CPUs and architecture
Which correctly describes a CPU with a clock frequency of 3 GHz?
- AIt receives 3,000 clock cycles per second
- BIt receives 3 billion clock cycles per second
- CIt executes 3 instructions per second
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. It receives 3 billion clock cycles per second
1 GHz is 10⁹ Hz, so 3 GHz means 3 × 10⁹, or 3 billion, clock cycles per second. The number of instructions executed per clock varies by design, so clock frequency alone does not determine instructions per second.
- A. 3,000 cycles per second corresponds to 3 kHz.
- B. Correct. 3 GHz = 3 billion cycles per second.
- C. Clock frequency is not the number of instructions.