If you are building a computer or even shopping around for one, the last thing you will want is a computer that isn’t up to speed with what you’re looking for. Most people just want a computer or laptop that is fast, efficient, and has the power to run the programs that they need most. Today, we are going to focus on PC speed and what makes a computer fast, that way you know what to look for when you are buying or building your new PC.

Here’s What Makes A Computer Fast

There are certain specs that make computers run faster and more smoothly, but what are they? If it’s one thing that consumers have learned over the years, it’s that newer does not always mean faster. In fact, as laptops and computers become more affordable, it is more important than ever to make sure that you are paying attention to the details of the PC.

Here are some of the key components and specifications that contribute to a computer’s overall speed and performance:

• The Processor

The CPUis one of the main components of any laptop or computer. This central processor and how fast it processes data will determine the overall speed of a computer. Depending on the primary purpose of your computer, you will want to choose a processor that is appropriate for your needs. The more powerful your processor is, the faster your computer will be.

• Random Access Memory

RAM stands for random access memory. Think of RAM as short-term storage within your PC. If you are using your computer to run multiple programs or gaming, definitely consider investing in additional RAM or choosing a computer with higher RAM.

• Cache Memory

Cache memory also contributes to what makes a computer fast and efficient. As a piece of the CPU, the cache is to store frequent data and instructions that are often used. Cache memory is located right next to the central processing unit and therefore has faster access memory than the RAM of a computer. The more cache that your computer has, the less time that it will spend accessing the main memory and this can greatly improve the speed of the programs you run.

• Hard Drive

Perhaps the most critical computer component is the hard drive when it comes to speed and performance. If you need to upgrade your PC’s hard drive, there are plenty of ways to do this, including SSD’s that use flash memory with no moving parts. If you are shopping around for a computer, choose one with a larger hard drive because as the hard drive gets closer to being full, your computer will slow down significantly.

• GPU

GPU stands for graphics processing unit and is often referred to as the graphics card. These specialized electronic circuits are responsible for quick memory manipulation in which image sequences are created. If you are a gamer or someone who works heavily with graphics or graphics-heavy programs, then having a good GPU can make your computer faster.

• Operating Systems

The speed of your computer can also depend on the operating system, or OS, that you are running on your computer. If you are buying a new computer, you may know that the OS contributes to making a computer fast. If you are using an older computer that runs an older operating system, you would be surprised at how a simple update or upgrade can improve speed and performance.

• Computer Software

The software installed on your computer greatly impacts the speed of your PC.

A good habit to adopt is to monitor the programs and apps that you have installed on your computer. If they are older or programs that you no longer use, delete them. This action should be performed regularly and if you need additional help from a third-party software program, then consider computer cleaning software.

Knowing what makes a computer fast and what components to look for when shopping around or building a computer can make a huge difference in your overall computer experience.