GR12 Hardware and Software

What is a key advantage of modular design in computers?

• Improved aesthetics

• Lower cost

• Enhanced flexibility and upgradeability

• Reduced power consumption

Answer explanation

Modular design allows components to be easily replaced or upgraded, enhancing flexibility and upgradeability. This means users can customize their systems and keep them up-to-date without needing to replace the entire computer.

Which component is specialized for handling graphics and image processing tasks?

• SSD

• CPU

• GPU

• RAM

Answer explanation

The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is specifically designed for handling graphics and image processing tasks, making it the correct choice. In contrast, the CPU handles general processing, SSD is for storage, and RAM is for temporary data storage.

What does hyper-threading allow a single CPU core to do?

• Reduce power consumption

• Execute multiple threads simultaneously

• Store more data

• Increase clock speed

Answer explanation

Hyper-threading allows a single CPU core to execute multiple threads simultaneously, improving efficiency and performance by utilizing idle resources within the core. This is why the correct answer is 'Execute multiple threads simultaneously'.

Which level of cache is closest to the CPU?

• Level 3 (L3)

• Level 4 (L4)

• Level 2 (L2)

• Level 1 (L1)

Answer explanation

Level 1 (L1) cache is the closest to the CPU, providing the fastest access to data. It is designed to store frequently used information, reducing latency compared to L2 and L3 caches, which are further away from the CPU.

What is the purpose of overclocking a CPU?

• To improve energy efficiency

• To decrease power consumption

• To increase the clock rate beyond the manufacturer's specifications

• To reduce heat output

Answer explanation

The purpose of overclocking a CPU is to increase the clock rate beyond the manufacturer's specifications, allowing for improved performance in processing tasks. This can lead to faster computing speeds.

How does increasing the size of RAM affect system performance?

• It reduces the need for a GPU

• It allows for better multitasking and quicker data access

• It decreases the speed of the CPU

• It increases the size of the cache

Answer explanation

Increasing RAM enhances system performance by allowing better multitasking and quicker data access, as more applications can run simultaneously without slowing down the system.

Which component is essential for tasks like 3D rendering and gaming?

• Video card (GPU)

• Network card

• SSD

• HDD

Answer explanation

The video card (GPU) is crucial for 3D rendering and gaming as it processes graphics and images, providing the necessary power for rendering complex visuals and smooth gameplay, unlike the other components listed.

What is the main benefit of using an SSD over an HDD for video editing?

• Lower cost

• Larger storage capacity

• Better compatibility with older systems

• Faster read/write speeds

Answer explanation

The main benefit of using an SSD over an HDD for video editing is faster read/write speeds. This allows for quicker access to large video files, resulting in smoother editing and rendering processes.

What is a co-processor?

• A network interface card

• A secondary processor that assists the main CPU

• A type of RAM

• A storage device

Answer explanation

A co-processor is a secondary processor that assists the main CPU by handling specific tasks, improving overall performance. This distinguishes it from other options like network cards, RAM, or storage devices.

What effect does increasing the register size have on a CPU?

• It reduces the number of available instructions

• It improves the efficiency of data processing and addressing

• It increases power consumption

• It decreases the clock speed

Answer explanation

Increasing the register size allows a CPU to handle larger data types and more memory addresses efficiently, improving data processing and addressing capabilities.