Computer Hardware
In this module, you will be identifying the necessary hardware to run your design; even web designs must use a computer or mobile device to view the geospatial platform, therefore, requiring the minimum hardware requirements. Therefore, the readings and content information in this module will provide the basic understanding necessary to research the system infrastructure necessary for your design.
RAM: Random Access Memory
This type of memory is “volatile” meaning it can only retain memory while its powered. RAM sizes can range from 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The larger ram will increase performance on large software.
For example, a Google Chromebook, which has minimum computer system architecture – just enough to access the internet and performance basic functions, has as little as 2-4 GB.
However, ArcGIS Pro Desktop requires a minimum of 8GB RAM but recommends 32GB, with 64GB or higher increasing performance even more.
CPU: Central Processing Unit
The CPU carries out the instruction in the software and can directly access main memory. It is usually on a processor circuit. A processing circuit is a closed loop that connect multiple processing cores. A core is a smaller CPU that can execute instructions, but a processor circuit connects multiple cores to increase performance.
For example, a common PC processor circuit is the Intel Core i7 processor (4 cores). However, Mac processors uses a System on a Chip (SoC) architecture, which combines multiple components into a single chip. As of the writing of this module content, apple has the M1 Chip, which has 8 cores – 4 high performance cores and 4 high efficiency cores. Apple can also use an intel based processor system, but research shows the M1 chip uses less energy, is faster, and has greater performance.
More cores increases performance, since it provides more functionality for the computer to implement the “instructions” from the RAM.
For example, a google chromebook has an Intel Core i3 processor (usually 2 cores). ArcGIS Pro can function on a minimum of 2 cores, however, it is recommended to have a 4-10 core processor for better performance.
Secondary Storage: Hard Drive and Solid-State Drive
Hard drives store data using magnetism on a spinning platter, whereas solid state hard drives store data using electrical charges in nonvolatile memory cells. SSDs are faster, quieter, and more resistant to mechanical failure, since they don’t have moving parts.
When a computer and/or program is powered on, the computer loads data from secondary storage to the RAM. Additionally, any time a user downloads data, documents, etc, all the information is held on the secondary storage (unless its downloaded to a server).
Higher secondary storage simply means you can download more information, but it shouldn’t effect performance. Most basic computers (chromebook and/or mobile devices) have 64 GB of space. ArcGIS requires 32GB or more to download the software, however, more would be needed to download accessible data.