Which term refers to the amount of computational power needed to perform a task?

The term that refers to the amount of computational power needed to perform a task is "Compute." This term encompasses the resources required, such as CPU and memory, necessary to execute operations, run applications, or process data. It captures the essence of computational capability, emphasizing the performance aspect needed to handle a specific task or workload effectively.

While "Processing power" might seem relevant, as it implies the capacity of a system to execute instructions, it more specifically indicates the speed of those operations rather than the essence of resource requirements needed for them. "Data capacity" is concerned with how much data a system can store or manage, which is not the same as the computational resources required to process that data. "Processing load" typically describes the workload placed on a system; it may imply the demands on computing resources without defining the inherent nature of the required computational power itself. Therefore, "Compute" stands out as the most accurate term for defining the needed computational power for tasks.