What Does the Speed of the Computer Depend On?

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The speed at which a computer performs is one of the key measures of its effectiveness. The speed of a computer depends on a few key factors.

CPU Speed

Central processing unit speed is measured in gigahertz, but more gigahertz does not necessarily mean a faster processor. What also matters is the size of its cache, measured in megabytes and the number of processing cores.

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CPU Cache and Cores

A CPU cache is a space for this chip to rapidly store and retrieve data. A larger cache can store more information. Multiple cores allow the CPU to perform more operations at once.

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RAM

Random access memory comes in "sticks" that are installed on the motherboard. RAM has its own megahertz ratings, and more, faster RAM generally makes for a faster computer.

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Storage Devices

A hard drive is the long-term storage for all the files on your computer. Its speed is determined in megabytes per second. A hard drive can also have a cache, like a CPU.

Malware

Viruses and spyware can slow down your computer. A computer that has antivirus software installed can avoid the slowdowns characteristic of malware infections.

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