in the human body.

What is the primary purpose of a co-processor?

• To replace the main CPU

• To improve the computer's overall speed

• To store more data

• To consume less power

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a co-processor is to improve the computer's overall speed by offloading specific tasks from the main CPU, thus enhancing performance.

What is the most well-known type of co-processor?

• Sound Processing Unit

• Graphical Processing Unit

• Quantum Processing Unit

• Central Processing Unit

Answer explanation

The most well-known type of co-processor is the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), which is commonly used for rendering graphics in computers and gaming consoles.

For what task were GPUs initially used?

• Performing arithmetic operations

• Rendering graphics

• Data analysis

• Managing the operating system

Answer explanation

GPUs were initially used for rendering graphics, making them essential for tasks like gaming, video editing, and visual simulations.

What makes GPUs efficient for certain tasks?

• Their large number of cores for parallel data processing

• Their ability to run slower than CPU cores

• Their small size

• Their low power consumption

Answer explanation

GPUs are efficient for certain tasks due to their large number of cores for parallel data processing, allowing for faster computations.

What is a key difference in design goals between CPUs and GPUs?

• GPUs are designed to store data

• CPUs are designed for complex operations on small data sets

• GPUs are designed for single-threaded tasks

• CPUs are designed for parallel processing

Answer explanation

CPUs are designed for complex operations on small data sets, which is a key difference in design goals between CPUs and GPUs.

What type of operations do GPUs excel at?

• Complex operations on small data sets

• Simple operations on very large data sets

• Single-threaded tasks

• Data storage and retrieval

Answer explanation

GPUs excel at simple operations on very large data sets due to their parallel processing capabilities.

What is SIMD?

• A programming language

• A parallel processing technique

• A type of CPU

• A data storage method

Answer explanation

SIMD stands for Single Instruction, Multiple Data, which is a parallel processing technique used to perform multiple operations on multiple data points simultaneously.

What concept did the use of GPUs for non-graphics tasks lead to?

• Specialized Processing Units

• General Purpose Computing on GPU

• Central Processing on GPU

• Graphical Processing Only

Answer explanation

The use of GPUs for non-graphics tasks led to General Purpose Computing on GPU, allowing GPUs to perform a wide range of computations beyond just graphics processing.

Which of the following is NOT a task that GPUs can perform well?

• Machine learning

• Operating system management

• Gravitational field theory

• Weather modeling

Answer explanation

GPUs are not designed for operating system management tasks, making it the correct choice as the task they cannot perform well.