TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

Which component is typically upgraded to improve system performance effectively?

1. Power supply unit

2. Random Access Memory (RAM)

3. Optical drive

4. Motherboard

The correct answer is: Random Access Memory (RAM)

Upgrading Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the most effective ways to improve system performance. RAM is a vital component that temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly for active processes. If a system is running low on RAM, it may experience slowdowns, freezes, or the need to use the hard drive for virtual memory, which is significantly slower than accessing data directly from RAM. Increasing the amount of RAM in a system allows for more applications to run simultaneously, improves multitasking capabilities, and enhances performance in memory-intensive applications such as video editing, gaming, or running virtual machines. This upgrade can be particularly impactful on older systems or those with limited RAM, where the performance bottleneck during certain tasks can be pronounced. In contrast, while a power supply unit may be essential for system stability and providing adequate power to components, upgrading it does not inherently enhance performance. An optical drive, used primarily for reading and writing CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, typically does not contribute much to overall system speed compared to RAM. Upgrading the motherboard might provide additional features or support for newer technologies, but it does not directly enhance performance unless it is paired with additional upgrades such as a better CPU or more RAM.