WGU C952 Computer Architecture 2026 – 600+ Questions on ARMv8, Virtual Memory, Caches, Pipelining & Multiprocessing

This WGU C952 Computer Architecture 2026 document contains over 600 comprehensive exam-style questions and verified answers covering processor design, ARMv8 architecture, memory hierarchy, virtual memory, pipelining, cache systems, parallel processing, and performance optimization. The material begins with foundational computer organization concepts including register files (1024 scalar 32-bit registers for up to 64 threads), machine language, system software, operating systems, assembly language, and instruction set architecture (ISA) versus application binary interface (ABI). It thoroughly explains datapath and control, CPU organization, SRAM vs DRAM, volatile vs nonvolatile memory, magnetic disks, flash memory, and memory hierarchy principles such as temporal and spatial locality. The document provides in-depth ARMv8 and LEGv8 coverage, including register formats, opcode structure, R-format instructions, LDUR and STUR addressing (base register and offset), branch conditions (B.EQ, B.NE, B.LT, B.GE), condition codes (N, Z, V, C), branch-and-link instructions, program counter behavior, floating-point operations (single vs double precision), and sign extension. It explains load-store architecture, RISC design philosophy, and instruction pipeline stages (IF, ID, EX, MEM, WB), including pipeline hazards (data, structural, control), forwarding, branch prediction, branch target buffers, correlating and tournament predictors. Advanced processor topics include Tomasulo’s Algorithm, reservation stations, reorder buffers, commit units, out-of-order execution, superscalar design, VLIW, dynamic scheduling, and imprecise interrupts. Multiprocessor concepts such as UMA vs NUMA, multithreading, multiprocessing, strong vs weak scaling, Amdahl’s Law, CPU time formula, throughput, and streaming processors are thoroughly reviewed. Virtual memory is explained in detail, including address translation, page tables, multi-level paging (ARMv8 implementation), inverted page tables, TLB design and performance metrics (hit time, miss penalty, miss rate), page faults, swap space, dirty bits, reference bits, physically vs virtually addressed caches, aliasing, and context switching. Cache architecture coverage includes direct-mapped, set-associative, and fully associative caches, Three Cs model (compulsory, capacity, conflict misses), L1/L2 cache hierarchy, write-invalidate protocols, coherence vs consistency, snooping, and write serialization. Storage systems are also examined, including RAID levels 0–6 (striping, mirroring, parity), disk access characteristics, and memory performance trade-offs. Hardware fundamentals such as CMOS technology, VLSI, transistors, silicon wafers, finite-state machines, control signals, edge-triggered clocking, and combinational vs state elements are comprehensively covered. This resource is especially relevant for: WGU C952 Computer Architecture students Computer Organization and Architecture courses ARMv8 and RISC architecture coursework Systems programming and low-level assembly courses Performance analysis and parallel computing classes Objective Assessment exam preparation The structured question-and-answer format reinforces deep conceptual understanding of computer architecture, processor microarchitecture, caching strategies, virtual memory systems, and parallel performance principles aligned with WGU C952 competencies. Keywords: WGU C952 computer architecture, ARMv8 virtual memory, LEGv8 assembly instructions, instruction set architecture ISA, application binary interface ABI, pipeline hazards data structural control, Tomasulo algorithm dynamic scheduling, reservation station reorder buffer, superscalar processor design, VLIW architecture, cache memory hierarchy, temporal spatial locality, set associative cache mapping, Three Cs cache model, TLB hit miss rate, multi level page table ARMv8, Amdahl law speedup, CPU time formula CPI clock cycle, branch prediction buffer, out of order execution, load store architecture RISC, RAID 0 1 5 6 comparison, cache coherence snooping protocol, NUMA vs UMA multiprocessor