This exam tips covers Exam Tips - CPU Performance within CPU Performance for GCSE Computer Science. Revise CPU Performance in 3.4 Computer Systems for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 7 of 8 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Exam Tips - CPU Performance
Don't just name the factors - explain HOW they improve performance:
- Clock Speed: "Higher GHz means more FDE cycles per second, so more instructions executed"
- Cores: "Multiple cores allow parallel processing, so multiple tasks run simultaneously"
- Cache: "More cache stores frequently-used data closer to CPU, reducing wait time for slower RAM"
Common exam questions:
- "Name three factors affecting CPU performance" → Clock speed, cores, cache (with explanations!)
- "Why doesn't doubling cores double performance?" → Programs must be written for multi-threading
- "What is cache?" → Fast memory built into CPU that stores frequently-used data
Common mistakes:
- Saying "more RAM" improves CPU performance - RAM is NOT a CPU performance factor!
- Forgetting to explain HOW each factor helps
- Mixing up cache levels (L1 is fastest/smallest, L3 is slowest/largest)
Practice questions for CPU Performance
What does clock speed measure in a CPU?
Describe three factors that affect CPU performance.
Quick recall flashcards
Three CPU performance factors?
Clock speed, cores, cache
What is clock speed measured in?
GHz (gigahertz) - billions of cycles per second