<p>To really understand computer architecture, you need to know about software, compilers, digital circuit design, and even some semiconductors. </p>
<p>Do you think ECE would be a better choice for someone with this interest, or CS? Does it even matter?</p>
<p>I also find it a little risky to study Computer Architecture without the underlying circuit background because unless you have a PhD, you’re not going to just get to ‘design’ a new CPU, as opposed to say implementing part of it at a large company. That’s why I am planning to do my masters in ECE. </p>
<p>However, for a PhD…what is the best major if you actually want to design (at a high level) and research CPU’s?</p>
<p>I have no experience with this subject beyond implementing a simple processor on an FPGA for an undergrad class, but:</p>
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<p>Have you heard this before? I thought that there would be plenty to do & plenty of design decisions to be made at the gate level & above. I would think that the circuit details wouldn’t be the architecture designer or tester’s problem. However, I don’t have any real personal experience to back this up . . . people who’ve actually worked on a real processor, feel free to jump in . . .</p>
<p>Regarding your question: I’d suspect that it would primarily depend on which group you worked for, not what the name of the subject is on your degree. I do know that grad. courses on computer macro/microarchitecture are in the ECE dept. at my school.</p>