ITPEC IP April 2019 Question 10

For CPUs with the same architecture, a higher clock frequency generally means more processing cycles per second and faster response. Holding architecture and other relevant factors constant makes clock rate a meaningful performance comparison.

Answer (d)

Why not others:
- cache reduces effective memory access time; virtual memory extends apparent main-memory capacity using storage
- arithmetic and logic functions and control functions are distinct core CPU functions
- processor bit width affects data handling and can influence capability and performance

Key rule: Clock frequency is comparable most directly within the same architecture; real performance also depends on work per cycle, cores, memory, and workload.

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