What is the function of the front side bus (FSB) in a computer? A. The FSB activates access to the megabytes of memory stored in the computer’s cache. B. The FSB determines the resolution standard for the display screen of the computer. C. The FSB holds the capacity of memory contained in the graphics processor unit (GPU) of the computer D. The FSB protects the integrity and security of all software loaded on the computer E. The FSB permits the central core processor to access input/output devices and memory NOT stored in the cache.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is E: “The FSB permits the central core processor to access input/output devices and memory NOT stored in the cache.”
Explanation:
The Front-Side Bus (FSB) is a critical component of the computer’s architecture, serving as a pathway for data transmission between the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and other peripheral devices. It connects the CPU to the system’s main memory (RAM), as well as to input/output (I/O) devices.
The function of the FSB is essentially to facilitate communication between the CPU and the system’s memory, allowing the CPU to read from or write to memory. It enables the CPU to access memory that is not stored in the cache. Cache memory is much faster than RAM and is located closer to the CPU, but it has a limited capacity. Therefore, when the CPU needs to access larger amounts of data or when the data is not present in the cache, the FSB enables access to the main memory (RAM) and other I/O devices.
The FSB’s role is important because it impacts the overall speed and performance of the system. A faster FSB allows data to move between the CPU and memory more quickly, which can reduce bottlenecks and increase system efficiency. This is why higher-end systems often utilize faster FSBs (measured in MHz or GHz), which can directly improve the system’s responsiveness and performance.
In earlier computer architectures, the FSB was used for all data communication between the CPU, memory, and other components. However, in modern systems, especially those with multi-core processors or integrated components, the traditional FSB has been largely replaced by newer technologies such as hypertransport (AMD) or QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) (Intel). These technologies offer more bandwidth and reduce communication delays, further improving performance.