Computer Performance

Computer Performance

1. Cores

   • A processor core (or simply “core”) is an individual processor within a CPU. Many computers today have multi-core processors, meaning the CPU contains more than one core. For many years, computer CPUs only had a single core. ... The individual processing units became known as “cores” rather than processors
   • why ?
     • minimum specification for software not being met
     • good for multitasking

2. Cache

   • The cache (pronounced "cash") is a space in your computer's hard drive and in RAM memory where your browser saves copies of previously visited Web pages. Your browser uses the cache like a short-term memory.

3. Clock Speed

   • Clock speed is the rate at which a processor can complete a processing cycle. It is typically measured in megahertz or gigahertz. ... This means a 1.8 GHz processor has twice the clock speed of a 900 MHz processor. However, it is important to note that a 1.8 GHz CPU is not necessarily twice as fast as a 900 MHz CPU.
     • why ?
       • minimum specification for software not being met
       • device may be slow at loading programs/applications and files
   • What ?
     • cycles per second
       • fetch decode execute cycle
       • instructions
   • how ?
     • programs will load faster as more instructions can be processed per second

4. RAM

   • RAM (pronounced ramm) is an acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is found in servers, PCs, tablets, smartphones and other devices, such as printers.