Clock speed

Clock speed is the operating frequency of a computer's CPU, measured in hertz (Hz).

expanded

Clock speed defines how many cycles a CPU can execute per second, influencing the processing speed of computational tasks. It is a critical factor in determining a CPU's performance but not the sole determinant of processing power, as architecture and core count also play significant roles.

examples

The Intel Core i9-13900K processor operates at a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz.

This processor configuration is utilized in high-performance desktops for tasks requiring intensive computational power like video rendering or complex simulations.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X features a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and can boost up to 5.3 GHz under heavy loads.

Commonly employed in gaming PCs where maintaining a high clock speed under load is essential for smooth performance in graphics-intensive applications.

related terms

Base clock

The base clock is the standard operating frequency of a processor in Hertz (Hz).

Frequency

Frequency is the rate at which a periodic event repeats per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).

Boost clock

The highest possible clock speed a CPU or GPU can operate at under specific conditions.

Timing

Timing refers to the synchronization of tasks or processes in a computing system based on clock cycles.

Gigahertz (GHz)

Gigahertz (GHz) is a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz, used to measure clock speed in computers.