The CPU, often referred to as the “brain” of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. Its performance is measured by factors such as clock speed (measured in gigahertz, GHz) and the number of cores. A higher clock speed and more cores generally indicate a more powerful CPU capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

RAM serves as the computer’s short-term memory, providing temporary storage for data that the CPU needs quick access to while performing tasks. The amount of RAM affects the system’s ability to handle multiple applications at once; more RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive applications.

The CPU and RAM work closely together: the CPU fetches data and instructions from RAM, processes them, and then writes back the results. This continuous exchange enables the computer to perform complex operations efficiently.