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Computer System Part 1 Notes

The document provides an overview of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), detailing its role as the computer's brain that executes instructions and performs calculations. It outlines key components such as the Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, and cache memory, as well as different CPU architectures like CISC and RISC. Additionally, it discusses important specifications, the instruction cycle, and factors affecting CPU performance.

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Mildred Clarke
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18 views2 pages

Computer System Part 1 Notes

The document provides an overview of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), detailing its role as the computer's brain that executes instructions and performs calculations. It outlines key components such as the Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, and cache memory, as well as different CPU architectures like CISC and RISC. Additionally, it discusses important specifications, the instruction cycle, and factors affecting CPU performance.

Uploaded by

Mildred Clarke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Computer System Study Notes

Part 1: Central Processing Unit (CPU)

What is a CPU?

The Central Processing Unit is the "brain" of the computer that executes instructions and
performs calculations. It interprets and carries out program instructions through a continuous
cycle of operations.

Key Components

 Control Unit (CU): Manages instruction execution, coordinates data flow between
components

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical calculations and logical operations

 Registers: High-speed temporary storage locations within the CPU

 Cache Memory: Fast memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions

CPU Architecture Types

 CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing): Uses complex instructions that can perform
multiple operations

 RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing): Uses simple, efficient instructions for faster
execution

 Multi-core: Multiple processing units on a single chip for parallel processing

Key Specifications

 Clock Speed: Measured in GHz, determines how many cycles per second the CPU can
execute

 Cores: Number of independent processing units

 Threads: Number of simultaneous instruction streams (often 2 per core with


hyperthreading)

 Cache Levels: L1 (fastest, smallest), L2, L3 (slower, larger)

Instruction Cycle

1. Fetch: Retrieve instruction from memory

2. Decode: Interpret the instruction


3. Execute: Perform the operation

4. Store: Write results back to memory/registers

Performance Factors

 Clock speed and architecture efficiency

 Number of cores and threading capability

 Cache size and memory bandwidth

 Thermal design and power consumption

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