A computer's processor or CPU, is responsible for carrying out the millions of calculations that allow a computer to run. If a processor is forced to carry out many processes at once, PCs can lag as the processor struggles to complete calculations. Taking steps to limit strain on the processor and improve data transfer rates will help keep the processor, and therefore your computer, working fast.
Multitasking
Multitasking is one of the main reasons for computer lag and decreased CPU performance. When you open multiple applications at the same time, or run several complex processes at once, the processor must divide its processing power which can result in slow computing. To avoid lag, limit multitasking as much as possible. Close windows after you are finished looking at them, and shut down programs and processes that you are not using. Avoid forcing your computer to do more than one processor intensive activity at the same time. Don't do things like rendering video, multimedia editing, playing graphically intense video games or running anti malware scans at the same time. Limiting multitasking will also free up random access memory, which can increase the rate that data is transferred to your processor, further reducing lag.
Heat
When a CPU makes calculations, it must draw power from the motherboard which causes it to generate heat. The more you force your processor to make calculations, the more heat will be created. But heat inhibits processor function, which can result in lag or even crashes and hardware damage. To keep a processor functioning efficiently, it must be kept as cool as possible. A high quality CPU fan and heat sink should be used to cool your processor, and as well as additional case cooling measures, like case fans. Setting your computer up in a cool place, like a basement can help keep it running cool. If you have been using your computer for an extended period of time, shutting it down and allowing it to cool can increase processor performance upon restart.
RAM
Even when a processor is functioning perfectly, its speed can be limited if your other hardware components, in particular your random access memory (RAM), is insufficient. The RAM is responsible for storing data from the hard drive and transferring it to the processor to run the programs and processes that the user demands of the PC. The amount of total RAM your computer has and the speed that the RAM can transfer data by limit how quickly the processor can receive data to perform calculations. Installing RAM with faster transfer rates can improve CPU performance and reduce lag. Any time the RAM becomes full, the computer will lag as it waits for new data from the hard drive, so simply installing additional RAM, even if it does not have faster transfer speeds, can help optimize CPU usage and computing speed.
Tags: your computer, same time, your processor, access memory, computer processor