I really enjoyed this class. Its very cool getting to learn about what a CPU is actually "doing" (*spoiler alert* all your code eventually is just moving bits between memory and registers then comparing their values.) I took during the summer so I didn't have to take the mid-term or final - but I could see how those might be pretty brutal if they are proctored. I do think the content is shallow in spots, like this could be part of a Comp Arch 1 + 2 series. Project 5 + 6 each took me about 10-15 hours to complete (I have quite a bit of programming experience so ymmv.) You will lose annoying points based on their arcane style guide, its an easy way for the TAs to pretend they actually graded your code. Call them out on it and get those points back.

Submitted Tue Aug 19 2025

Be sure to start the projects as soon as you can to give yourself enough time. I took this class during the Summer term and there was no midterm or final exam. Don't be fooled into thinking this class will be a cakewalk from the first projects. This was my only course for the quarter and it was still a struggle. Attend office hours, utilize the Ed discussions and manage your time well. The class is hard, but doable.

Submitted Mon Aug 18 2025

I found the "assembly" part of the class to be super fun and the "architecture" part to be really dry and horrible - think long readings with quizzes that have questions on things that aren't even in the long readings (although it's open everything - book, notes, Google Search, etc.). Start the projects early - you usually get two weeks for them - and actually learn to use the debugger and you should be fine. One minor annoying point: The projects for a few of the modules were actually assigned the week AFTER you'd do the reading for it - I think so that you could let it soak in - but it often meant that I didn't really understand the readings until after I'd done the project, so in my case, that sort of backfired. But if you're not getting it the first time around, go back after you get more practical experience and see if it makes more sense!

Submitted Wed Mar 26 2025

Give yourself plenty of time for the last two projects

Submitted Sun Jun 23 2024

This class is a grind. The only advice is to start the projects early and to go to office hours when you get stuck. Getting an A is doable. I also would not be scared of the midterm and final. Both actually helped my grade

Submitted Mon Jun 17 2024

Start assignments early and give yourself multiple days.

Submitted Fri Apr 05 2024

Very good class. It's challenging but in a good way. The first couple weeks are a lot of reading and new info, but after that it's more focused on the coding. Projects 1-5 weren't too hard, but I struggled with Project 6, so like others have said start it ASAP. Overall I feel like a better programmer after taking this class.

Submitted Sat Mar 23 2024

There is a lot of material to cover in the first 2/3 of the course. Projects 1-5 are pretty simple and I was able to complete them in one sitting. Start project 6 early, it was significantly more challenging than the first 5. You are able to use the penjee calculator for binary <--> hex <--> decimal conversions on the tests, so get comfortable with it early and it will make your life easier.

Submitted Wed Mar 20 2024

This class is difficult, but manageable. It contains a lot of information, most of which will eventually need to be committed to memory. Create flash cards and start memorizing concepts from the check your knowledge sections, module summary exercises, and quizzes to prepare for the midterm and final. Watch all the videos, and review any worksheets/files you're given. Start the projects early and do the extra credit. Project 5 is significantly more difficult than 1-4, and Project 6 is exponentially more difficult than the rest. Give yourself at least a week to complete Project 6.

Submitted Mon Dec 18 2023

Everyone says it, but the last two projects do ramp up quite a bit in difficulty. Also, do the extra credit!

Submitted Sun Oct 01 2023