Types of Processors in Computer Science

These flashcards cover key terminology and definitions related to processor types, including RISC, CISC, multi-core systems, and GPUs, essential for understanding computer architecture in the A Level Computer Science curriculum.

RISC Processors

Reduced Instruction Set Computers that utilize a small instruction set where each instruction typically takes one clock cycle.

CISC Processors

Complex Instruction Set Computers designed to accomplish tasks with a larger instruction set, often requiring fewer lines of code.

Multi-core CPU

A type of processor that has multiple independent cores capable of executing instructions separately, enhancing performance.

Parallel Systems

Systems that can complete tasks using a single core by employing threading, contrasting with multi-core systems that use multiple cores.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A type of co-processor with many independent processors working in parallel for efficient handling of repetitive tasks like image processing.

Pipelining

A technique used in RISC processors where multiple instruction steps are overlapped in execution to improve performance.

RAM in RISC vs CISC

RISC usually requires more RAM to store instructions due to the larger number of instructions, while CISC uses less RAM as its instructions are typically more complex.

Instruction Set

The list of instructions that a processor can execute, which differs significantly between RISC and CISC architectures.