Computer Processor Speed Vs. RAM
Whether it's purchasing a new computer or upgrading an old one, knowing what each upgrade will do is crucial. Processor speed and Random Access Memory (RAM) are vital teammates to a computer's function, but RAM is slightly more important in most cases.
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Processor
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The processor or central processing unit (CPU) is just what it sounds like: the brain behind the computing operation. The higher the frequency rating (measured in Hertz --- for example, 2.4 GHz) the faster a processor can open applications and compute in general.
RAM
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RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory, is the system memory linked with the processor. The processor stores data in RAM so that it can quickly access it as needed.
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Other Processor Specifications
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Most programs won't use even a low-end processor's full speed. A more important feature of present-day processors is how much onboard cache they have. This cache works like extremely fast RAM built into the processor.
The Importance of RAM
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If your computer runs out of RAM, or even runs low, the operating system can develop a virtual memory error. This means that extra data that the processor needs to access quickly will need to be stored on the much slower hard disk drive.
Conclusion
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Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the easiest and cheapest upgrades for most computers, and will almost always be a cheaper and more effective upgrade than a faster processor. However, certain processor specifications are important to consider as well, such as the amount of onboard cache they have.
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References
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Comments
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very good
