Flashcards
Hardware
Cards in this deck (9)
- 1ProcessingComputers require input hardware, processing hardware and output hardware. The hardware that defines a computer is the CPU and memory. Without these a computer could not function.
- 2GraphicsMost computers have a CPU and a separate graphics processing unit (GPU) for images. The GPU can be around 10 times faster than the CPU. It is optimised to produce high-quality 3D graphics for games and films. The GPU is responsible for handling images and frees up the CPU to do all other tasks.
- 3BenchmarkingBenchmarking is a test used to assess the performance of a computer. Different types of benchmark software are used for the different kinds of application you might want a computer to do.
- 4CPU performanceThere are four key factors about CPU architecture that affect its performance:
cores
clock speed
cache size
processor type - 5CoresA CPU can contain one or more processing units. Each unit is called a core. A core contains an ALU, control unit and registers. It is common for computers to have two (dual), four (quad) or even more cores. CPUs with multiple cores have more power to run multiple programs at the same time.
- 6Clock speedThe clock speed - also known as clock rate - indicates how fast the CPU can run. This is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (gHz) and corresponds with how many instruction cycles the CPU can deal with in a second. A 2 gHz CPU performs two billion cycles a second. A faster CPU uses more energy and creates more heat.
- 7CacheCache is a small amount of memory which is a part of the CPU - closer to the CPU than RAM. It is used to temporarily hold instructions and data that the CPU is likely to reuse.
The CPU control unit automatically checks cache for instructions before requesting data from RAM. This saves fetching the instructions and data repeatedly from RAM – a relatively slow process which might otherwise keep the CPU waiting. Transfers to and from cache take less time than transfers to and from RAM. - 8MotherboardThe motherboard is a circuit board that connects the CPU to the memory and all the other hardware. The CPU sits on the motherboard (also called the logic board).
Buses are circuits on the motherboard that connect the CPU to other components. There are many buses on the motherboard. A bus moves instructions and data around the system. The speed of a bus is measured in megahertz (MHz). The faster the bus, the faster data is communicated. The speed of the motherboard is defined by the bus speed. - 9BridgesBridges manage how data and instructions are transferred between the CPU, memory and other devices.
Many PC motherboards use a northbridge and a southbridge to connect devices:
The northbridge connects the CPU, RAM and GPU through the FSB.
The southbridge connects to the northbridge. All other hardware, such as the hard drive, connects to the CPU through the southbridge.
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- Flashcards on Hardware, created by Oliver CARLINE on 09/03/2016.
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- Oliver CARLINE
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