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In computing, frequency refers to the number of electrical cycles or oscillations that occur per second and is measured in hertz (Hz). The term is commonly used to describe the speed of various components, with a higher frequency generally indicating faster performance.

Frequency in computer components

CPU (Clock speed)

Definition: For a central processing unit (CPU), frequency is called the "clock speed" or "clock rate". It measures how many cycles a CPU can complete per second. Each cycle is a pulse that synchronizes all operations within the processor, and higher clock speeds mean more cycles and instructions can be executed per second.

Measurement: Clock speed is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), which represents billions of cycles per second.

Performance vs. efficiency: While a higher frequency generally leads to better performance, it's not the only factor. A CPU's architecture, number of cores, and cache size also play a significant role. Higher frequencies also increase power consumption and heat generation.