CPU frequency
The clock speed of the CPU installed in the media centre.
On the technical side, the higher this indicator, the faster the processor works and the higher, accordingly, the overall system performance. At the same time, the CPU performance depends, in addition to the frequency itself, on a number of factors — architecture, number of cores, special design features, etc.; and the actual speed of the entire system is affected by performance of components other than the processor. In addition, manufacturers usually select processors in such a way that their computing power is guaranteed to be enough for all the features claimed for a media centre. Therefore, in this case, the CPU frequency is more of a reference parameter (and partly an advertising indicator that demonstrates the advanced specifications of the device), rather than practically significant for buyer.
RAM
The amount of RAM installed in the media player.
In general, this volume is selected by the manufacturer in such a way that the device can normally cope with the tasks that are claimed for it. On the other hand, all else being equal, more RAM usually means faster performance. This parameter is especially important if the media player runs under the Android OS (see above): such firmware allows the installation of additional applications that may have rather high requirements for RAM.
As for specific values, by modern standards, a device with more than 2 GB of RAM is considered a
fast media player.
Cooling system
The type of cooling system used in the device.
— Passive. Systems based on natural heat dissipation; usually, one or another type of radiators is used. Passive cooling is absolutely silent, does not require energy and is extremely reliable — roughly speaking, there is simply nothing to break in it. Its main disadvantage is its low efficiency; this is not critical for relatively simple and low-power devices, however, passive systems are not suitable for advanced models (although Android models are often an exception to this rule).
— Active. Cooling systems with forced heat removal; usually the presence of fans is assumed. Such cooling is extremely efficient, making it suitable for use even in the most powerful devices with intense heat dissipation. Its disadvantages are noise, increased power consumption, as well as the probability of failure (very low, but nonetheless existing).
