
CPU Speed vs. RAM Size in Computer Performance
Hard
What speeds up a slow computer more -- a faster processor or more memory? You swap the CPU (central processing unit) and RAM (random access memory) in a desktop computer and time how long each setup takes to start up and load a game.
Four hardware combinations are tested. You measure startup time, game load time, and game load time with five other programs running in the background.
The results reveal whether clock speed or memory size has a bigger effect on everyday performance.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that increasing the CPU speed will make a computer work faster.
Method & Materials
You will upgrade the computer's CPU and RAM, measure the time it takes to start up the computer and start a game, and observe the results.
You will need a desktop computer, a CPU, RAM, a computer game software, and a stopwatch.
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See what’s includedResults
The results show that using a CPU with a higher clock speed will enable the computer to operate faster, whilst adding the RAM does not make much difference unless there are other application programs running in the background.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it shows how different components of a computer can affect its performance.
Also Consider
Consider repeating the experiment with different brands of CPU, or with different types of RAM with different frequency ratings.
Full project details
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