Processor (CPU) Optimization

Because the CPU is the “brains” of the computer, and because faster data flow to and from the CPU is a critical factor in overall performance, you need to know how to optimize the CPU's performance. This can be done by making changes in the motherboard's CPU configuration and in the configuration of devices that communicate directly with the CPU.

Adjusting Speed and Multiplier Settings

As you saw earlier in this chapter, most recent CPUs have two clock speeds: an internal or core clock speed, and an external or bus clock speed (also called the CPU frequency). The CPU's core clock speed is a multiple of the system bus speed. The Front-Side Bus (FSB) speed on recent systems (the speed at which the CPU connects with ...

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