WGU C952 Computer Architecture Extended Practice Test
2026 | Verified Answers | Exam Prep
1. If a cache memory system uses a block size of 64 bytes, how would this affect
the performance of data retrieval in a computing system?
It would have no effect on performance as block size is irrelevant.
It would decrease performance by increasing the number of cache
misses.
It would only affect the speed of the CPU, not the cache.
It could improve performance by reducing the number of cache
misses, as more data can be fetched at once.
2. Describe the purpose of a branch-and-link instruction in computer
architecture.
It allows the program to jump to a different instruction while
keeping track of where to return.
It saves the current instruction for future reference.
It executes a loop by repeating the current instruction.
It manages memory allocation for data storage.
3. What is the primary function of a datapath element in a processor?
To manage memory allocation in the system.
To execute instructions from the CPU.
To operate on or hold data within a processor.
To connect different hardware components.
,4. If a doubleword in LEGv8 architecture is represented as 10011010 01101100
00000000 00000000, what is the value of the most significant bit?
1
0
10
100
5. Describe the significance of the seek operation in the context of disk
performance.
The seek operation only affects data transfer rates.
The seek operation is only important for solid-state drives.
The seek operation is irrelevant to disk performance.
The seek operation is crucial for accessing data efficiently, as it
determines how quickly the read/write head can reach the desired
track.
6. What is the definition of a restartable instruction in computer architecture?
An instruction that is executed in parallel with other instructions.
An instruction that requires a complete system reboot to execute.
An instruction that cannot be executed due to hardware failure.
An instruction that can resume execution after an exception is
resolved without the exception affecting the instruction's result.
7. If a disk drive has a high seek time, what impact might this have on overall
system performance during data retrieval tasks?
It will improve data retrieval speed.
, It will have no impact on performance.
It will only affect write operations.
It may slow down data retrieval tasks significantly.
8. Describe how biased notation represents positive and negative values in
computer architecture.
In biased notation, the most negative value is represented by
00...000two and the most positive value by 11...11two, with zero
typically represented as 10...00two.
In biased notation, all values are represented as positive integers.
Biased notation does not have a specific representation for zero.
Biased notation uses a single value to represent both positive and
negative numbers.
9. In a scenario where a processor is executing a critical task, how would
disabling the exception enable signal affect the system's performance?
It would allow the processor to handle more tasks simultaneously.
It would enhance the system's ability to manage memory.
It would increase the speed of task execution.
It may lead to unhandled exceptions that could disrupt the task.
10. Describe the significance of a vectored interrupt in computer architecture.
A vectored interrupt is a method for increasing the clock speed of a
processor.
A vectored interrupt prevents data loss during memory access.
A vectored interrupt allows for efficient handling of exceptions by
directing control to a specific address based on the exception
, cause.
A vectored interrupt is used to prioritize tasks in a multi-core
processor.
11. If a computer system's cache has a miss rate of 20%, what implications does
this have for overall system performance during data retrieval operations?
It indicates that the cache is functioning optimally with no delays.
It implies that 20% of memory accesses will require fetching data
from slower memory levels, potentially slowing down overall
system performance.
It means that all data retrieval operations will be completed instantly.
It suggests that the system has an excess of memory resources.
12. What is the main reason a Memory Hierarchy works efficiently?
It relies on the fastest memory for all operations.
Because it allows for larger storage capacities.
Memory hierarchy reduces the cost of memory.
Due to the principle of locality of reference.
13. Describe the significance of a block (or line) in cache memory and its role in
data retrieval.
A block (or line) is a term used for the largest unit of data in cache
memory.
A block (or line) is irrelevant to cache memory as it only pertains to
main memory.
A block (or line) refers to the total capacity of the cache memory.
2026 | Verified Answers | Exam Prep
1. If a cache memory system uses a block size of 64 bytes, how would this affect
the performance of data retrieval in a computing system?
It would have no effect on performance as block size is irrelevant.
It would decrease performance by increasing the number of cache
misses.
It would only affect the speed of the CPU, not the cache.
It could improve performance by reducing the number of cache
misses, as more data can be fetched at once.
2. Describe the purpose of a branch-and-link instruction in computer
architecture.
It allows the program to jump to a different instruction while
keeping track of where to return.
It saves the current instruction for future reference.
It executes a loop by repeating the current instruction.
It manages memory allocation for data storage.
3. What is the primary function of a datapath element in a processor?
To manage memory allocation in the system.
To execute instructions from the CPU.
To operate on or hold data within a processor.
To connect different hardware components.
,4. If a doubleword in LEGv8 architecture is represented as 10011010 01101100
00000000 00000000, what is the value of the most significant bit?
1
0
10
100
5. Describe the significance of the seek operation in the context of disk
performance.
The seek operation only affects data transfer rates.
The seek operation is only important for solid-state drives.
The seek operation is irrelevant to disk performance.
The seek operation is crucial for accessing data efficiently, as it
determines how quickly the read/write head can reach the desired
track.
6. What is the definition of a restartable instruction in computer architecture?
An instruction that is executed in parallel with other instructions.
An instruction that requires a complete system reboot to execute.
An instruction that cannot be executed due to hardware failure.
An instruction that can resume execution after an exception is
resolved without the exception affecting the instruction's result.
7. If a disk drive has a high seek time, what impact might this have on overall
system performance during data retrieval tasks?
It will improve data retrieval speed.
, It will have no impact on performance.
It will only affect write operations.
It may slow down data retrieval tasks significantly.
8. Describe how biased notation represents positive and negative values in
computer architecture.
In biased notation, the most negative value is represented by
00...000two and the most positive value by 11...11two, with zero
typically represented as 10...00two.
In biased notation, all values are represented as positive integers.
Biased notation does not have a specific representation for zero.
Biased notation uses a single value to represent both positive and
negative numbers.
9. In a scenario where a processor is executing a critical task, how would
disabling the exception enable signal affect the system's performance?
It would allow the processor to handle more tasks simultaneously.
It would enhance the system's ability to manage memory.
It would increase the speed of task execution.
It may lead to unhandled exceptions that could disrupt the task.
10. Describe the significance of a vectored interrupt in computer architecture.
A vectored interrupt is a method for increasing the clock speed of a
processor.
A vectored interrupt prevents data loss during memory access.
A vectored interrupt allows for efficient handling of exceptions by
directing control to a specific address based on the exception
, cause.
A vectored interrupt is used to prioritize tasks in a multi-core
processor.
11. If a computer system's cache has a miss rate of 20%, what implications does
this have for overall system performance during data retrieval operations?
It indicates that the cache is functioning optimally with no delays.
It implies that 20% of memory accesses will require fetching data
from slower memory levels, potentially slowing down overall
system performance.
It means that all data retrieval operations will be completed instantly.
It suggests that the system has an excess of memory resources.
12. What is the main reason a Memory Hierarchy works efficiently?
It relies on the fastest memory for all operations.
Because it allows for larger storage capacities.
Memory hierarchy reduces the cost of memory.
Due to the principle of locality of reference.
13. Describe the significance of a block (or line) in cache memory and its role in
data retrieval.
A block (or line) is a term used for the largest unit of data in cache
memory.
A block (or line) is irrelevant to cache memory as it only pertains to
main memory.
A block (or line) refers to the total capacity of the cache memory.
