ITPEC IP October 2021 Question 11
Which of the following is the most appropriate description concerning a compatible CPU?
Explanation
It can run the OS and application software that run on the original CPU — that is what compatibility means.
A compatible CPU implements the same instruction set as the original CPU, so machine code written for the original runs on it unchanged. Its internal design, maker and performance may differ. CPUs from different manufacturers that run the same x86 software are the familiar example.
Answer (a)
Why not others:
- •(b) — patents do not forbid compatible CPUs outright; they are made under licence agreements or by independent designs that avoid the patented inventions
- •(c) — multi-core compatible CPUs exist; the number of cores does not affect whether the instruction set is compatible
- •(d) — compatible CPUs are fitted to new PC models as well, not only used to upgrade old PCs
Key rule: CPU compatibility is compatibility of the instruction set: software built for one CPU runs on the other, whatever the maker, core count or internal design.
Computer Component · AI-written, may contain errors
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