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GCSE AQA Computer Science (8525): 3.4.5 Systems Architecture Exam

Instructions:

• Answer all questions.
• Provide examples where required.
• Write answers clearly, explaining key terms.
• Time: 45 minutes.
• Total: 25 marks.

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Section A: Short-Answer Questions (10 marks)

1. Name three major components of a CPU and briefly state the role of one. (2 marks)

2. What is a bus in a computer system? (1 mark)

3. State two factors that affect CPU performance. (2 marks)

4. Describe the 'fetch' stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle. (1 mark)

5. What is the difference between RAM and ROM? (2 marks)

6. Give one reason why secondary storage is required. (1 mark)

7. What is an embedded system? Give one example. (1 mark)

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Section B: Explanation Questions (15 marks)

8. Explain the operation of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit in the CPU. (3 marks)

9. Explain how cache size affects CPU performance. (2 marks)

10. Describe the full Fetch-Execute cycle, including what happens in each stage. (3 marks)

11. Explain the differences between main memory and secondary storage. Include the terms volatile and non-volatile. (3 marks)

12. Compare solid state and magnetic secondary storage, including one advantage and one disadvantage of each. (2 marks)

13. Explain what cloud storage is and give one advantage and one disadvantage compared to local storage. (2 marks)

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End of Questions

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