Performance of a Computer System

Hard Drive

The hard drive is used to store data on your computer.A hard disk is a non-volatile, random access digital (RAM) magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure

Faster drives mean faster processing. A drive running at 5,200 RPM is standard. If you pay a little more, you can get 7,200 RPM. If you have a server and need real speed, you can pay more and get 10,000 to 15,000 RPM.

Graphics Card

The better the graphics card the faster your computer will run overall ensuring it does not run slow and lag whilst watching movies or playing games.

To make your computer run faster you can upgrade your graphics card. The more powerful the graphics card better your computer will run, such as accelerated rendering

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qdRm3KkGV8 - How to choose a graphics card

http://www.pchardwareuk.com/pny-nvidia-quadro-fx-4800g-graphics-card-15gb-pcie-dvidisplayport-p-16018.html - Expensive Graphics Card

Processor

 A processor is made up from millions of transistors. A transistor is the basic component. Each transistor is 45nm (45 millionths) of a millimeter. Transistors are using less energy to run and take up less space, enabling more transistors to make it powerful and smaller. Intel, AMD and IBM are 3 main manufactures. The better processor you have the faster your computer will run making it overall faster.

RAM

Used for Primary storage of data and instructions for use by the processor. Advantages High speed, More ram will improve the performance of you computer. Disadvantages - Requires a constant supply of power or its contents will be lost. Ram is Volatile and expensive. The more ram the faster your computer will run, making it faster.