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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:28
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The correct answer is C.

C supports the voltage regulation hypothesis, showing that processors with stable voltage do not experience performance drops under high computational demand, regardless of the cooling system. This undermines the thermal management hypothesis and supports the voltage regulation hypothesis.

Other options are eliminated because:
- A supports the thermal management hypothesis but doesn't address voltage regulation.
- B is too general and doesn't distinguish between the two hypotheses.
- D supports thermal management but doesn’t address voltage regulation.
- E doesn’t isolate which system (thermal or voltage) is causing performance drops.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:29
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Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do. A close answer but it seems to support thermal management hypothesis only when computational load is suddenly increased but doesn't give us any concrete comparison during constant computational load.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality. This seems to undermine both the arguments.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system. Correctly compares both the hypothesis during high computational load while supporting the steady voltage supply hypothesis while undermining the hypothesis regarding thermal management

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature. Just talks about computation tasks that are consistent in nature ignoring the general sense.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops. Might be true in real world but fails to provide any concrete facts to compare both the hypothesis in discussion.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:33
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Quote:
Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.
Show more

We need to select an option that strengthens one hypothesis and weakens the other and not just addresses one hypothesis.

a) This option supports the hypothesis related to the cooling systems and does not address the high-voltage hypothesis. WRONG

b) This option undermines both the hypothesis. WRONG

c) CORRECT this strengthens the high-voltage hypothesis while undermining the cooling system hypothesis

d) this option mentions the cooling systems behind performance enhancements but does not mention anything about high voltage hypothesis

e) this option is reiterating what has been mentioned in the beginning of the question stem without addressing anything else. Hence WRONG
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:51
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A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.
This supports the thermal management system hypothesis, but doesn't undermine the voltage regulators hypothesis

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.
This doesn't support any of the 2 hypotheses

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.
This support the voltage regulators hypothesis, and undermine the thermal management system hypothesis by using " regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system "

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.
irrelevant

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.
irrelevant
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:52
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Only an option C, the answer supports one hypothesis and undermine the other.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 10:57
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The answer would be C because it is the only answer that both supports one of the two hypotheses (in this case voltage), while undermining the alternate hypothesis.
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:01
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A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do. supports theory 1 only.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality. discards both theory

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system. correct. supports theory 2 & weakens theory 1.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature. supports theory 1

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops. Irrelevant

Answer C
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:04
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A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

This directly supports the thermal management hypothesis because improving the cooling system eliminates performance drops.
However, it does not undermine the voltage regulation hypothesis:
The fact that advanced cooling systems solve the issue does not rule out voltage regulation as a contributing factor. It’s still possible that the voltage regulators were functioning fine in those cases, and only cooling was the limiting factor.
❌ Supports thermal management, does not undermine voltage regulation.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

This weakens both hypotheses because neither cooling systems nor voltage regulators seem to impact the performance drop.
❌ Does not favor one hypothesis over the other.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

This directly supports the voltage regulation hypothesis because maintaining stable voltage eliminates performance drops.
It undermines the thermal management hypothesis because cooling system efficiency does not affect performance drops.
✅ Supports voltage regulation, undermines thermal management.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

This supports the thermal management hypothesis because enhancing the cooling system reduces performance drops.
However, it does not necessarily undermine the voltage regulation hypothesis since it does not address voltage stability.
❌ Supports thermal management but does not undermine voltage regulation.
E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

This does not clearly favor either hypothesis. Frequent switching between tasks could stress both the cooling system and voltage regulators, so it provides no decisive evidence.
❌ Does not favor one hypothesis over the other.


Ans C
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:06
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Option C is the only one which even talks about both the hypothesis and does the job of undermining one hypothesis and supporting another at the same time . No other option does that.

IMO C
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:17
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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A. It talks about "computational load is suddenly increased" which is not a specified condition in the paragraph. Rejected.
B. It contradicts the information provided in the paragraph. Consistent decrease in performance vs resuming normal operation. Rejected
C. This information does support the argument. Accepted.
D. It only supports the Hypothesis about the cooling system while we need to choose an option that undermine the other hypothesis simultaneously. Rejected
E. This option does not support or undermine any of the 2 hypotheses. Rejected.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:23
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Option A supports the heat hypothesis only
Option B undermines both the hypothesis
Option C undermines heat and supports the voltage regulator unable to maintain power hypothesis
Option D slightly supports heat hypothesis
Option E just states the premise
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:24
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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We are looking for option where it will strengthen one hypo and weaken the other one.


A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do. Hmm, But what about weakening??

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality. Both are weakened.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system. Hmm one is strengthened and other is weakened. Seems like a pick..

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature. Hmm, But what about weakening??

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops. Irr.

Hence IMO C
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:29
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C is the only option that supports 1 and undermines another

A supports only 1
B undermines both
D supports only 1
E does not support nor undermine
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 11:43
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The question states that -

During intensive computational activities, processors' performance drops for a while. There are 2 hypothesis for this drop-
1 - Processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated, which reduces speed.
2 - Processor's voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply, which reduces speed.

We have to choose one option which would support one of the 2 hypothesis and undermine the other.
Remember, not just support one of them, but also undermine the other.

Let's look at the options -

A - When the load increases, processors with advanced cooling systems work just fine but those with standard cooling systems fail.
If we think about voltage supply, it is constant for both the systems. If the voltage supply is low, then it's low for both, if it's high, then it's high for both. Yet, one fails and the other works. This means that it has got nothing to do with the voltage supply but everything with the temperature. KEEP

B - This option negates both the hypothesis. ELIMINATE

C - This is tricky. Similar to option A, it says processors with stable voltage supply work just fine regardless of their cooling systems' efficiency.
I eliminated this one because let's say if the cooling systems are 100% efficient, and this helps in the performance of processors, then this might be the reason for cooling. I think both A and C are very close to the answer, i'd choose A for the reason stated. ELIMINATE

D - "less frequently" is a mild weakener/strengthener. If i want to choose this, i have A as a better option. ELIMINATE

E - This just restates a part of the question and does not support/undermine either hypothesis. ELIMINATE
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 12:36
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Answer is C.

A) Incorrect - supports first hypothesis about cooling but does not address second hypothesis about power supply.

B) Incorrect - does not support either hypothesis.

C) Correct - supports second hypothesis that lack of a stable power supply leads to performance drops, and undermines first hypothesis that lack of sufficient cooling system leads to reduced processing speed.

D) Incorrect - supports first hypothesis about cooling but does not address second hypothesis about power supply.

E) Incorrect - restates premise and doesn't address either hypothesis.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 12:55
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This question presents two competing hypotheses for why processors experience performance drops during computationally intensive tasks:
  1. Thermal Management Hypothesis: Performance drops occur because the processor’s cooling system cannot cope with the heat generated, requiring a reduction in speed.
  2. Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: Performance drops occur because the processor’s voltage regulators fail to provide a stable power supply under high demand.
The task is to identify the option that provides evidence supporting one hypothesis while undermining the other.
[hr]
Answer Choices Analysis:
(A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.
  • Supports Thermal Management Hypothesis: If improved cooling systems eliminate performance drops, this suggests heat is the primary issue.
  • Undermines Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: The voltage regulator would not be influenced by better cooling, so if cooling fixes the problem, voltage regulation is unlikely to be the cause.
  • This choice directly supports one hypothesis and undermines the other.
  • Keep (A) as a contender.
[hr]
(B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.
  • This choice does not differentiate between the two hypotheses. The consistent decrease in performance might be caused by either thermal or voltage issues, but no evidence points to one cause over the other.
  • Eliminate (B).
[hr]
(C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.
  • Supports Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: If performance drops are eliminated by maintaining a stable voltage, this suggests that voltage instability is the cause.
  • Undermines Thermal Management Hypothesis: If the cooling system does not matter, heat is not the primary issue.
  • This choice provides clear evidence favoring one hypothesis while undermining the other.
  • Keep (C) as a contender.
[hr]
(D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.
  • Supports Thermal Management Hypothesis: Reducing the frequency of performance drops through better cooling suggests heat management is a factor.
  • Does not undermine Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: This choice does not rule out the possibility that voltage regulation issues are still a contributing factor.
  • Eliminate (D).
[hr]
(E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.
  • This choice does not distinguish between thermal management and voltage regulation issues, as rapid switching could stress either system.
  • Eliminate (E).
[hr]
Final Answer:
(A) and (C) both differentiate between the hypotheses. To determine the better choice:
  • (A) provides evidence linking performance drops to cooling systems, which strongly supports the thermal hypothesis while ruling out voltage issues.
  • (C) provides evidence linking performance drops to voltage regulation, strongly supporting the voltage hypothesis while ruling out thermal issues.
  • Both are valid, but the question asks for evidence that supports one hypothesis while undermining the other.
Final Answer:
(A) is correct if focusing on thermal management.
(C) is correct if focusing on voltage regulation.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 13:11
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Hypothesis 1 : Thermal system inability to handle heat generated
Hypothesis 2 : Voltage regulator not able to maintain stable power supply under high demand

Ask : Find an option that will prove one of the hypothesis and prove other as wrong
Options :
A - When load is increased, advanced cooling systems perform better than standard - doesn't explain why performance drop without change in load
B - With more complex tasks, performance gets worse - Neither hypothesis can be proved
C - Processors with stable voltage supply donot have performance drop - Hypothesis 2 proven
D - With cooling system improved, performance drop frequency reduces - doesn't completely prove Hypothesis 1
E - Task changes increases the performance drops - irrelevant

OPTION C
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Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 13:43
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We need to strengthen one hypothesis & weaken / undermine the other hypothesis. Eliminating the options one by one -

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do - Gives difference between advanced cooling v/s standard cooling so supporting 1st hypothesis but not undermining the other so Eliminate

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality - Undermines both the hypothesis so Eliminate

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system - Supports the 2nd hypothesis and undermines the 1st - CORRECT

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature - Talks about normal computational tasks whereas the argument is about intensive tasks - Eliminate

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops - Doesn't talk about any hypothesis - Eliminate

Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 14:41
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The key here is to not lose track about the double side of the question:

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do. This statement directly address the question, attacks one and defends the other.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality. This one is a bit confusing, but given the fit of statement A, in a later stage I would eliminate it, but not in the first look I give to the answers.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system. This answer does not address the question at all. Eliminate.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature. Again, not really addressing anything here. Eliminate

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops. Can't really get anything from here either. Eliminate
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 2: Some of the most 17 Dec 2024, 14:52
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

The passage doesn't tell us the affect of voltage when the computational load is suddenly increased. Hence, we cannot conclude much from this statement. Eliminate A

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

We need an option compares elements from both the hypothesis. This option is out of scope.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

Correct. The option eliminates the hypothesis on cooling, and focus on maintaining a stable voltage supply. The observation helps conlude that maintaining a stable voltage supply

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

The option is out of scope. Eliminate this option.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

The option is out of scope. Eliminate this option.

Option C
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