Computer Performance & Modular Design

Study Notes

Modular Design

Computers are built with a Modular Design, allowing components to be easily replaced or upgraded.
Each hardware component acts as a separate module which connect to the motherboard via ports and slots.
Advantages of Modular Design:
- Repairs are easier
- Upgrades can be done as needed
- More flexibility in choosing hardware components

Components & Devices that affect Computer Performance

CPU:
- Multiprocessing is the use of multiple CPUs, called cores, on a single CPU chip.
- Multiprocessing allows for more tasks to be complete simultaneously, improving performance.
- Processor cache is a small, fast memory that stores frequently used data, reducing access time to slower RAM.
RAM:
- The main memory of a computer, consisting of chips on modules attached to the motherboard.
- Stores programs and their data for quick access by the CPU.
- DDR SDRAM is the most common type of RAM available.
- Higher frequency RAM transfers data faster.
- Larger amounts of RAM allow more data and instructions to be stored, reducing the need for virtual memory.
Graphics Card:
- Contains a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for image processing.
- The GPU is housed on a separate card that connects to the motherboard.
- It uses VRAM (Video RAM) to store images.
- Offloads image rendering tasks from the CPU, improving overall performance.
Integrated Graphics:
- Integrated Graphics is built into the CPU, sharing system RAM instead of having dedicated VRAM.
- Suitable for average users who do not require high-performance graphics.
Secondary Storage:
- Faster HDD or SSD significantly improve data access speeds for the CPU and GPU.
HDD vs SSD:
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning disks with movable read/write heads, while SSD (Solid State Drive) has no moving parts.
- HDDs are cheaper per unit of storage but slower, while SSDs are more expensive but faster and offer better performance.
- HDDs are susceptible to magnetic interference and physical shock, while SSDs are more resistant.

Secondary Storage Formats

M.2 Format:
- A form factor describing the shape and size of a hardware device.
- M.2 connectors can access PCI-express 3.0, SATA 3.0, and USB 3.0 bus.
- M.2 SSDs are small drives directly connected to the motherboard through an M.2 socket.
M.2 vs SATA:
- Both M.2 and SATA are types of SSDs, but with different sizes and connectors.
- SATA SSDs come in 2.5-inch and M.2 form factors.
- 2.5-inch SATA SSDs require data and power cables to connect to the motherboard.
- M.2 SSDs have the same performance as 2.5-inch SATA SSDs but connect directly to the motherboard, eliminating the need for cables.
PCle NVMe M.2 SSDs:
- M.2 based SSDs using the PCle bus offer high performance.
- NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is high-speed interface for SSDs.
- PCle NVMe M.2 SSDs are faster than SATA SSDs, offering faster boot times and better overall performance.
SFF (Small Form Factor) systems:
- Systems with limited space for cable routing.
- M.2 SSDs are ideal for SFF systems due to their size and direct connection.