1.1.2 Types of processor

CISC is a Complex Instruction Set Computer. It aims to complete a task in as few Iines of assembly as possible. CISC: -has a larger instruction set -is difficult to pipeline -tends to have more addressing modes -instructions may take multiple clock cycles to execute -has more complex circuitry/more transistors -uses less RAM -tends to be more expensive -less power efficient and requires a larger battery and cooling mechanism

RISC is a Reduced Instruction Set Computer. RISC: -has a smaller instruction set -is easier to pipeline -tends to have fewer addressing modes -instructions are simpler and take one clock cycle to execute -has less complex circuitry -uses more RAM -more power efficient so requires less cooling and a smaller battery or longer battery life

A Graphics Processing Unit is a co-processor which contain multiple smaller cores designed for parallel processing. This enables them to handle many calculations at once so they are beneficial for performing calculations on multiple pieces of data at the same time. e.g. can load multiple pixels simultaneously This makes them beneficial for both graphical purposes such as rendering videos or images and non-graphical purposes like machine-learning and data-analysis.

A chip contains 2 or more independent processing units. Each core can fetch, decode and execute its own instructions. This enables multiple instructions to be executed at the same time.

The processing of program instructions by dividing them between multiple processors or cores. This enables multiple cores to tackle the same task, while working on different sections, simultaneously, as they split longer jobs between them. Multiple instructions are therefore carried out at the same time, allowing programs to be run in a shorter period of time.