TLE 155: Intro to ICT Part 1 Lesson 1.

1: What Makes Computer Fast

What Makes Computer Fast?

Have you ever wondered what makes a computer fast? Is there one particular part of a
computer that makes it fast? A computer’s power and speed come from many different
components within the system. We will discuss the most critical parts of a computer and how
it makes a computer speedy.

Photo Source: laptopmag

What Are the Different Parts That Make a Computer Fast?

1. The processor or CPU is one of the main components of a computer. The overall speed of
a computer or “clock speed” of a computer is usually determined by how fast it processes
data. We are multi-tasking every day, and this is no different when we are on our
computers. As you’re reading this, you most likely have multiple windows open at the
same time. The more capable your computer is at processing, and executing more
instructions per second will determine how fast your computer is.

The first computer processor had a processing speed of 740 kHz and was able to process
92,000 instructions per second. This may sound like many instructions per second, but
today’s processors are multi-core GHz processors and can process more than 100 billion
instructions per second. The more powerful your processor is, it will be a primary
contributing factor to how fast your overall computer is. A Dual Core or a Quad-
Core should be enough for your everyday needs.

Source: Michael Isberto (https://www.colocationamerica.com/blog/what-makes-computers-fast)

Photo Source: itpro

2. Another critical aspect of a computer’s speed is the Cache. While today’s machines can
execute 100 billion instructions every second, the processor is usually waiting on
instructions from the Hard Drive and RAM. Since these are slower types of memory, the
computer uses Cache to transfer data between the CPU, memory, and all of the
components within the computer. The cache is the fastest type of memory inside a
computer. The level 2 and level 3 cache will help the computer store and send more
instructions. The more cache a computer has will help make the computer run more
efficiently.

Photo Source: techblick

Source: Michael Isberto (https://www.colocationamerica.com/blog/what-makes-computers-fast)

3. The next part of what makes a computer run faster is RAM or Random Access
Memory. RAM is the computer’s short-term data storage. This stores the information
your computer is actively using. This short-term memory allows your computer to
access information more quickly. If you are using multiple programs at the same time,
the more RAM you will need.

4. Bus speed is another important part of what makes a computer faster. A bus is a circuit
that connects the different parts of the motherboard. The more data the bus can
handle at one time will allow the information to travel faster. Bus speed is measured
in megahertz. Bus speed refers typically to the front side bus or FSB. The FSB is what
connects the CPU to the Northbridge (a chipset that communicates with the computer
processor and controls interaction with memory). Since FSB is a middleman of sorts,
its speed can drastically affect a computer’s performance.

Photo Source: digitaltrends

5. The Hard Drive is also one of the main parts of a computer that contributes to its
speed. A Hard Disk Drive or HDD has moving parts, which may result in some slower
read and write times (mainly depending on HDD specs). A 5400 RPM hard drive will be
slower than a 7200 RPM hard drive. A solid-state drive or SSD has no moving parts but
instead uses flash memory, which often time reads and writes faster than a traditional
HDD. Although one is newer than the other, there is still a debate on which is

Source: Michael Isberto (https://www.colocationamerica.com/blog/what-makes-computers-fast)

better: HDD vs. SSD. There are benefits to both types of hard drives. A hard drive with
a larger cache will allow data to be handled more efficiently.

Photo Source: blazinglist

6. The last piece of hardware vital to a computer’s speed is the Video Card or Graphics
Processing Unit (GPU). Replacing the GPU may be the thing that adds the most speed
to your computer. The GPU also needs access to RAM to function. Onboard graphics
cards dedicate part of its system RAM to graphics functions. Adding a completely
separate GPU will potentially add speed to your current onboard RAM, and it will also
have its own set of RAM. Because of this, the graphics processing and overall system
multitasking will see a boost in speed.

Source: Michael Isberto (https://www.colocationamerica.com/blog/what-makes-computers-fast)

Photo Source: colocationamerica

7. Besides having the best hardware, having the latest operating system will also
contribute to a faster computer. This also includes the latest software updates.
Software updates often repair security holes and bug repairs or fixes, which can all
make your computer run slower. Keeping a computer operating system up-to-date is
a vital part of its speed, efficiency, and security. Another reason to have the latest
operating system and software is that new technology is being introduced every day,
and having the proper system to support the new technology is a must.

Source: Michael Isberto (https://www.colocationamerica.com/blog/what-makes-computers-fast)