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A level computer science exam question OCR

"A computer uses a Von Neumann processor.
RISC and CISC are types of processor architecture.
Describe the differences between the two architectures."
Mark scheme: CISC is more complex / RISC is
simpler / CISC longer instruction set
RISC requires more RAM
CISC many address modes
CISC may have more registers
RISC takes one machine cycle / CISC
takes many cycles to complete one
instruction
RISC fixed number of bytes / CISC
variable number
my answer: CISC has a compicated processor design, whilst RISC has a simple processor design. CISC has many instructions available whilst RISC has a limited instruction available.

This question is 4 marks, so would I need 4 comparisions, or just 2 (like my answer)??? Also, my comparison points are not included in the markscheme, so would I still get the marks as CISC does have different designs and varied instructions..Thanks:smile:
Sorry you've not had any responses about this. :frown: Are you sure you've posted in the right place? :smile: Here's a link to our subject forum which should help get you more responses if you post there. :redface:
Reply 2
Original post by WingsDan
"A computer uses a Von Neumann processor.
RISC and CISC are types of processor architecture.
Describe the differences between the two architectures."
Mark scheme: CISC is more complex / RISC is
simpler / CISC longer instruction set
RISC requires more RAM
CISC many address modes
CISC may have more registers
RISC takes one machine cycle / CISC
takes many cycles to complete one
instruction
RISC fixed number of bytes / CISC
variable number
my answer: CISC has a compicated processor design, whilst RISC has a simple processor design. CISC has many instructions available whilst RISC has a limited instruction available.

This question is 4 marks, so would I need 4 comparisions, or just 2 (like my answer)??? Also, my comparison points are not included in the markscheme, so would I still get the marks as CISC does have different designs and varied instructions..Thanks:smile:

It's pretty simple. You would get the marks depending on the context in which it is used in
(edited 3 years ago)
Reply 3
Original post by Ranger33
It's pretty simple. You would get the marks depending on the context in which it is used in

But how would I get the 4 marks? How many comparisons do I have to make?
Reply 4
Original post by WingsDan
But how would I get the 4 marks? How many comparisons do I have to make?

I'd say 2 comparisons and explain the reasoning behind why you chose those two, which will gain you the further 2 marks
Reply 5
Original post by Ranger33
I'd say 2 comparisons and explain the reasoning behind why you chose those two, which will gain you the further 2 mark

Oh, can you please provide an example (in terms of the reasoning with why the 2 comparisons are chosen), expanding from my answer: "CISC has a compicated processor design, whilst RISC has a simple processor design. CISC has many instructions available whilst RISC has a limited instruction available."

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