Which 1 Dictates Computer SPEED?

[Amie]

Hi everyone,
I'm a little confused about 3 terms........
1. Storage space
2. Memory (RAM)
3. Processor
I know what they are but my confusion lies in the question of...... which 1 of those 3 accounts the most for computer SPEED (loading web pages, launching apps, watching videos, etc.)?
Or do they all 3 contribute to speed? I'm thinking they all 3 do but surely 1 must have more weight than they other 2?
Thanks!
- Amie

[Satcomer]

Amie,

1. Storage is important for big files. However for things like iTunes (with it's huge video files) just get an external to host the iTunes Library on. Plus REALLY consider getting a backup drive and use Time Machine or a cloning program. Just remember is not if a hard drive will go, it's when it will go.

Plus when I put an SSD into My older Mac Book Pro is became a different Mac. The boot time and launch times seem to put my Mac Pro to shame.

2. OS X loves RAM. However on my Mac Pro anything over 12G of RAM and it really becomes dismissing return. However if you are not crunching video then 6 - 8 G is a really sweet spot. Just buy larger and larger RAM along the next few months to spread the cost out.

3. Processor is kind-of important. In todays world cores and programs that can take advantage of multiple cores can really speed things up. Don't take my word for it, bookmark the Mac speed testing site BareFeets.com and Accelerate Your Macintosh.com.

Plus do some software maintenance about once every three months using programs like Yasu or Onyx or Maintenance and run all the cleaning routines. Let the program clear all the caches and let it reboot your Mac. Then upon that reboot manually reboot your Mac again to completely rebuild your OS X system startup/shutdown cache. Doing this about once every 3-4 months will keep your OS X humming along almost like new.

[Amie]

Satcomer, you're the BEST! As always, great info. Thank you!

By the way, I installed Onyx and Flush and Maintidget..... so far. Still exploring and learning...... that's the fun of it!

I'm gonna take a look at those speed test links now. Thanks again!

P.S. I noticed that other person who replied in this thread got banned? How does one get banned on a Mac forum? Did he/she try to spread a virus..... or say Windows PCs are better than Macs? LOL

[ElDiabloConCaca]

I think that's his tagline, much like your "Mac Convert for Life".

[Amie]

Oh, I see! LOL I thought it meant he was "banned" from the forum. So, you are "prime rib" then?

[icemanjc]

I think that's his tagline, much like your "Mac Convert for Life".

I think he really is banned.... Generally it shows in their tagline. I'll let the mods give the final say though.

I'm guess out of his four posts, they were possibly irrelevant, flaming, or simply spam. (They seem to be fairly irrelevant and posting for the sake of posting)