Register: GCSE Computer Science Definition

What is a Register?

In GCSE Computer Science, a register is defined as extremely small, extremely fast memory located in the CPU.

A register holds small amounts of data that are needed immediately by the CPU during the fetch-execute/fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Each register performs a specific task.

Common examples of registers located in the CPU include:

• Memory address register (MAR)

• Memory data register (MDR)

• Accumulator (ACC)

• Program counter (PC)

Register Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore registers in more detail and master other key related terms such as the memory address register (MAR) and memory data register (MAR) in our revision note pages here:

CPU components & their function (OCR GCSE Computer Science)
CPU components & their function (AQA GCSE Computer Science)
CPU components & their function (Edexcel GCSE Computer Science)

Challenge yourself with our expertly created topic questions and reinforce your learning with our interactive flashcards. 

GCSE Computer Science Revision Resources