1.1.2 - Factors affecting processor performance

What are the 3 factors affecting CPU performance?

• Clock Speed

• Cache

• No. of cores

What is cache?

Cache is high-speed memory used to store instructions or data most frequently used.

Why would you use Cache over Primary Memory?

Fetching stuff from RAM is much more inefficient.

Where is cache located?

Either on the CPU or extremely close to the CPU.

What are cores?

A core is a component within a CPU containing its own ALU, CU and Registers.

Why is having more cores better?

• More instructions can be processed.

• Each core can carry out its own FDE cycle independently.

Why is having a faster clock better?

• More instructions can be processed

• The CPU can carry out more FDE cycles per second.

What is clock speed typically measured in?

GHz.