Hardware Specifications

• Hardware specification

  Explains the speed, memory and overall performance of the computer system
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) / Processor


  • The two main things to know are the speed and the type
• CPU speed


  Determines how fast instructions can be carried out. Measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz)
• CPU type

  Determines the type of application the processor is used for
• Intel processor types

  • Pentium
  • Core
  • Celeron
• AMD processor types

  • Athlon
  • Semprom
  • Turion
  • Phenom
• Main memory


  Used to store programs and data being used or about to be used
• Memory capacity


  Determines the number of programs that can be held at a time, affecting computer performance
• Memory type

  Main types are Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) and Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM)
• Word size


  Determines the number of bits that can be stored and processed at a time by the CPU
• Memory speed


  Indicates how fast the chip updates the data it contains, measured in Megahertz (MHz)
• Hard disk


  Main secondary storage medium, focuses on storage capacity and speed
• Hard disk storage capacity

  Determines the amount of information that can be stored for later use
• Data transfer rate


  The rate at which data can be transferred from the hard disk to the CPU
• Hard disk speed

  Expressed as data transfer rates or revolutions per minute (RPM)
• Ports


  Used to connect external devices to a computer system
• Expansion slots


  Sockets on the motherboard used to insert additional circuit boards
• Types of expansion slots

  • PCI
  • AGP
  • ISA
• The CPU is the brain of the computer.
• CPU stands for Central Processing Unit
• A processor's clock speed determines how fast it can process data, measured in GHz (gigahertz).
• It performs all calculations, instructions, and operations within a computer.
• CPU clock speed determines how fast it operates.
• Cache memory stores frequently accessed instructions or data close to the processor, improving performance.
• The CPU consists of several components such as registers, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit, cache memory, and buses.
• Cache size affects performance by storing frequently accessed instructions and data close to the processor.
• Hyperthreading allows multiple threads to run simultaneously on one core, increasing efficiency.
• Core refers to the number of processing units within a single chip, with dual-core CPUs being more efficient than single-core ones.
• Registers are small storage areas that hold frequently accessed data and instructions.
• L2 Cache - A larger but slower level of cache than L1 cache.
• Registers are small storage areas that hold temporary data during processing.
• L1 Cache - The fastest level of cache that holds recently used instructions and data.
• RAM capacity refers to the amount of RAM installed on your system.
• Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and indicates how many cycles per second the CPU can perform.
• Control Unit coordinates communication between different parts of the CPU and manages its operation.
• RAM is used to store temporary information during program execution.
• Memory type refers to the specific technology used to create the RAM chips.
• A higher clock speed means faster processing but also consumes more power and generates more heat.
• RAM stores temporary information that your computer needs while running programs or applications.
• RAM stands for Random Access Memory