Internal Components of a PC

Internal Components of a PC

There are many parts that make up your PC.

In this presentation I will outline the crucial components and describe their functions and how they work with other parts to make your PC run!

There are many parts that make up your PC.

In this presentation I will outline the crucial components and describe their functions and how they work with other parts to make your PC run!

The main components are!

• Motherboard• CPU• RAM• Hard Disk Drive• Interface Cards

• CD/DVD ROM• Cooling Fan• Power Supply

Quick OverviewQuick Overview

MotherboardMotherboard

Holds many of the crucial parts of a PC such as the CPU and RAM.

Also known as a main board or system board.

Allows all the parts of your PC to receive power and communicate to each other.

Holds many of the crucial parts of a PC such as the CPU and RAM.

Also known as a main board or system board.

Allows all the parts of your PC to receive power and communicate to each other.

Motherboard ContinuedMotherboard Continued

Form factor refers to the shape of the motherboard and where/how other components are attached to it.

The socket for the microprocessor determines size and type of processor the motherboard can use.

Form factor refers to the shape of the motherboard and where/how other components are attached to it.

The socket for the microprocessor determines size and type of processor the motherboard can use.

CPUCPU

CPU a.k.a MicroprocessorCPU a.k.a Microprocessor Referred to as the brain of

the brain of the computer. Controls basic logical,

arithmetical, and input/output operations.

Main function of the CPU is running programs.

CPU performance is determined by clock rate and instructions per second.

In layman’s terms that means how fast and how many instructions a CPU can handle.

Referred to as the brain of the brain of the computer.

Controls basic logical, arithmetical, and input/output operations.

Main function of the CPU is running programs.

CPU performance is determined by clock rate and instructions per second.

In layman’s terms that means how fast and how many instructions a CPU can handle.

RAMRAM

RAM = Random Access Memory Most common type of memory in

computers today. “Random” because any byte of memory

can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.

Volatile form of memory, meaning they lose their contents if power is shut off.

RAM is also known as “main memory”, the memory available for programs to use.

10MB of RAM translates to 10 million bytes of memory for programs to use.

RAM = Random Access Memory Most common type of memory in

computers today. “Random” because any byte of memory

can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.

Volatile form of memory, meaning they lose their contents if power is shut off.

RAM is also known as “main memory”, the memory available for programs to use.

10MB of RAM translates to 10 million bytes of memory for programs to use.

Hard Disk DriveHard Disk Drive Commonly referred to

as “Hard Drive” of “HDD”.

Non volatile random access data storage device

Which means unlike RAM, the hard drive retains it’s memory when power is shut off.

Dominant form of secondary storage for data for most PCs.

Commonly referred to as “Hard Drive” of “HDD”.

Non volatile random access data storage device

Which means unlike RAM, the hard drive retains it’s memory when power is shut off.

Dominant form of secondary storage for data for most PCs.

Interface CardsInterface Cards

Most common types are:

Sound Cards

Video Cards

Network Cards

Most common types are:

Sound Cards

Video Cards

Network Cards

Sound CardSound Card

Facilitates input/output of audio to and from the computer.

Usually a piece of hardware installed in the computer (pictured) but can be used to refer to software that does the same thing.

Facilitates input/output of audio to and from the computer.

Usually a piece of hardware installed in the computer (pictured) but can be used to refer to software that does the same thing.

Video CardVideo Card

Generates output images to display

Also enhances picture quality and graphics.

Most common use is with PC gamers who wish to enhance their experience.

Generates output images to display

Also enhances picture quality and graphics.

Most common use is with PC gamers who wish to enhance their experience.

Network CardNetwork Card

Gives the computer a port to physically connect to a network such as a LAN, typically with an Ethernet cable.

Most PCs now have this component built into their motherboards.

Gives the computer a port to physically connect to a network such as a LAN, typically with an Ethernet cable.

Most PCs now have this component built into their motherboards.

CD/DVD ROM DriveCD/DVD ROM Drive

Drive that can read CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu Rays.

Most common way to play a CD or movie on a PC.

Also used to install new programs onto a PC.

Drive that can read CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu Rays.

Most common way to play a CD or movie on a PC.

Also used to install new programs onto a PC.

Cooling FanCooling Fan

Used primarily to cool the internal components of a PC.

It accomplishes this by drawing in cool air while expelling hot air from inside the PC.

Used primarily to cool the internal components of a PC.

It accomplishes this by drawing in cool air while expelling hot air from inside the PC.

Power SupplyPower Supply

Supplies direct current (DC) to other parts of the PC.

Modern PCs now conform to the ATX format.

This means they are controlled by the motherboard and send signals to the motherboard letting the PC know it can boot up

Supplies direct current (DC) to other parts of the PC.

Modern PCs now conform to the ATX format.

This means they are controlled by the motherboard and send signals to the motherboard letting the PC know it can boot up

ReferencesReferences

Wikipedia.com

Howstuffworks.com

Webopedia.com

Wikipedia.com

Howstuffworks.com

Webopedia.com