Ca Solution

Name:__________________________

CSE 30321 – Computer Architecture I – Fall 2010

Final Exam

December 13, 2010

Test Guidelines:

1. Place your name on EACH page of the test in the space provided.

2. Answer every question in the space provided. If separate sheets are needed, make sure to

include your name and clearly identify the problem being solved.

3. Read each question carefully. Ask questions if anything needs to be clarified.

4. The exam is open book and open notes.

5. All other points of the ND Honor Code are in effect!

6. Upon completion, please turn in the test and any scratch paper that you used.

Suggestion:

-

Whenever possible, show your work and your thought process. This will make it easier for us to

give you partial credit.

Question

Possible Points

1

17

2

10

3

17

4

15

5

15

6

17

7

9

Total

100

Your Points

Name:__________________________

Problem 1: (17 points)

Question A: (5 points)

A cache may be organized such that:

o

In one case, there are more data elements per block and fewer blocks

o

In another case, there are fewer elements per block but more blocks

However, in both cases – i.e. larger blocks but fewer of them OR shorter blocks, but more of them – the

cache’s total capacity (amount of data storage) remains the same.

What are the pros and cons of each organization? Support your answer with a short example

assuming that the cache is direct mapped. Your answer must fit in the box below.

Solution:

If block size is larger:

- Con:

There will be fewer blocks and hence a higher potential for conflict misses

- Pro:

You may achieve better performance from spatial locality due to the larger block size

- Example: If you have a high degree of sequential data accesses, this makes more sense

If there are fewer elements per block and more blocks:

- Con:

You may be more subject to compulsory misses due to the smaller block size

- Pro:

You may see fewer conflict...