computer science

ICOMP (index)

ICOMP (index) is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand ICOMP (index) rather than just read about it. In short: iCOMP (for Intel Comparative Microprocessor Performance) was an index published by Intel used to measure the relative performance of its microprocessors. Intel was motivated to create the iCOMP rating by research which showed that many computer buyers assumed that the clock speed – the “MHz” rating – was indicative of performance, regardless of the processor type. iCOMP ratings based on standard benchmarks.

Key takeaways

ICOMP (index) belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect ICOMP (index) to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of ICOMP (index) from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

iCOMP (for Intel Comparative Microprocessor Performance) was an index published by Intel used to measure the relative performance of its microprocessors. Intel was motivated to create the iCOMP rating by research which showed that many computer buyers assumed that the clock speed – the “MHz” rating – was indicative of performance, regardless of the processor type. iCOMP ratings based on standard benchmarks. The formula for calculating iCOMPs is like this:

The largest component is the integer CPU benchmark from Ziff-Davis Labs (ZDbenchCPU), which is derived from the earlier PC Labs benchmarks. Whetstone (as implemented in PowerMeter) is used for 16-bit floating-point, and SPECint92 and SPECfp92 are used for the 32-bit components. There were three revisions of the iCOMP index. Version 1.0 (1992) was benchmarked against the 486SX 25, while version 2.0 (1996) was benchmarked against the Pentium 120. For Version 3.0 (1999) it was Pentium II at 350 MHz.

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with ICOMP (index)

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what ICOMP (index) claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to ICOMP (index) before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about ICOMP (index) ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of ICOMP (index)

In research: ICOMP (index) appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses ICOMP (index) in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: ICOMP (index) is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Benchmarks (computing), Computer-related introductions in 1992, Computer performance, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for ICOMP (index) outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

Ask Teacher Smith questions about this articleOpens your AI tutor with a question about “ICOMP (index)” →

Affiliate

Preply — study more efficiently by working with a personal tutor. 50% off.

How to study ICOMP (index) in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what ICOMP (index) means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain ICOMP (index) out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICOMP (index) in simple terms?

Why does ICOMP (index) matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study ICOMP (index)?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on ICOMP (index).