What is usually the limiting factor in computer perfomance; processor perfomance, RAM speed, or other?

Question

i.e. I am buying a computer and do not know if I should worry about getting a "super" processor or lots of RAM?

Answer 1

It would be hard to give a direct and sure answer as to which component of a computer would allow it to run fast.

I must say that all the factors contribute, rather equally, to a machine's overall performance. Every component is important. I can run a computer with a very good Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz chip, but if I only have a mere 128MB RAM, that configuration wouldn't work well at all. If I have a lot of ram, say 2GB, but my processor is a lousy Intel Pentium 4 1.0 GHz, that is a bad choice too.

The idea here is to strike a balance and make sure all the components (graphics, chip, RAM, hard disk speed e.g.) are of reasonable standard.

However, one must note that perhaps the RAM is the most important factor in determining the computer performance, and it is also the easiest to add on. If a computer seems to run slowly, just give it a RAM boost, and usually, it will run much faster. So if I were to give you an answer, that would be RAM!

Answer 2

The limiting factor depends on the components you use. If you have a good processor, a good amount of RAM, and a slow hard drive, the hard drive will be the limiting factor, if you have good processor and hard drive, but too little RAM, the RAM will be limiting. Also if you are gaming you need to include the video card in the equation. Basically, the system will only be as fast as its weakest link, so conceivably any one of the componets could end up being the limiting factor. Send me an email if you want some help planning your next computer, I can help you balance things out.

Answer 3

Computer "speed", better say performance is limited by HDD performance. If you think about it you will realize that HDD performance are the same as 2-3 years ago. Capacity has grown but speed not so much. Fastest desktop HDD uses S-ATA II.
CPU vs RAM
CPU - applications run faster.
RAM - allows for u to have more applications started at the same time with smooth shifting from one another.

Get an Intel Core 2 Duo with 4M Cache + minimum 1 GB DDR II minimum 667Mghz

Answer 4

If you have to work with databases then you should get very high RAM, also if u are a gaming freak then also u'll be needing higher RAM for better and smooth running of your game...

High processor speed is needed when you are running multiple applications because then processor will have to allocate time to each one of them individually...

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Answer 5

Opinions and Experiences Only: Well you can... delete any services that you don't need. disable startup processes that you don't need. [Start>Run>msconfig>startup] delete any windows components that you don't need such as MSN messenger. [Start>Run>Appwiz.cpl>Add/Remove Windows Components> do not go into sites that are highly possible to have worms and viruses creeping inside it such as porn sites. dump all temporary files. [C:\Documents and Settings\[user accnt]\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files] & Temp] *Show hidden must be checked [Tools>Folder Options>View] Keep a good track of your files so as not to copy it over and over. install a anti spyware and an antivirus software to be on the safe side. Defrag your drives at least once a month. [Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools] scandisk regularly. sameasabove [Start>Run>chkdsk] and to be on the safer side, make a restore point manually once every week or month. [sameasabove] System Restore. That's about it... =)

Answer 6

I would have to say ram is probably the most important and not so much its speed as the amount!

Answer 7

do both
programs are getting more complex