FCSCST1133Data Engineering Ecosystem

SCST1133 · Topic 01

Computer and System Performance

Evaluate performance as the result of interacting resources, workload and constraints.

01Introduction to Computer and System
Evaluation

The fastest component does not guarantee the fastest system

A bottleneck occurs when one limiting component restricts overall performance.

Factors affecting computer-system performance
Figure 10. Processor, memory, storage, network, software, cooling and workload jointly affect performance.

Performance factors

FactorPossible effect
ProcessorArchitecture, cores and workload affect instruction throughput.
MemoryInsufficient RAM increases waiting and storage use.
StorageDevice type and free space affect loading and saving.
NetworkBandwidth and latency affect remote services.
SoftwareInefficient code or configuration wastes resources.
Cooling and workloadHeat and concurrent users may reduce sustained performance.

Avoid a simple conclusion

A higher CPU clock speed alone does not prove that a complete system will respond faster. Always identify the workload and the likely bottleneck.