FAQs About Processor Speeds

The microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) of your computer is where the instructions or code of your computer programs are processed. In other words, the microprocessor does the actual work of the computer. Here are some frequently asked questions about processor speeds.

Q: What is meant by processor speed?

A: Quite simply, the processor speed is the rate at which a computer's CPU can process groupings of instructions called cycles. A speed of one cycle per second is called a hertz. A computer that can process one million cycles per second has a speed of one megahertz, and a computer that has a frequency of one billion cycles per second has a speed of one gigahertz.

Q: How do you determine your processor speed?

A: The easiest way to determine your computer's processor speed is to check the documentation that came with the computer. Failing that, on Windows computers you can check the System Summary or System Properties or pause the boot process, as the speed is often indicated during the boot. Processor speed is sometimes available through the CMOS setup utility.

Q: Which is more important, processor speed or memory size?

A: Both are important. As the computer processes information, some is placed into memory for retrieval later. If the memory storage fills up, it does not matter how fast the processor is. On the other hand, all the memory in the world cannot speed up a slow processor.

Q: What is the right processor speed to get?

A: The answer to this question depends on how you are going to use your computer. If you are only planning to use your computer for word processing and web browsing, a slower (and cheaper) processor may suffice. If you are planning to play games or use your computer for multimedia applications, such as photo, video and music processing, a faster computer is a necessity. Generally speaking, it is best to get the fastest computer you can afford, as technology is constantly evolving to make use of faster and faster processor speeds.