The components in a computer are designed to operate in perfect synchronization. To do this, they need a time keeper. The clock chip provides the timing signal in the form of electronic pulses that are used by the computer components to set up a working pace. The chip generates a regular beat (like the ticking of a clock) and the operations of a computer are timed to this beat. It is like the baton held by the conductor in an orchestra, the rhythmic movements of which set the pace for the individual instruments of the orchestra to follow. The faster the rhythmic movements, the faster the speed at which the orchestra plays. Thus, a computer, that operates at higher clock speeds is faster. For its timing, the clock chip uses a quartz crystal like the one used in quartz watches.
Clock Chip
Speed of Operation
The speed of a clock is measured in terms of frequency of pulses generated. The unit used for measuring this frequency is MHz (Mega Hertz). If the clock speed is 1 MHz, it means that the clock produces 1 million pulses per second. The clock speed of PCs ranges from a low of 16 MHz to a high of 200 MHz (used by the Pentium microprocessor). The clock speed is one way of measuring the speed of a computer.
Another unit for measuring the speed of a computer is MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). It gives the number of instructions executed per second. The standard PC is rated to have a speed of 0.4 MIPS.