[petsc-users] memory speed & the speed of sparse matrix computation

[Xiao, Jianjun (IKET)]

Hello,

In PETSc FAQ, I found such a statement below:

This is because the speed of sparse matrix computations is almost totally determined by the speed of the memory, not the speed of the CPU. 

I am not an expert in matrix solving. Could anybody explain why the memory speed is so critical for the speed of sparse matrix computation? Is there any reference?

Thank you.

Best regards
JJ