1.1.2 CPU Performance

What factors affects CPU performance?

• cache memory

• clock speed

  • number of cores

Cache Memory

• temporary storage for frequently accessed data

• closer to the CPU than RAM so provides data faster

• is costly so computers only have small amounts

Clock Speed

• how quickly a CPU can process an instruction

• measured in Hz (number of cycles per cycle)

• faster clock speed means FDE cycle can be performed faster

• ‘overclocking’ leads to overheating and damage to CPU

• ‘underclocking’ causes the computer to work slower

Number of cores

• a complete copy of the CPU with its own components and able to perform its of FDE cycle

• in theory more instructions can be carried out at the same time, meaning a higher performance

• if one core is waiting for another to finish, performance may not increase at all

• some software is not written to make use of multiple cores