Architecture?

[Ursad0n]

So I hear this word get thrown around a LOT in videos and on forums and I'm still not entirely sure what computer architecture is. Has Linus or anyone similar done any sort of explanations on what it is or am I missing something

[Glenwing]

It refers to the specific design elements of an integrated circuit (i.e. a CPU or GPU).

 

An i5-4690K has 4 cores of the "Haswell-architecture" design, which is distinct from AMD's FX-4300 with 4 cores of the "Piledriver-architecture" design.  Totally different designs, which is why they have totally different performance.  Both designs just happen to have 4 cores.  The cores themselves though are entirely different in design, and the architecture name is what we use to refer to each design.

[Akolyte]

It refers to the specific design elements of an integrated circuit (i.e. a CPU or GPU).

 

An i5-4690K has 4 cores of the "Haswell-architecture" design, which is distinct from AMD's FX-4300 with 4 cores of the "Piledriver-architecture" design.  Totally different designs, which is why they have totally different performance.  Both designs just happen to have 4 cores.  The cores themselves though are entirely different in design, and the architecture name is what we use to refer to each design.

woah.

[Ursad0n]

Well that makes a lot of sense actually thank you lol. TIL

[ForsakenLive]

Glenwing explained it great; it's basically the way you design circuits (for example a CPU core or chip).

 

On Linus video, he opted for CPUs that follow the same design, meaning that besides the clockspeed, core count, cache or available I/O (like PCIe lanes), the CPUs are basically the same. And he is right, but these and other details make the performance difference.

[Akolyte]

@Glenwing should have his own show! 

 

He explained that SO WELL!

[marioo1182]

I would recommend watching this video. Very interesting and will probably answer your question. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhsKCnDD3F8

[Nuluvius]

It depends on the context. If it's hardware related then all of the answers above provide sufficient insight. If it's software then one is referring to things like Design Patterns and more general applicable concepts.