THE CPU (and it's limiting factors)

THE CPU (and it's limiting factors)

1. Carries out the fetch execute cycle

   • Uses electrical systems to direct the system to process instructions
   • Standard process which describes the steps needed for processing

2. Contains the arithmetic logic unit.

   • Carries out arithmetic problems

3. THE CACHE

   • Fast memory which is located near the CPU
   • It has electrical connections so the CPU can access frequently accessed data
   • When the CPU requests and instruction, the remaining instructions are stored in the cache
   • Has access times similar to CPU
     • Faster than Main Memory (RAM)
     • By checking the cache first, it reduces amount of time it takes to access data.

4. THE CLOCK CHIP

   • Number of cycles the fetch execute cycle goes through per second is determined by this/
   • Vibrates at a constant speed, measured in Hz
   • The CPU synchronizes all tasks to it.
     • CPU with a 3mhz clock speed would cycle round three million times per second.
     • Main memory cannot work at the same speed as the CPU, causing delays on locating and transmitting data

5. BUS SPEED

   • Speed in which data and control signals can travel around the system
   • Data and control signals move around the system on buses.
   • Buses are circuits that connects parts of the motherboard together.

6. Carries out all of the computer processing.