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Assignment 2

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Fahad Iqbal
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11 views

Assignment 2

Uploaded by

Fahad Iqbal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Question 1: Comparing Magnetic and Solid-State Storage Devices.

Magnetic Storage Devices:

Magnetic storage devices use magnetic fields to store and retrieve data. Common examples include hard
disk drives (HDDs) and magnetic tape.

Advantages:

Cost: Magnetic storage tends to be more cost-effective per unit of storage capacity.

Capacity: Magnetic storage devices can offer larger storage capacities, especially in HDDs.

Long-Term Storage: Magnetic storage is suitable for long-term data retention due to its relatively stable
nature.

Disadvantages:

Speed: Magnetic storage is slower compared to solid-state storage due to mechanical components and
seek times.

Durability: Hard drives are susceptible to physical damage due to moving parts.

Power Consumption: Magnetic storage devices generally consume more power compared to solid-state
devices.

Solid-State Storage Devices:

Solid-state storage devices use semiconductor-based memory to store data. Examples include solid-state
drives (SSDs) and USB flash drives.

Advantages:

Speed: Solid-state storage is much faster due to the absence of mechanical components and low access
times.

Durability: SSDs are more durable as they lack moving parts, making them less susceptible to physical
shocks.

Power Efficiency: Solid-state devices consume less power, leading to improved battery life in laptops and
mobile devices.
Disadvantages:

Cost: Solid-state storage is generally more expensive per unit of storage compared to magnetic storage.

Capacity: Although increasing, the storage capacity of SSDs can still be lower compared to larger HDDs.

Long-Term Storage: SSDs might experience data retention issues over very long periods due to their
electronic nature.

Question 2: Cache Memory and Its Impact on Computer Performance

Cache Memory:

Cache memory is a small, high-speed volatile memory located between the CPU and main memory. Its
purpose is to store frequently accessed data and instructions for faster retrieval by the CPU.

Functionality:

Cache memory acts as a buffer between the fast CPU and the slower main memory. It stores copies of
frequently used data from main memory to reduce the time the CPU spends waiting for data.

Factors Affecting Effectiveness:

Cache Size: A larger cache size generally results in better performance as more data can be stored for
quick access.

Cache Levels: Multiple cache levels (L1, L2, L3) can further enhance performance by storing data at
different speeds and capacities.

Cache Replacement Policy: Algorithms determining which data to replace in the cache impact how
effectively it holds relevant data.

Cache Coherency: In multi-core systems, ensuring that multiple caches have consistent data is crucial for
efficient processing.

Cache Memory Efficiency:

Cache memory is efficient when it effectively anticipates and stores data that the CPU is likely to need in
the near future. This reduces the time the CPU spends idling, waiting for data from main memory,
thereby enhancing overall system performance.

References: https://learnlearn.uk/igcsecs/magnetic-optical-solid-state-storage/
https://digitalthinkerhelp.com/what-is-magnetic-storage-definition-devices-examples-and-types/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/magnetic-storage-definition-devices-examples.html

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