Computer architecture vs computer organization studies the internal workings, structuring, and implementation of a computer system. Although the two concepts are used together in the design and development of computers, they are not the same.
Computer architecture, just like architecture in any other field, refers to the visual components of a system. Visual here refers to what can be seen by the software programmer and directly impacts the logic of a program. It deals with describing and designing these attributes to make a computer functional.
On the other hand, computer organization deals with how the operational units of the computer system are structured and linked to achieve the abstract from the computer architecture. Computer architecture comes before the organization.
This article looks at computer organization and architecture with real-life examples. It further expounds on their differences and the importance of learning this concept.
Here’s everything you need to learn about this concept.
What is Computer Architecture?
Computer architecture is the blueprint or abstract of a computer system in the eyes of a programmer. It offers the design and functional explanation of all components and requirements that make a computer system.
Computer architecture can, therefore, be defined as a catalog of tools that are visual to the programmer and make the computer system functional. Some of these tools or visual attributes include:
- Instructional Set Architecture (ISA) of the processor
- Physical memory
- Techniques for addressing memories
- Number of bits used for data representation
- Input and output mechanism
What is Computer Organization?
On the other hand, computer organization is the realization of the abstract. It deals with how hardware components are linked together and implemented to form a computer system and achieve the specifications of the computer architecture.
Computer organization involves connecting physical units like adder subtractors, circuit design, and peripheral signals between the computer interface and hardware.
These hardware components include the following:
- Memory and memory organization
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Control Unit
In summary, computer architecture deals with what a computer should do, while organization deals with how a computer works.
Difference Between Computer Architecture and Organization
Together, the two determine a computer system’s overall performance. Computer architecture will dictate your computer’s power and scalability for future inventions. On the other hand, computer organization will determine your computer’s speed and efficacy.
| Computer Architecture | Computer Organization |
| It deals with high-level design. | Computer organization deals in low-level design processes, also known as micro-architecture. |
| Computer architecture comes first when developing a computer system. | Computer organization is based on the abstract from computer architecture. |
| It is concerned with the logic of the program. That is, Addressing Modes, Instruction set, cache optimization and Data types. | It connects physical attributes like hardware components, circuit designs, adders, signals, and peripherals. |
| Architecture acts as the interface between software and hardware components of a computer system. | Computer organization deals with components of a computer system and how they are interconnected for functionality. |
| Computer architecture is concerned with the design of the computer system- how it should be. | The organization is concerned with how a computer system works. |
Benefits of Studying Computer Organization and Architecture
Traditionally and even today, manufacturers design computer models with the same architecture but different organizations. For example, it’s common to find different computer models with one hard disk, that is, architecture, but with different processing speeds, which is organization.
Similarly, computer architecture may have existed in the market for many years but has a different organization. Understanding computer organization and architecture will inform your purchase decision. It will help you buy what is appealing and what is timely and functional.
Other than that, as a computer science student and if you’re looking to have a career in computer engineering and other related discipline, it’s important that you understand computer architecture and organization for these reasons:
- Studying computer organization and architecture gives you the fundamental knowledge of a computer system, its components, performance characteristics, and uses.
- Knowing how to execute instructions, access memory, and store data helps you write better codes.
- According to a report by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Understanding the architecture and organization of a computer helps you know how to structure programs that run efficiently in real machines. The institute has, therefore, made computer organization and architecture compulsory units for Computer Science and Engineering courses.
- Organization and architecture also help you know which system to use for your tasks. You can consider specific details like computing power.
- You can use the knowledge to optimize the performance of applications.
- You learn how the software interacts with the hardware components, equipping you with knowledge on how to build an architecture that works well with a software or operating system.
Prerequisite Topics for Computer Organization
To help you have an easy time grasping the concepts of computer organization and architecture, consider studying the below topics as a foundation:
- Computer Basics
- Mathematics
- Digital Loic
- Basic Programming
- Basics of Assembly Language
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
Wrapping It Up!
Computer architecture vs computer organization is a comparison concerned with the design and performance of a computer system. The two are different concepts used together. Computer architecture determines the design of the system in the programmer’s eyes. Therefore, it determines the computer’s power and scalability. Your computer can only handle a large workload, depending on its design. Architecture also determines whether your computer system can support future technologies.
On the other hand, computer architecture will determine your system’s performance and efficiency. You want to build hardware connections that support optimum speed and quick responsiveness. So whether you are a computer science student or new to your tech career, this is a unit that you need to be well versed in. It comes in handy in terms of your knowledge and application of computers.