Types of Processor (OCR A Level Computer Science): Exam Questions

The robot uses a multi-core processor. The programmers assume that this means that the robot will execute programs more quickly than using a single core processor.

Give one reason why this assumption can sometimes be true.

OCR Insurance uses a computer system to calculate the price that customers pay for car insurance.

The computer system contains a CPU, GPU, RAM and ROM

Describe one non-graphical use OCR Insurance may have for a GPU.

Explain two benefits and one limitation of using multicore processors for real-time applications such as graphics rendering

A charity uses a desktop computer to record financial donations that it receives. The computer contains a single core, 2.4GHz processor with 2MB cache.

The charity has several desktop computers in their office that use a CISC processor. They are considering buying mobile devices for their staff to use when they are not in the office.

Discuss whether these mobile devices should use the same CISC processors that are used in their desktop computers or if they should use a RISC processor instead.

You should include the following in your answer:

• the difference between each processor type

• the suitability of each processor type for mobile devices

Discuss the use of GPUs for tasks beyond graphical processing.

Include examples and evaluate their benefits and limitations.

Evaluate the benefits and challenges of parallel processing in multicore processors, and assess its suitability for machine learning tasks.