Computer Performance

Computer Performance

1. Clock Speed

   • What?
     • Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
     • Measured in hertz (Hz) - one instruction per second
       • GHz - 1,000,000,000 instructions per second
     • How fast the device processes instructions
   • 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 fater

2. Cache

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

3. Cores

   • What?
     • Individual processors
     • Quad core - 4
     • Dual Core - 2
     • Allows the device to run applications simultanesously
   • How?
     • Improves multitasking
     • Improves performance by allowing multiple applications to run at the same time
   • Why?
     • Good for multitasking
     • minimum specification for software not being met

4. RAM

   • What?
   • Why?
   • How?