Memory, Storage Space, Processing Power and Graphics Processing
Sunday, July 6th, 2008This is a short writeup about certain hardware upgrades and how they benefit you. Many users do not understand the difference between memory and hard drive space. They don’t know what a faster CPU will do for them; they think the higher the MHz the better (which is true to a certain extent). What mix of memory, hard drive space, processing power, and graphics processing power will suit your needs best. Let’s find out.
Memory is added to the computer, look like computer chips, and are called RAM, Random Access Memory. The more memory installed on the computer, the more concurrent tasks your computer can run simultaneously without slowing down too much. In order to future-proof this article, I will not state specific amounts of RAM, but it is safe to say that this is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the computer respond faster. If your computer is fast when you first start it up, but slows down after you start opening up programs, you probably need more ram. I will explain why more memory/RAM will make the computer snappier, it has to do with the next section on hard drives.
Hard drive “space” or “disk space” is often confused with memory. It can be confusing because they are both measured in terms of bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes etc. The difference is that hard drives are made of disks that spin (think record player, cd player,) at an extremely fast rate. Although they can access data quickly, they are slow in comparison to the access speed of RAM which have no moving parts. When a computer does not have enough RAM, the computer resort to using the hard drive as “virtual RAM”. This slows down the computer because it is no longer using RAM, but instead the mechanical hard drive. This may even cause the computer to lock up. Hard drives are made for permanent storage, not temporary storage. If you plan on storing lots of music, movies, pictures and documents, you want to get more hard drive storage space.
The CPU, is the central processing unit. When computers say “Intel Inside” or AMD, it’s referring to the maker of the CPU. It is no longer true that the higher the Megahertz/Gigahertz the better because some processors are more effective even when it has a lower clock speed. Multiple core CPU’s actually have a few processors on the same chip. The question is which one is right for you? Typically, you will need a more powerful processor when you are using your computer for intensive applications such as video editing, music editing, photo editing and gaming. If you plan on just using your computer for basic computing, then you don’t need the extra power. Just keep in mind that what might be the top of the line now might be the budget line in a few years and what might be budget line now might be obsolete then. I think it is a good idea to invest in a higher end computer now if you plan on keeping it for a few years. I can only recommend the lower end computers to those with really tight budgets.
As far as graphics cards, it used to be true that you only needed a powerful card if you were gaming. Now operating systems are requiring more graphics processing power to process the system’s transparent windows and motion effects. Also, if you’re interested in playing HD content, you will need a better graphics card. Again, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you will want to get the best video card you can afford; for basic computing, just get what operating system requires.
