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Hardware specifications for a stated task

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The bars show fixed working-memory capacities. The line shows the task's minimum. Try minimums of 6, 8, 10 and 12 GB. A bar reaching or crossing the line meets this one requirement. The computer capacities do not change

Bars show A with 6 GB, B with 8 GB and C with 12 GB of working memory. The labelled minimum line moves when the requirement changesWorking memory (GB)Minimum: 8010ABC6812Computer
Required working memory
8 GB
8

What happens to Computer B when the minimum changes from 8 GB to 10 GB?

Year 7, Chapter 1, 3 difficulty levels, No calculatorBuild a worksheet

Hardware suitability from capacity requirements

Compare matching quantities in the same unit, then check that every condition holds

  1. Keep the capacities separate Working memory (RAM) holds data that programs are currently using. Storage keeps saved files. More storage does not replace missing working memory
  2. Read the unit and column GB means gigabytes, a unit of capacity. Compare working memory with the working-memory minimum, and available storage with the storage minimum
  3. Include equality A minimum of 8 GB means 8 GB or more. Exactly 8 GB is enough for that stated minimum
  4. Check every requirement If a task has two minimums, both must be met. This only checks the stated requirements; it does not prove one computer is faster overall

Worked example

These are fictional computer specifications. Only the stated capacity requirements matter. Working memory and available storage are separate capacities. All values are in gigabytes (GB)

A task needs at least 8 GB of working memory and at least 240 GB of available storage. Both requirements must be met

ComputerWorking memory (GB)Available storage (GB)
Computer A10280
Computer B12200
Computer C6320

Which computer meets both minimums?

  1. Computer A: 10 GB of working memory is above the 8 GB minimum, so it meets this requirement. 280 GB of available storage is above the 240 GB minimum, so it meets this requirement

  2. Computer B: 12 GB of working memory is above the 8 GB minimum, so it meets this requirement. 200 GB of available storage is below the 240 GB minimum, so it does not meet this requirement

  3. Computer C: 6 GB of working memory is below the 8 GB minimum, so it does not meet this requirement. 320 GB of available storage is above the 240 GB minimum, so it meets this requirement

  4. Computer A is the only computer that matches the question's conditions

Common mistakes

Using the wrong capacity
✕\(\displaystyle \text{Storage replaces memory}\)✓\(\displaystyle \text{Check each capacity}\)
The capacities serve different roles. One cannot replace the other in the stated requirements
Minimum: 8 GB
✕\(\displaystyle \text{8 GB is not enough}\)✓\(\displaystyle \text{8 GB is enough}\)
A minimum is inclusive: the capacity may equal it or exceed it

Difficulty levels

introCheck one stated capacity minimum
standardCheck two minimums and identify a failed requirement
challengeRecheck changed requirements and compare single changes

Questions about this topic

Does meeting these minimums prove a computer is fastest?+

No. It only meets the requirements given here. Real suitability may also depend on other hardware, software, workload and user needs

Are working memory and storage the same because both use GB?+

No. The unit measures capacity, but the components have different roles

Does this assess my ability to explain a real hardware choice?+

The questions check choices under supplied rules. Producing and justifying a real recommendation needs additional evidence

Can I use a calculator?+

No. This topic is practised without a calculator

Which year level and chapter is this?+

Year 7 Digital Technologies, chapter 1: Digital systems

In this chapter

Hardware specifications for a stated taskData paths in a networkPackets and reassemblyProtecting an accountChecking account messages