What are the factors that greatly affect the computers performance in terms of speed? Is it the processor, RAM, disk space, FSB, or is it all of the above?

Processors represent how fast a computer can make a calculation, RAM is how much memory is can store for more complicated calculations.

Disk space determines how much virtual memory can be allocated, but has a small impact on speed.

FSB's are rather aging, and not really needed on high-end computers. Though they're handy on slightly slower ones. A poor FSB can actually slow a computer down.

if you are looking for a fast, cheap boost in performance upgrading the ram can be amazingly effective.

True. But you need to make sure nothing else is bottlenecking you. If you have 4GB of RAM with a P1 1GHz computer, it's not going to do much good.

th3st1ck wrote: True. But you need to make sure nothing else is bottlenecking you. If you have 4GB of RAM with a P1 1GHz computer, it's not going to do much good.

I agree, I think the processor, ram, and the Front Side Bus should be compatible and capable of reaching or serving each components capacity to get a better result.

These are the main factors behind computer speed.

1. Processor (Dual core processors deliver better performance)

2. RAM ( More ram more computer speed)

3. Cache memory ( For fast data trasnfer)

4. HDD( RPM, more RPM better data transfer speed)

5. Defragmentation

6. Registry

7. CPU's FSB speed

8. USB (use usb drive as virtual memory for getting better performance)

9. Data Cable

10. Virus

Many many........

Well if you got a fast processor adding a ram would be a good option as it does make applications load faster. Even a lower specs system could benefit in a added ram.

I agree, but the availability of the old rams is theproblem. Replacing the ram will not contribute that much if you have a low FSB.

I agree with you sweetangel18 lets take example of my computer. I bough computer 4 years ago and it was running smoothly without any problem but last year i decided to add more ram (512 MB) to my pc . I was amazed with results because my computers speed increased dramatically and i was so happy with increased speed. So i must say more higher RAM you have you will get higher processing speed. BTW now i have my personal laptop with 2 GB RAM and very good processing speed :)

The operating system is also important, if something like Vista is installed on a poor computer, then it will be as slow as Hell, but a Linux will be pretty fast and a Mac will be blazing fast.

Your processor speed, RAM and memory cache are the factors that affect your speed the most. Operating system is also one of the factors but if you have good amount of RAM, it won't be a problem.