1.2 Types of Processor (OCR A Level Computer Science): Flashcards
Exam code: H446
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Define instruction set.
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Define instruction set.
An instruction set is the complete collection of instructions that a processor can execute to run programs.
Why might a program written for one RISC processor not run on another RISC processor?
A program written for one RISC processor may not run on another RISC processor because different RISC processors can have different instruction sets, so their instructions may not be compatible.
A RISC processor typically takes clock cycle(s) to execute each instruction, making it suitable for .
A RISC processor typically takes one clock cycle(s) to execute each instruction, making it suitable for pipelining.
Define RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer).
A Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) is a processor with a small, simple instruction set where each instruction usually takes one clock cycle to execute.
Define CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer).
A Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) is a processor with a large instruction set, including complex instructions that can take multiple clock cycles to execute.
What types of devices commonly use RISC and CISC processors?
RISC processors are commonly used in smartphones and tablets, while CISC processors are usually found in laptops and desktop computers.
CISC processors have instruction sets and addressing modes compared to RISC.
CISC processors have larger instruction sets and more addressing modes compared to RISC.
True or False?
RISC processors have more general purpose registers than CISC processors.
False.
CISC processors have more general purpose registers than RISC processors.
Define Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialised processor designed for processing graphics and performing parallel computations, reducing the load on the CPU.
What is the key difference between a CPU and a GPU?
A CPU is a general purpose processor, while a GPU is designed specifically for graphics processing and parallel tasks.
GPUs can perform an instruction on pieces of data at one time, making them well suited for processing.
GPUs can perform an instruction on multiple pieces of data at one time, making them well suited for parallel processing.
True or False?
GPUs are only useful for graphics processing tasks.
False.
GPUs can be used for many tasks besides graphics, such as 3D modelling, data modelling, financial modelling, data mining, complex numerical calculations and machine learning.
Modern GPUs typically contain hundreds or thousands of small , allowing them to perform many operations in .
Modern GPUs typically contain hundreds or thousands of small processing cores, allowing them to perform many operations in parallel.
What makes GPUs especially suitable for machine learning tasks?
GPUs can perform many calculations in parallel, such as matrix multiplication, which is essential for training and running machine learning models.
Define SIMD processing.
SIMD processing (Single Instruction Multiple Data) is a type of parallel processing where one instruction is executed on multiple pieces of data at the same time, a method supported by GPUs.
What are two key benefits of using a GPU alongside a CPU in a computer system?
Two key benefits are parallel processing for handling many tasks at once, and increased speed and efficiency for complex computations.
Define parallel processing.
Parallel processing is when a computer uses multiple cores to work on the same task simultaneously, or on separate tasks at the same time.
Define multicore processing.
Multicore processing is when a processor contains more than one processing unit that can independently process instructions at the same time.
What is one key benefit of parallel processing in computers?
A key benefit of parallel processing is reduced execution time for tasks that can be divided into subtasks and executed simultaneously.
True or False?
All tasks can be made faster by parallel processing.
False.
Not all tasks can be parallelised; some must be executed serially, which limits speed improvements.
What is a limitation of programming for parallel processing?
Programming for parallel processing is more complex than for serial processing, requiring careful task synchronisation and data sharing.
A multicore system has than one processing unit in a single processor, each able to process instructions .
A multicore system has more than one processing unit in a single processor, each able to process instructions independently.
Parallel processing can be achieved by utilising multiple or by using both a CPU and a .
Parallel processing can be achieved by utilising multiple cores or by using both a CPU and a GPU.
What is one advantage of multicore processors for multitasking?
Multicore processors allow each core to work on a different task, making multitasking more efficient, especially when multiple applications are open.
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