BIS111E Lecture 8: Understanding Hardware

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24 Questions

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

To display complex graphics and edit high-definition videos

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

1 GB

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

Improved performance at high video resolutions

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

To handle 3D graphics and image processing

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

They offer faster data rates and improved energy efficiency

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

All of the above

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

To check the type of video card

Why do video cards have their own processing unit?

To reduce the load on the CPU

What does the CPU do when tasked with processing graphics?

Redirects the task to the GPU

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

To accommodate larger file transfers and higher-resolution image files

What is a key advantage of Thunderbolt over USB 3.0?

Much more power supply to devices

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

Twice the speed and more power supply

What is the primary function of a sound card?

To enable the computer to drive the speaker system

What is the advantage of 3D sound technology?

It's better at convincing the human ear of omnidirectional sound

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

The limited size and added weight of circuitry to drive laptop speakers

What is a recommended practice for maintaining system reliability?

Installing a reliable antivirus package

What determines the processing power of a CPU?

The number of cores and cache memory

What is the main advantage of multiple-core technology?

It enables the independent execution of multiple instructions at the same time

What is the purpose of Level 1 cache memory?

To store data that has been recently accessed

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

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

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

What is the purpose of evaluating the CPU subsystem?

To determine the performance of the CPU

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

The faster the clock speed, the more processing power

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.

Maintaining System Reliability

  • Install a reliable antivirus package.
  • Run spyware and adware removal programs.

Understanding and assessing hardware, evaluating your system, and selecting a computing device based on your needs and user type.

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