Computer Performance

Computer Performance

1. Cache

   • what ?
     • CPU cache is a hardware cache used by the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer to reduce the average cost (time or energy) to access data from the main memory. A cache is a smaller, faster memory, located closer to a processor core, which stores copies of the data from frequently used main memory locations.
   • how ?
     • The answers below are generally correct in that you'll need to upgrade your CPU to get more cache. But, FWIW, back in the old days, L2 cache was often a bank of chips on the motherboard that could be augmented, if not fully used.
   • why ?
     • The larger the cache size, the faster the data transfer and the better the CPU performance. However, cache is very costly. That is why you don't find 1GB of cache in your system. The typical cache size is between 512KB to 8MB.

2. clock speed

   • what ?
     • the operating speed of a computer or its microprocessor, expressed in cycles per second (megahertz).
   • why ?
     • A faster CPU uses more energy and creates more heat. A computer will normally have a maximum clock speed set by default, but it is possible to change this speed in the computer BIOS . Some people increase a CPU clock speed to try to make their computer run faster - this is called overclocking.
   • how ?
     • The clock rate typically refers to the frequency at which the Clock generator of a processor can generate pulses, which are used to synchronize the operations of its components, and is used as an indicator of the processor's speed. It is measured in clock cycles per second or its equivalent, the SI unit hertz