Computer architecture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:47, 16 October 2024

Revision as of 17:48, 16 October 2024

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Performance is affected by a very wide range of design choices — for example, [[Pipeline (computing)|pipelining]] a processor usually makes latency worse, but makes throughput better. Computers that control machinery usually need low interrupt latencies. These computers operate in a [[real-time computing|real-time]] environment and fail if an operation is not completed in a specified amount of time. For example, computer-controlled anti-lock brakes must begin braking within a predictable and limited time period after the brake pedal is sensed or else failure of the brake will occur.

[[Benchmark (computing)|BenchmarkBenchmarking]]ing takes all these factors into account by measuring the time a computer takes to run through a series of test programs. Although benchmarking shows strengths, it should not be how you choose a computer. Often the measured machines split on different measures. For example, one system might handle scientific applications quickly, while another might render [[Videovideo game|video games]]s more smoothly. Furthermore, designers may target and add special features to their products, through hardware or software, that permit a specific benchmark to execute quickly but do not offer similar advantages to general tasks.

===Power efficiency===