Worksheet 2 CPU performance and buses
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage
Name: ........................................................................................................ Class: .......................
Task 1
1. The performance of a CPU is dictated and dependent on a number of factors. Complete the
table below, stating how each of the factors mentioned affects the performance of a CPU.
Factor How this affects performance
Clock speed
Cache Size
Number of cores
2. Two computers have different specifications.
Computer A has a quad core processor with a frequency of 2 GHz.
Computer B has a dual core processor with a frequency of 4 GHz.
(a) What is the maximum number of fetch-execute cycles that each processor could
achieve?
(b) Explain why choosing processor B may be the better choice.
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Worksheet 2 CPU performance and buses
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage
(c) Discuss how the use of cache can improve the performance of CPUs.
Task 2
Match up the terms on the left with the statements on the right.
Co-ordinates and controls all operations carried out
Data Bus
by the computer.
Used for communicating the physical addresses of
Control Bus computer memory elements/locations that the CPU
wants to access.
Responsible for arithmetic operations and logical
Address Bus
operations.
Responsible for transporting the actual physical
System bus data, the bits and bytes of information between
memory and the CPU.
A set of registers which act as a working area, often
Control Unit
storing numbers and results of calculations.
Carries command and control signals to and from
Clock
every single connected device.
Controls the timing of the processor.
ALU
General Purpose The collective name for the data bus, control bus
Registers and address bus.
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Worksheet 2 CPU performance and buses
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage
Task 3
Label the boxes with the following components: CPU, keyboard controller, display controller.
Draw the connections between the Address bus and the components, showing the direction of
each connection.
