What Three Things Make a Computer Powerful?

The random access memory (RAM), cache and central processing unit (CPU) are three components that make a computer powerful. The CPU controls the speed that data is processed, the RAM holds data from software programs currently in use and the cache transmits messages between the CPU and RAM.

Cache and RAM are both computer memory components. The CPU uses the cache memory to receive messages from RAM and the hard drive, because cache is faster than RAM. The amount of RAM inside a computer also affects its performance. A software program or operating system typically specifies the minimum RAM and CPU requirements for installing it onto the computer.

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