Question One $(20$ Marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}1.$ Illustrate the internal architecture of the Central Processing Unit $($CPU$)$ and

explain the function of its three primary components. Provide at least two functions per

component.

$1\mathrm{.}2.$ Provide an analysis between the Second Generation $(1959-1963)$ and Third

Generation $(1964$

$(12$marks$)-1979)$ computing periods under the categories: Transistor vs$.$ Integrated Circuit $($IC$)$

Technology, Size and Performance, Operating System and Software, and User

Interface.

$(8$ marks$)$

Question Two $(20$ Marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}1.$ Consider a scenario where a computer system is experiencing performance issues

related to data transfer between its peripheral devices and the CPU. Using the concepts

of the northbridge and southbridge architecture:

$2\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}1.$ Identify and explain the roles$/$functions of the Northbridge and Southbridge in

managing data transfer within the computer system. $(3$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}2.$ Analyse how a bottleneck in either the Northbridge or Southbridge could impact the

system's overall performance. $(3$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}3.$ Propose potential strategies to diagnose and address the bottleneck issue,

considering hardware and software optimization techniques.

$2\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}4.$ Discuss the potential implications of resolving the bottleneck on the system's

performance and

$(3$ marks$)$

efficiency.

$2\mathrm{.}2.$ Explain the function$($s$)$ of the following bus types $($provide at least two per type$)$:

$(3$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}1.$ Control Bus $(2$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}2.$ Data Bus $(2$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}3.$ Address Bus $(2$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}4.$ Backside Bus