Computing capacity.
WHAT PROCESSORS PROVIDE
Cores, each able to execute work independently Clock speed, determining how quickly each proceeds
WHAT MATTERS FOR DIFFERENT WORKLOADS
Many cores: virtualisation and many simultaneous tasks
Higher clock speed: workloads limited by single-thread performance
WHY THAT DISTINCTION MATTERS
Some software cannot use many cores, and more of them helps not at all.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which your workload is, before specifying.
WHAT MEMORY DETERMINES
How much can be held and worked on at once.
WHY IT MATTERS SO MUCH
When memory runs out, the system uses disk instead, and performance collapses.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Insufficient memory degrades performance far more sharply than a slower processor.
WHAT TO SPECIFY
Enough memory for the workload, with headroom.
WHAT TO CHECK
Maximum capacity supported Configuration rules, which affect achievable speed
WHAT TO MONITOR
Memory use over time, which grows as workloads do.
WHAT TO PLAN
Expansion, where the platform allows it.
