1.1.1 - ways to measure cpu speed / computer architecture

describe the 3 ways to measure cpu speed

• clock speed

  • number of fde cycles done per second

  • more = better

• number of cores

  • a core is a processing unit within the cpu (it has its own set of registers, busses, e.t.c)

  • generally more = better, as some programs can’t use multiple cores

• cache size

  • cache is a type of primary storage, quicker access time to cache than to RAM

  • 3 levels of cache, as you go up the levels, access-speed decreases

  • more cache = better

describe von-neumann architecture

• consists of a processor with the usual components (CU, registers, e.t.c)

• instructions and data are stored in the same location

• .

• advantage over harvard is it’s cheaper to develop

describe harvard architecture

• physically seperate memory stores for instructions/data

• more commonly used within embedded systems

• .

• advantage over von-neumann is it’s quicker, as instructions/data can be fetched simultaneously

describe contemporary architecture

• combination of von-neumann, harvard

• main memory uses von-neumann, cache uses harvard