CPU Performance

What are the main factors affecting CPU performance?

• Clock Speed
• Cache Size
• Number of cores

What is clock speed?

The speed at which a processor operates

What is clock speed measured in?

Hertz (Hz)

What is cache memory?

It is HIGH SPEED memory attached to the CPU

How much cache do we use?

Small amounts

Where is cache memory held?

Between main memory and the CPU

Why does cache improves processor performance?

Has data and instructions that can be held in cache and made available very quickly

How many levels of cache are there?

Level 1 = extremely fast but small (2 - 6KB)
Level 2 = fairly fast and medium sized (265KB - 2MB)
Level 3

What is a dual - core processor?

Has two processing units within the CPU

Why is having many cores good?

Parallel processing can take place

Why is having many cores not good?

The computer may not be designed to use multiple cores therefore not faster

What is an embedded system?

A small computer built into a piece of equipment designed to perform a specific function

What are some examples of embedded systems?

Dishwashers

What are some characteristics of embedded systems?

• Reliability
• Minimal resources such as ROM etc.
• Limited operating system (only able to run one application)
• Simple user interface (buttons or no interface)
• Sensors designed to measure external stimuli and react accordingly