A-level CPU performance

Which of the following factors is NOT typically associated with CPU performance?

• Cache size

• Clock speed

• Number of cores

• Screen resolution

Answer explanation

Screen resolution affects display quality, not CPU performance. In contrast, cache size, clock speed, and number of cores directly influence how efficiently a CPU processes tasks.

What does clock speed indicate in a CPU?

• The physical size of the CPU

• The number of cores in the CPU

• The number of instruction cycles per second

• The amount of cache memory

Answer explanation

Clock speed indicates the number of instruction cycles a CPU can execute per second, measured in hertz. A higher clock speed generally means better performance, as it allows the CPU to process more instructions in a given time.

If a CPU operates at 3 GHz, how many operations can it perform in one second?

• 30 billion

• 300 million

• 3 billion

• 3 million

Answer explanation

A CPU operating at 3 GHz can perform 3 billion operations per second, as 1 GHz equals 1 billion cycles. Therefore, 3 GHz translates directly to 3 billion operations.

How does a faster clock speed affect CPU performance?

• It increases the size of the cache

• It allows for quicker instruction fetching and execution

• It reduces power consumption

• It decreases the number of cores needed

Answer explanation

A faster clock speed allows the CPU to process instructions more quickly, leading to quicker instruction fetching and execution. This directly enhances overall CPU performance.

What is the role of cache size in CPU performance?

• To increase the physical size of the CPU

• To temporarily hold instructions and data

• To manage power consumption

• To store the operating system

Answer explanation

Cache size plays a crucial role in CPU performance by temporarily holding instructions and data, allowing for faster access than fetching from main memory. This reduces latency and improves overall processing speed.

What is the primary purpose of cache in a CPU?

• To increase the physical size of the CPU

• To temporarily hold instructions and data

• To store the operating system

• To manage power consumption

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of cache in a CPU is to temporarily hold instructions and data. This allows for faster access compared to main memory, improving overall processing speed and efficiency.

Why is having data in the cache beneficial for CPU performance?

• It increases the clock speed

• It enhances graphics performance

• It allows for more cores

• It reduces the need to fetch data from main memory

Answer explanation

Having data in the cache is beneficial because it reduces the need to fetch data from the slower main memory. This leads to faster data access and improved CPU performance, as the cache is much quicker than main memory.

Which statement about cache size is true?

• It is only used in gaming computers

• It has no impact on CPU performance

• It is smaller than main memory

• It is larger than main memory

Answer explanation

Cache size is indeed smaller than main memory. Cache is designed for speed, storing frequently accessed data, while main memory (RAM) is larger and holds more data but is slower in comparison.

How does having multiple cores in a CPU affect its performance?

• It increases the clock speed

• It eliminates the need for cache

• It allows for running multiple programs simultaneously

• It reduces the size of the CPU

Answer explanation

Having multiple cores in a CPU allows it to handle multiple tasks at once, improving multitasking and overall performance. This means several programs can run simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

What is a key advantage of a quad-core processor compared to a single-core processor?

• It has a larger cache size

• It consumes less power

• It can run multiple programs at the same time

• It has a higher clock speed

Answer explanation

A quad-core processor can run multiple programs simultaneously due to its four cores, allowing for better multitasking compared to a single-core processor, which can handle only one task at a time.