BIS111E Lecture 8: Understanding Hardware

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason for considering an upgrade to the video subsystem?

To increase storage capacity

To reduce power consumption

To display complex graphics and edit high-definition videos (correct)

To improve CPU performance

What is the minimum amount of video memory found in most new laptop computers?

4 GB

512 MB

1 GB (correct)

2 GB

What is the benefit of using multiple video cards in a system?

Enhanced audio capabilities

Reduced power consumption

Increased storage capacity

Improved performance at high video resolutions (correct)

What is the purpose of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) in a video card?

To handle 3D graphics and image processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of GDDR5X video memory chips compared to earlier chips?

They offer faster data rates and improved energy efficiency Signup and view all the answers

How can multiple monitors be combined using the AMD Radeon graphics card?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of accessing the Display adapter properties in Windows?

To check the type of video card Signup and view all the answers

Why do video cards have their own processing unit?

To reduce the load on the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What does the CPU do when tasked with processing graphics?

Redirects the task to the GPU Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the development of newer USB standards?

To accommodate larger file transfers and higher-resolution image files Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of Thunderbolt over USB 3.0?

Much more power supply to devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant improvement of USB 3.1 over USB 3.0?

Twice the speed and more power supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a sound card?

To enable the computer to drive the speaker system Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of 3D sound technology?

It's better at convincing the human ear of omnidirectional sound Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often prefer using headphones or earbuds over laptop speakers?

The limited size and added weight of circuitry to drive laptop speakers Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for maintaining system reliability?

Installing a reliable antivirus package Signup and view all the answers

What determines the processing power of a CPU?

The number of cores and cache memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of multiple-core technology?

It enables the independent execution of multiple instructions at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Level 1 cache memory?

To store data that has been recently accessed Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 cache memory?

Level 1 is faster and smaller, while Level 2 is slower and larger Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a CPU with an Intel i9 and one with an Intel i7?

The i9 has a faster clock speed and more processing power, while the i7 has a slower clock speed and less processing power Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the type of user you are when selecting a computing device?

Because it determines the type of hardware you need Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of evaluating the CPU subsystem?

To determine the performance of the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the clock speed of a CPU and its processing power?

The faster the clock speed, the more processing power Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selecting a Computing Device

Consider the type of user you are and your computing needs, such as casual use, power use, or mobility.

Evaluating the CPU Subsystem

A CPU's processing power is determined by its clock speed, number of cores, and amount of cache memory.
Multiple-core technology enables the independent execution of multiple sets of instructions simultaneously.
Cache memory has three levels, defined by proximity to the CPU, with Level 1 being the fastest and Level 3 being the largest.

Evaluating the Memory Subsystem

The amount of RAM needed depends on the type of user and their computing needs.

Evaluating the Storage Subsystem

No specific details mentioned in the provided text.

Evaluating the Media Subsystems

Sound Cards:
- Enable the computer to drive the speaker system.
- Now routinely integrated into the motherboard.
- 3D sound technology provides better omnidirectional sound.
Video Cards:
- Necessary for complex graphics, high-definition video editing, and graphics-rich gaming.
- Various standards of video memory available, including GDDR3 and GDDR5.
- Newer GDDR5X video memory chips offer faster data rates and improved energy efficiency.
- Minimum of 1 GB of video memory recommended, with 2 GB or more suggested for serious gamers.
- Multiple video cards can be used in one system for improved performance.
- Some video cards can support up to six monitors.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a separate processing chip specialized for 3D graphics and image/video processing.