The 9 most important factors in CPU performance
Many factors come into play when it comes to CPU performance.
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| Source: Pixabay |
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Looking for a new processor? Or have you noticed that your computer's CPU performance keeps changing? But what are the factors influencing these variations?
The truth is that external factors such as temperature and internal factors such as clock speed, cache size or bandwidth affect CPU performance. But how much does each of these factors matter? Let's take a closer look at each of them to find out.
1. Number of cores
CPUs have processing units known as cores. Each core is designed to load, read, and execute instructions. The more cores a processor has, the more instructions it can process.
Every program that runs on your computer has a string of data known as a thread. A single-core processor can process one data thread at a time, so the processor will switch between multiple threads to keep processes running.
This is why manufacturers have developed multi-core processors such as "dual-core" or "quad-core". Having more than one core allows your computer to manage multiple threads at the same time, increasing overall performance.
However, increasing the number of cores does not proportionally increase the processing speed of the computer. The processor cores are constantly communicating with each other and thus take advantage of the added computing power.
2. Clock speed
The processor clock speed, or clock frequency, indicates how fast the CPU can run. Usually, the clock speed is expressed in GHz and reveals the number of instruction cycles that the processor can execute per second. For example, a 4.2 GHz processor is capable of running 4.2 billion cycles per second.
Of course, the higher the clock speed, the more cycles the processor can perform per second. CPU clock speed can be improved by a process known as overclocking.
If you are not satisfied with the clock speed of your processor, you can overclock your PC CPU for more performance, but you should also keep in mind the disadvantages of overclocking.
3. Clock cycle
A clock cycle, or clock tick, is the period between two electrical pulses inside the processor. Each pulse represents a signal for the CPU to perform a specific task. Older CPUs were designed to execute one task per cycle, unlike modern CPUs that are capable of handling multiple tasks during the same clock cycle.
Thus, a processor with a high clock cycle will work faster because it can execute more instructions during the same cycle.
4. Cache size
Each processor has a built-in high-speed memory, known as a cache memory. A processor uses a cache to store instructions and data that it may need again temporarily.
A larger cache size will improve processor performance because it doesn't take much time to retrieve temporarily stored information.
5. Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the speed at which the processor can read or store data in the computer's memory. Most of the time, memory bandwidth is expressed in bytes/second. So the more bandwidth the processor has, the faster it can read and write data.
6. Word length
Word length, also known as word size, indicates how much data the processor can process at once. The word length of the processor regulates the size of the bit pattern that can be read in a single operation.
The more bits a processor can process in one cycle, the higher its processing speed will be. Older CPUs can handle a 32-bit word at a time, while modern CPUs are designed to read a 64-bit word in one pass.
7. Extreme temperatures
The most common threat to your processor is overheating. As the processor receives more tasks, it continues to heat up. Operating at high temperatures will negatively affect its performance and may even shorten its life. If the CPU overheats, the motherboard's temperature sensor will instruct the CPU to slow down or even shut down to protect itself.
Modern processors can normally operate up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius), with some of the latest Intel and AMD processors even reaching 194F/90C, so you'll notice your computer heating up before the processor is irreversibly damaged. However, if you want to make sure that your CPU is not overheating, you can check the CPU temperature.
If your CPU temperature consistently exceeds 158 degrees Fahrenheit (or 70 degrees Celsius), you should get a powerful cooler or a well-ventilated chassis.
The same applies to low temperatures. If you store your computer in a very cold room, the processor may be damaged when it heats up. Electricity passing through its circuits will heat up its components and may cause internal condensation or cause the cores to expand and deform.
8. Processor Materials
If you're a perfectionist, you'll be thinking about processor materials when looking for your next CPU. Different manufacturers use different materials for their products and results may vary. Every element of a processor, including materials, will affect its overall performance. Poor quality materials can cause the processor to overheat and thus slow it down.
When it comes to processors, the slowest component will impact the behavior of the entire CPU.
9. Number of running applications
The truth is that no matter how new or expensive your processor is, its performance will degrade if you give it too many tasks. If you have a lot of resource-intensive applications running on your computer all the time, you may notice that your computer starts to run a little slower.
Multitasking slows down processors as they divide their resources between multiple running tasks. Whenever possible, close any applications you no longer need. It also helps if you don't leave your computer on all the time.
What to look for in a processor? Now you know!
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of the factors that affect your CPU's performance. While there isn't much you can change other than getting a new processor, you can upgrade your cooling system and close some unnecessary apps.
Now, if you want to improve the performance of your computer, you need to pay attention to more than just the performance of the processor.