2.1.3 Lab: Benchmarking (Optional)
Benchmarking, which is the process of running standardized tests upon
differing configurations to determine the speed of components or software
was briefly mentioned in 2.1.1 Processor Basics. This lab will give you
a greater understanding of benchmarks by having you download Fresh
Diagnose, an application that allows you to analyze and benchmark your
computer system. You will use the software to compare the benchmarking
results of your processor with those of your classmates.
Note: This lab is to be performed on Intel-based computers running Windows
95/98/NT4/2000/XP/ME.
Learning Exercise:
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Download Fresh Diagnose and install it. (1102 kb download)
Run the application.
Click on Benchmarks on the left-hand side menu.
Pick Processor Benchmark and click on Start on the upper-right corner of the application
screen.
Compare your results with those of your classmates.
Try another benchmark and compare your results with those of your classmates.
You can also explore your system's properties through the other options on the left-hand
side menu.
Exercise 2
Question 1. Choosing Microprocessors
The following processors are made by Intel:
A. Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with Hyper-Threading Technology
Processor speed: 3.2GHz
Low power consumption
Level 2 cache: 512KB
System bus: 800 MHz
B. Mobile Intel Pentium® 4 Processor-M
Processor speed: 2.8GHz
Level 2 512KB
System bus: 533 MHz
C. Intel Celeron®
Processor speed: 2.8 GHz
Level 2 128KB
System bus: up to 400 MHz
You may find the following resources useful:
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Intel Notebook Processors
The CPU Scorecard
a. List the processors described above by their price range (from the
cheapest to the most expensive).
From the cheapest to the most expensive are : C
B
A
b. List the processors described above by their performance (from the best
to the worst).
From the best to the worst are : A
B
C
c. Which of the above processors would be the fastest when used for
multi-media production and multi-tasking (running 10 or more applications
at the same time)?
The fastest processor when used for multi-media production and multi-tasking is : A .
Because A PC based on Processor A with HT Technology can enable you to run multiple
demanding applications at the same time—making your favorite activity more productive and fun!
This groundbreaking technology from Intel enables the processor to execute two threads (a part of
a program) in parallel—so your software can run more efficiently and you can multitask more
effectively than ever before.
Unit 1 and Unit 2 Review Materials
1. Benchmarks
a. With regard to computing, define the term benchmark.
The comparison of disparate systems or components via a standardized set of instructions.
The comparison is measured on the time it takes to execute these instructions. Notes 2.1.1
b. What tasks does benchmarking software perform in order to measure
the system being tested?
Benchmarking software has the processor execute a series of tasks, comparing various
aspects of system performance. These tasks can test anything from just the processor to
video output to system bus speeds. Notes 2.1.1
c. How can consumers use benchmarks to help them purchase a computer
system?
For a consumer, it can be difficult to compare two systems with different processor chips
and video cards to find one with the optimal performance for the style of application that
they will be running. Benchmarking computers can compare these two vastly differing
systems in a quantifiable way, giving the consumer the ability to purchase the machine
that will perform as needed.
d. How do benchmarks help identify slow points (bottlenecks) in the
system?
Benchmarking software can identify slow points (bottlenecks) by testing the speeds of
various components and listing areas where the computer is waiting for data, and what is
keeping the data for arriving quickly.
5. Computer Speed
a. One Hz is one __cycle___ per __second___.
b. Define IPS.
IPS is instructions per second which is a rating of how many instructions can be executed
by a processor in a given second.
c. Answer the following questions on the relationship of Hz to IPS.
i.
Which is a better determiner of speed: MHz or IPS?
IPS is a better determiner of computer performance.
ii.
Does a high Hz equal a high IPS, and can they be
inversely proportional? Explain.
A high Hz can indicate that the IPS is high, but they are not directly
proportional, but can never be inversely proportional.
iii.
How is it possible for a machine with a lower clock
speed (Hz) to have a higher IPS than a machine with a
higher clock speed?
An instruction can take a variable amount of cycles or partial cycles.
Thus, a computer can execute instructions more quickly than another
computer because of this.
d. What is the relationship between the system clock and Hz?
The system clock sends out pulses at regular intervals to set up the timings for all timed
system activities, such as determining the Hz of a processor.
14. RAM
a. Define RAM.
RAM is random access memory. It is the main storage for data, holding the data before
and after processing.
b. What is the unit of measurement typically used for the speed of RAM?
The speed of RAM is measured in nanoseconds.
c. What is SDRAM and how does it work?
SDRAM is Synchronous Dynamic RAM, a type of DRAM that is fast and relatively
inexpensive. It is synchronously clocked to the system bus. This means that RAM can
send out data to the CPU for each tick of the clock.
d. Data on hard disk drives is accessed indirectly via the file system.
i.
How is data in RAM accessed?
RAM is accessed directly via its address.
ii.
What are the benefits of accessing RAM in this way?
Accessing RAM directly increases the speed of information retrieval.
e. With regard to RAM, what is volatility?
Volatility means that when the power is lost the data stored in RAM is also lost.