# CPU performance (architectural variables)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 8, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461 "2018-02-08T19:01:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MaverocK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\
**Post date:** [February 8, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461/1 "2018-02-08T19:01:58Z")

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I once read a very nicely written description of variables of performance for CPUs (Central Processing Unit). My forgetful mind did not bookmark the article. If I am not mistaken, it was probably on Stackoverflow. I searched it for a long while. I cannot find it again.

The variables I could remember were branch prediction, cache latency, cache size, number of cores etc.

I won’t expect you to do the search for me. But if you could explain all these variables, I’d love to read it. Or maybe you can refer me to a textbook or article.

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**Author:** ![joema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a9adbd/32.png) [@joema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joema)\
**Post date:** [February 8, 2018, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461/2 "2018-02-08T20:08:29Z")

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This is a good overview:

> **[Modern Microprocessors - A 90-Minute Guide!](https://www.lighterra.com/papers/modernmicroprocessors/)**
>
> A brief, pulls-no-punches, fast-paced introduction to the main design aspects of modern processor microarchitecture.

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**Author:** ![MaverocK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461/3 "2018-02-09T21:39:09Z")

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> [@joema](#):
>
> This is a good overview:
> 
> [Modern Microprocessors - A 90-Minute Guide!](http://www.lighterra.com/papers/modernmicroprocessors/)

Perfect article. Thank you. Truly appreciated.