What is the difference between microarchitecture and architecture?

What is the difference between microarchitecture and architecture?

Microarchitecture refers to the design of a specific implementation of a processor, focusing on how its components are organized and interact. Architecture, on the other hand, is a broader concept that defines the overall structure and capabilities of a computer system, including instruction sets and data formats.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! An example of architecture is the x86 architecture, which defines the instruction set for Intel and AMD processors. An example of microarchitecture is Intel's Core i7, which implements the x86 architecture but has its own specific design and optimizations.

Why is microarchitecture important?

Microarchitecture is crucial because it directly affects the performance, power efficiency, and overall capabilities of a processor. Different microarchitectures can lead to significant differences in how well a CPU performs tasks.

How often do microarchitectures change?

Microarchitectures can change with each new generation of processors, typically every few years, as manufacturers introduce new technologies and optimizations.