Computer Performance

Computer Performance

1. Clock Speed

   • What?
     • How fast the device processes instructions
     • Measured in hertz (Hz) - one instruction per second
       • GHz - 1,000,000,000 instructions per second
     • Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
   • Why?
     • Current processor is too slow
       • Device is running slowly
     • Does not meet minimum or recommended spec for software required
   • How?
     • Software/games would run smoothly
     • Can process more instructions per second, therefore programs will load/run faster

2. Cache

   • What?
     • Stores frequently accessed instructions/data
     • FAST!
     • Can process these instructions faster
     • Very small - measured in MB
   • Why?
     • Does not meet minimum or recommended spec for software required
     • To store more frequently accessed instructions/data
     • Speed...
   • How?
     • Can store more frequently accessed instructions/data
     • Programs will load faster