CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test

The Random Access Memory (RAM) is primarily responsible for a computer's performance because it acts as the system's short-term memory. When you run applications or process data, the operating system loads information into RAM so that the CPU can access it quickly. The more RAM a system has, the more data it can store for fast access, which means multiple applications can run smoothly without slowdowns. If a computer has insufficient RAM, it may resort to using slower storage options, like the hard disk drive, to compensate, leading to a decrease in performance.

While the graphics card, hard disk drive, and operating system play important roles in a computer's overall functionality, they influence aspects such as graphics rendering, data storage speeds, and user interface management respectively. However, RAM directly correlates with the speed and efficiency of the CPU's operations, making it the key component affecting performance in typical computing tasks.