FACULTY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(FCSIT)
TMF1214 Computer Architecture

Semester 2 2020/2021

Assignment
Type This assignment is to be conducted in a group. Please refer to CA Group
Members.docx for your group assignment. You do not allowed to switch
group/member.
Objectives The objectives of this assignment are:
 To explorer on the latest technology and its evolution of two main
components of Computer Architecture.
 To relate the Computer Architecture knowledge gained in the class to the
real world application.

In your own words answer both questions below. Use your own words (you may
Tasks use appropriate metaphor) to explain. You may also use source of references from
book, computer or IT journals and other reliable published source. Blogs from
individual on the internet are not a verified information, hence avoid it.
Question 1
a. To explore the evolution of technology within the Computer Architecture
Topics (Processor and Main memory architecture). You are to give a
comprehensive write up on the history/background of the topics and
discuss further on the evolution and its application in today’s modern
world.
b. Based on your knowledge and relate your answer with Moore’s law
observation, how will computers (specifically in term of processing power
and memory management) evolve over the next decade?
c. If you are needed to setup a gaming PC, which is the highest
configuration you can use today? Built a highest PC specification with the
budget of RM10,000. Please provide some justification.
Question 2
There are number of manufacturers of CPU (Central Processing Unit) of
a computer. However, the most prevalent and common among all are
Intel and AMD. Both are rivals and have their own market for specific
purpose of use. You are expected to explore and compare both Intel and
AMD processors based on the latest 2020/2021 ratings. You need to
discuss on the following components:
i. Costings (RM) in 2020 when compared on similar specs for both (Intel
and AMD).

ii. Which processor would you prefer based on its popularity and
technical specifications if you need for gaming purpose or any
applications that’s require high processing power? Explain why you
choose Intel or AMD.

iii. What is overclocking? Briefly explain its function and will it cause any
harm to your processor? You may share on technical point of view
(speed, performance etc).

Deliverables 1. A report consists of NOT MORE THAN 5 pages write up (not including cover
page, table of content and references) on the assigned topic.
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 2. Report format:
o Font type: Times New Roman
o Font Size: 12
o Spacing: 1.5
o Justified

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL source of information need to be CITED

accordingly.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COPY AND PASTE FROM THE INTERNET AND
YOUR FRIEND!

Marks This assignment is worth 15% of all marks for TMF1214 Computer Architecture
course.

Due date
16th April 2021,Friday by 5pm
Extension No extension of the due date will be given. If, due to circumstances beyond your
control, you are unable to complete the assignment by the due date, you should
submit the incomplete assignment presented in a professional manner and
complete a request for special consideration.

Submission a) Submit your full report through eLEAP. Use the link that is provided for you to
do so. Only one file per group is required for submission. When you submit,
please name your file as follows:-(Assignment-
GroupNumber_MatrixNoStud1_MatrixNoStud2) 

b) No hardcopy submission needed.

Lateness policy Late assignments may be graded as Fail and awarded zero (0) mark.

Plagiarism policy The final submission must be identifiably your own work. You must use your OWN
WORDS. Please have the appropriate citations and references where necessary.
Breaches of this policy will result in an assignment not being accepted for
assessment and the offending student being required to present before the
Disciplinary Committee.
Assessment
Assignment Report & Organization 2 marks
Question 1 9 marks
Question 2 7 marks
Sources & Reference Format 2 marks
/Conclusion
TOTAL MARKS (20 /20) * 15= 15%

Assessment Rubric

Task Description: Assignment 1

EXEMPLARY ACCOMPLISHED DEVELOPING POOR

Assignment [2] [1.5] [1] [0.5]

Report & Good organization; Organized; points are Some organization;
Poorly organized; no
Organisation points are logically somewhat jumpy; sense of points jump around;
logical progression;
ordered; sharp sense beginning and ending, beginning and ending
beginning and
of beginning and end, with report cover and table are unclear,
ending are vague,
with report cover and of content with report cover and
with no report cover
table of content no table of content
and no table of
content
Question 1 Report contents: Include summary of the article with author’s conclusion, personal

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 evaluation of the article that are relevance.
Technology [3] [2] [1] [0.5]
Evolution Very detail on Mostly included Mostly included but Mostly included but
background and not well covered poorly covered
history , and
information on
modern application
Moore’s law [3] [2] [1] [0.5]
observation Clear justification and Some details are non- Details are somewhat Unable to find
able to demonstrate supporting to the subject unclear. Do not specific details/
clear understanding support topic Poor explanations
of Moore’s law

Gaming PC Built [3] [2] [1] [0.5]

Clear details Some details specification, Minimal details Unrelated or poor
specification, price price and justification specification, price description
and justification and justification
Question 2 Each point of discussion of the Intel and AMD was provided and described
accurately with supporting details and sources, explanation answering all the
above 3 points.

CPU identification [2] [1.5] [1] [0.5]

and users A complete list of Comparison is 3/4 Some introductory on Very little
preferences common CPU complete, type of CPU is comparison, type of background
manufacturer based stated but missing minor CPU is stated but information
on 2020/2021 components. missing components. provided, type of
popularity and its comparison is
rankings by reliable unclear but missing
sources. major points or
information is
incorrect.
CPU usage [2] [1.5] [1] [0.5]
Correct Identification Correct Identification of Correct Identification Correct Identification
of components for components for both CPU, of components for of components but
both type of CPU, lack of info on processor both CPU. Lack of not enough
able to distinguish the for graphic design and info on CPU for justification as to
type of CPU for why to choose a specific graphic design why need to use a
graphic design, type. purpose particular CPU.
understand each type
and its own
specifications.
Overclocking [3] [2] [1] [0.5]
Understand the Understand the Able to distinguish Know about
concept of overclocking concept but what is over clocking overclocking but not
overclocking and not in details on its and need to do it much details provide
explained well on its function and capability. to support the
function and knowledge.
advantages. Able to
distinguish and
decide on the needs
to overclocking.
Conclusion [2] [1.5] [1] [0.5]
Acceptable and Acceptable and relevant Conclusion are drawn, Unacceptable or
relevant conclusion conclusion have been but many are irrelevant conclusion
have been drawn, drawn, but could be better misstated, indicating a are drawn, indicating
student shows good stated lack of understanding. misunderstanding.
understanding.

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