Processing Speed Versus System Memory - Which is More Important?

Which one is more important: processing speed or system memory? This is a very crucial question if you are planning on purchasing, upgrading, or building a computer. Before you can answer this question, you need to understand how both components are related and the functions they carry out in the computer. So first, let's look at each one:

Processing Speed
The central processing unit, or CPU, serves as the "brain" of the computer. The CPU takes information from many devices, the operating system, and applications and carries out the instructions that it has been given. The CPU executes these instructions within groupings called cycles.

CPU speed is measured by how many cycles can be performed within a second. The speed of one cycle per second is called a hertz. One million cycles equals on megahertz, 500 million cycles equal 500 megaherz, and a billion cycles equal one gigahertz. Having a very high central processing speed is obviously an advantage. Most computers come bundled with a processor with at least 2 gigahertz. Many applications don't utilize the 2 gigabyte capabilities of CPUs. However, high-end programs like video games will benefit greatly from an increased clock speed.

System Memory
Your computer's system memory can be considered just as important as the speed of your CPU. Random access memory, or RAM serves as a temporary storage media for your computer's information. When the computer is running an application and using data, it is placed in the memory so it can be used later.

If your RAM capacity gets filled up, the computer will start using the hard drive to store information. This information is stored in something called a swap file. When the computer is ready to use that data, it will be copied from the swap file back onto your system memory so it can be used. When your computer uses the swap file, performance is greatly reduced because the process of reading data becomes a two-step process.

Reading memory directly from your RAM chips is much faster than transferring the information from a swap file to your memory chip so that the computer can read the data. You need to minimize the frequency your computer uses the swap file if you want a faster computer.

Processing Speed versus System Memory
So which one is most important: the speed of your PC processor or the amount of memory it has? As we discussed before, both CPU speed and system memory are important. Both of these components are related because without one, the other will not operate. You should make a reasonable financial investment in the type of CPU you purchase, particularly if you plan to use your computer for gaming.

It is also recommended that you buy at least 1 gigabyte of system memory so that all of your programs run smoothly. If you have financial limitations, you would do well to invest more in system memory because most programs require a higher amount of system memory than CPU speed. However, a processeing speed of at least 2 gigahertz is highly recommended for your PC's processing speed.