the computer case

7/26/2019 The Computer Case

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The computer case

The computer case contains the most important components of the computer: the motherboard, the

processor, random access memory modules, the hard drive etc. It may not be possible to exchange the

components in a laptop computer, but in a desktop computer you have much more influence on the parts

inside the case.

The motherboard

The motherboard is the part of the computer where

such things as the processor, memory modules, expansion cards and external devices are attached. This

means that the motherboard controls the functions of different components. The number of connection

slots for peripheral devices and the number and type of memory slots are important properties of the

motherboard.

In addition to the various connections, the motherboard also has a small battery ensuring that settings

made on the board are retained even when the computer is switched off.

The processor


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The processor can be considered to be the engine of

the computer because it executes the lions share of the information processing the processor fetches

commands and necessary information from the !"#, carries out the tasks specified by the commands,

and returns the processed information to the !"#.

The speed of a computer depends largely on the speed of the processor. The processors speed, in turn,

is affected by various factors, such as the so$called clock fre%uency &usually expressed as gigahert',

()'*, the amount of cores and of the so$called cache memory inside the processor.

Random access memory

The !"# &!andom "ccess #emory* is a memory

storage that functions during computer use and is especially utilised by the processor. In modern

computers, the amount of !"# is around + - (/ depending on the type and purpose of the computer

&please seedata entry unitsfor more information*. The !"# consists of one or more memory modules

&see image above*.

0hen the computer is started, the operating system is loaded into the !"# &an operating system is a

program that controls the devices and programs in a computer please seeoperating systemsfor more

information*. The computer also loads the files being processed music, assignments, videos etc to the

!"#.

If there is enough !"#, the computer executes re%uested tasks %uickly. This is why it is a good idea to

add to the memory by buying more memory modules as the need arises.

)ow do I find out the amount of !"# on my computer12ou can check the amount of memory onyour computer in the following manner in 0indows: 3pen the Control Panelfrom the Startmenu,and click System and Securityand thenSystem. 2ou will see the amount of memory onyour computer on the screen.If you are using a #ac computer, you can see its memory by clickingthe Macbutton in the top left corner of the screen, and clicking About this Mac in the openingmenu.

Hard drive
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The hard drive is the permanent memory of the

computer where saved files remain even when the computer is turned off. This is why the hard drive is

used for saving files.

The capacity of hard drives varies currently the typical capacity is 455$-555 (/, but hard drives of over

-455 (/, i.e. -,4 terabit, are also available. )owever, the capacity of the internal hard drives in laptop

computers is often less than that.2ou can add to the capacity of your computer by attaching an additional

hard drive, either internally or externally. #ore information aboutstorage sizescan be found here.

The hard disk is used for the storage of the computers operating system and all important files. It is

therefore packed in a fixed protective housing. The disks may become damaged in spite of this protection,

so you should absolutely make backup copies of files on the hard drive from time to time &please

see backup copiesfor more information*6

DVD and Blu-ray drives with writing capabilities

#ost computers these days come with a Blu-

raydrive or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive with writing capabilities, with which you can burn

such things as backup copies of important files to 787s.CD driesare older and have mostly been

replaced with 787 drives. 97 drives can only burn data on 97s, which have a substantially smaller

storage capacity, while 787 drives can burn data to both 97s and 787s with more capacity &please

see recording mediafor more information*.

The display and display adapter
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#ost computer displays are so$called 97 displays

&i%uid 9rystal 7isplay*, where the image display is produced by li%uid crystals between two transparent

sheets. 7isplay si'es range between only a few inches in handheld apparatuses to large ;+ inch desktop

displays.3ne of the most important features of the display is its resolution, i.e. how many pixels &picture

elements* the image consists of. " normal ;; to ;+$inch widescreen display usually has -


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/elow are shown some typical keys on a ?9 keyboard. The keyboard mapping on #ac computers is

almost identical to ?9 keyboards, but the special keys Ctrland Altwork slightly differently. In addition,

the #ac keyboard has !nand Cmdkeys instead of the 0indows key.

Ctrl: (Control) is used in combination with other keys for dierent

actions. The combination Ctrl&C, for eample, copies the chosen

data to the memory.

Alt: (!lternati"e) is used like the Ctrl key. #ometimes both these keys

are used in combination: Ctrl&Alt&Del, for eample, brings up the

task manager(in $indows %&).

Alt 'r: (!lternati"e 'raphics) produces the third character of the

keys, e.g. *, +, and -. $ith this key, you can also create the

character (important for the internet). Create the character as

follows: press !/T0'1 and the key at the same time, and 2nish with

the space bar.

3ou can make so0called ascii characters with combinations of the !lt

key and numerals, e.g. !lt45678 makes the character for

temperature 9. 3ou can choose to either add special characters in this

way or through an application. ost tet processing programs ha"e

their own menu for special characters.

Shi#t: capitalizes letters and the special characters on the numerical

keys, among others.

Ca%s ock: locks the capitalization of letters. This function is

connected with an ! or Caps lock pilot light on the keyboard. ;t turns

on the light when the function is in use.

ab: the tabulator is mainly used in word processing: each time youpress the tab button, the cursor mo"es to the net tab stop on the

same row. The key can also be used for alternating between window

displays.

Backs%ace: remo"es the characters to the left of the cursor, i.e.

what you


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To the left and right of the function keys, you will find the following additional keys:

*sc(=scape): mostly used to cancel a function, or e.g. to

close a menu window.

"ome and *nd: these keys bring the cursor to the top or

the bottom of the line.

Page +%and Page Don: mo"e the page up or down.

nsert: starts the insert function, where the tet you are

writing replaces the tet to the right of the cursor.

Delete: deletes the character to the right of the cursor.

Arro keys: mo"e the cursor in the direction shown by the

arrows.

he number %adis acti"ated with the .um ockkey:

when it is acti"ated, the pilot light with the symbol 6 or the

tet >um /ock lights up. ?sually the >um /ock function has

been set to be turned on when starting up the computer. ;f

the pilot light is not turned on, the keys function in the way

indicated by the symbols on the keys (@ up, A left, 8 right, B

down).

The keyboard also has the rarely used keys Print Screen, Scroll ock andPause. The ?rint

Bcreen key lets you take a picture of the display &"ltC?rintBcreen takes a picture of the currently activated

window* and send it to your clipboard, Bcroll ock locks the scrolling of the display and the ?ause key can

be used e.g. for stopping the loading of the system during start$up.

Aor more information on hotkeys and key combinations, see theadditional reading material.

Pointing devices

Traditionally, most programs have been designed to be used with a mouse. The mouse cursor seen on

the screen of the computer moves along with the mouse. The cursor can be used to select menu

commands and areas, as well as activating different obDects by clicking the mouse keys.
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arger image:optical mouseE pointing stick and touchpadE touchscreen

Mouse

2ou can attach a traditional mouse with or without a cord to any computer. 9ordless mice use radio

waves to relay movement from the mouse to the computer &for this mouse, a small radio receiver is

attached to the computer*.

Touchpad"lmost all laptop computers have a touch%adwhich is used to move the cursor. Bome models also

have a so$called %ointing stick. In addition, portable computers have keys with the clicking function of

mouses. The touch%adis a pad where you can control the cursor by moving your finger along the pad.

Tapping the pad serves the same function as clicking a mouse.

Pointing stic

The %ointing stickis a nub located in the middle of the keyboard, and controls the cursor. The

pointing stick can be clicked by tapping the stick or using the separate buttons in the keyboard. In the

right$hand image above, you can see a portable computer with both a pointing stick &blue* and a touchpad

&the large, dark grey area in front of the keyboard*.Touchscreen

7evices that are smaller than a laptop, such as phones and tablets, usually do not have a separate

keyboard or pointer device. In these devices, the entire screen of the device works as an input device.

" touchscreenis used like the track pad on a laptop, and when typing is re%uired, a keyboard appears

on the screen.

0hen using a mouse, keyboard and simil

Personal computerFeditG
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/asic hardware components of a modern personal computer, including amonitor, a motherboard, a 9?H,a!"#,

twoexpansion cards,apower supply,an optical disc drive,ahard disk drive,akeyboardand amouse

Inside a custom$built computer: power supply at the bottom has its own cooling fan

The personal computer, also known as the ?9, is one of the most common types of computer due to its

versatility and relatively low price.aptopsare generally very similar, although they may use lower$power or

reduced si'e components.

Case[edit]

Main article: Computer case

The computer case is a plastic or metal enclosure that houses all the components of a computer. It is designed

to accommodated all the components of the computer &9?H, motherboard, power supply unit, io connections,

etc* and protected it from all outside ha'ards &heat, cold, water, static charges etc*. 0ithout the case, thecomputer will be cumbersome and be subDected to several ha'ards that will render its use cumbersome and

expensive to run. Those found ondesktop computersare usually small enough to fit under a desk however, in

recent years more compact designs have become more commonplace, such as the all$in$one style designs

from"pple,namely the i#ac. " case can be either big or small, but the form factorof motherboard for which it is

designed matters more.FGaptops are computers that usually come in a clamshellform factor however, in more

recent years, deviations from this form factor, such as laptops that have a detachable screen that become

tablet computers in their own right, have started to emerge.

Power supply[edit]

Main article: Power supply unit (computer)

" power supply unit &?BH* converts alternating current &"9* electric power to low$voltage 79 power for the

internal components of the computer. aptops are capable of running from a built$in battery, normally for a

period of hours.FJG

Mainboard[edit]

Main article: Motherboard
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The motherboard is the main component of a computer. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry

that connects the other parts of the computer including the 9?H, the !"#, the disk drives &97, 787,hard disk,

or any others* as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.

9omponents directly attached to or to part of the motherboard include:

The !P"&9entral ?rocessing Hnit*, which performs most of the calculations which enable a computer

to function, and is sometimes referred to as the brain of the computer. It is usually cooledby a heatsink

and fan, or water$cooling system. #ost newer 9?Hs include an on$die (raphics ?rocessing Hnit &(?H*.

Theclock speedof 9?Hs governs how fast it executes instructions, and is measured in ()' typical

values lie between - ()' and 4 ()'. #any modern computers have the option to overclock the 9?H

which enhances performance at the expense of greater thermal output and thus a need for improved

cooling.

The chipset,which includes the north bridge, mediates communication between the 9?H and the

other components of the system, including main memory.

Random-#ccess Memory&!"#*, which stores the code and data that are being actively accessed by

the 9?H. !"# usually comes on7I##sin the si'es ;(/, +(/, and K(/, but can be much larger.

Read-$nly Memory&!3#*, which stores the/I3Bthat runs when the computer is powered on or

otherwise begins execution, a process known as /ootstrapping,or LbootingLor Lbooting up.L

TheB%$&&/asic Input 3utput Bystem* includes bootfirmwareand power management firmware. >ewer

motherboards useHnified Mxtensible Airmware Interface&HMAI* instead of /I3B.

Busesthat connect the 9?H to various internal components and to expand cards for graphics andsound.

The 9#3B battery,which powers the memory for date and time in the /I3B chip. This battery is

generally a watch battery.

The video card&also known as the graphics card*, which processes computer graphics. #ore

powerful graphics cards are better suited to handle strenuous tasks, such as playing intensive video

games.

Expansion cards[edit]

Main article: Expansion card

"nexpansion cardin computing is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a

computer motherboard or backplane to add functionality to a computer system via the expansion bus.

Mxpansions cards can be used to obtain or expand on features not offered by the motherboard.

Storage devices[edit]

Main article: Computer data storage
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9omputer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components and recording media

that retain digital data. 7ata storage is a core function and fundamental component of computers. The price of

solid$state drives &BB7*, which store data on flash memory, has dropped a lot in recent years, making them a

better choice than ever to add to a computer to make booting up and accessing files faster. FKG

Aixed media'edit(

7ata is stored by a computer using a variety of media. )ard disk drivesare found in virtually all older

computers, due to their high capacity and low cost, but solid$state drivesare faster and more power efficient,

although currently more expensive than hard drives, so are often found in more expensive computers. Bome

systems may use a disk array controllerfor greater performance or reliability.

!emovable media'edit(

To transfer data between computers, a HB/ flash driveor optical discmay be used. Their usefulness depends

on being readable by other systems the maDority of machines have an optical disk drive, and virtually all havea HB/port.

Input and output peripherals[edit]

Main article: Peripheral

Inputandoutputdevices are typically housed externally to the main computer chassis. The following are either

standard or very common to many computer systems.

Input'edit(

Input devicesallow the user to enter information into the system, or control its operation. #ost personal

computers have amouseand keyboard,but laptop systems typically use a touchpadinstead of a mouse. 3ther

input devices include webcams,microphones,Doysticks,and image scanners.

3utput device'edit(

3utput devicesdisplay information in a human readable form. Buch devices could

include printers,speakers,monitorsor a/raille embosser.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware#cite_note-8https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=10https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_array_controllerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_dischttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USBhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USBhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=12https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheralhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=13https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_deviceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchpadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystickhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystickhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystickhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_scannerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=14https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_speakerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_speakerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braille_embosserhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware#cite_note-8https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=10https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_array_controllerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_dischttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USBhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=12https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheralhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=13https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_deviceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchpadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystickhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_scannerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computer_hardware&action=edit&section=14https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_speakerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braille_embosser


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Main)rame computerFeditG

"n I/# Bystem '


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0hen using computer hardware, an upgrademeans adding new hardware to a computer that improves its

performance, adds capacity or new features. Aor example, a user could perform a hardware upgrade to replace

the hard drivewith aBB7to get a boost in performance or increase the amount of files that may be stored.

"lso, the user could increase the !"# so the computer may run more smoothly. The user could add aHB/

@.5expansion cardin order to fully use HB/ @.5 devices, or could upgrade the (?Hfor extra rendering power.

?erforming such hardware upgrades may be necessary for older computers to meet a programsN system

re%uirements.

Parts of a Motherboard and TheirFunctionHpdated on Ouly -K, ;5-4

The Parts o) a !omputer Motherboard

Bome of the maDor components of a motherboard.

The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. 3ther names for this central

computer unit are system board, main board, or printed wired board &?0/*. #otherboard is sometimes

shortened to #obo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upgradehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSDhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSDhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPUhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upgradehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSDhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPU


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>umerous maDor components, crucial in the functioning of the computer, are attached to the motherboard.

These include the processor, memory, and expansion slots. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to

every part of the ?9.

The type of motherboard installed in a ?9 has a great effect on a computerNs system speed and expansion

capabilities.

Ma*or Motherboard !omponents and Their +unctions

" labeled "B!ock PJ8T+" ?ro #ainboard. E Bource

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

"lso known as the microprocessor or the processor, the 9?H is the computerNs brain. It is responsible for

fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical

calculations.

The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is usually

inscribed on the chip itself. Aor example, Intel @K, "dvanced #icro 7evices &"#7* @K, 9yrix +K, ?entium

##Q, Intel 9ore ;7uo, or i9oreJ.

If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket - to Bocket K,

(" JJ4 among others. This can help you identify the processor that fits in the socket. Aor example, a +K7Qprocessor fits into Bocket @.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

!andom "ccess #emory, or !"#, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to

enhance computer performance while you are working.


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In other words, it is the working place of your computer, where active programs and data are loaded so that any

time time the processor re%uires them, it doesnNt have to fetch them from the hard disk.

!andom access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is different from

non$volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not re%uire a power source to retain data.

0hen a computer shuts down properly, all data located in !"# is returned back to permanent storage on the

hard drive or flash drive. "t the next boot$up, !"# begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, a

process called booting. ater on, the user opens other files and programs that are still loaded in the memory.

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

/I3B stands for /asic Input3utput Bystem. /I3B is a Lread onlyL memory, which consists of low$level software

that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware.

#ost people know the term /I3B by another nameRdevice drivers, or Dust drivers. /I3B is essentially the link

between the computer hardware and software in a system.

"ll motherboards include a small block of !ead 3nly #emory &!3#* which is separate from the main system

memory used for loading and running software. 3n ?9s, the /I3B contains all the code re%uired to control the

keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.

The system /I3B is a !3# chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine &boot process* to check

out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The /I3B is stored on a !3# chip because !3# retains

information even when no power is being supplied to the computer.

Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM)


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" 9#3B battery.

#otherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from 9#3B !"# chips which is kept alive

by a battery &known as a 9#3B battery* even when the ?9s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when

the ?9 is powered on.

9#3B devices re%uire very little power to operate.

The 9#3B !"# is used to store basic Information about the ?9s configuration for instance:$

Aloppy disk and hard disk drive types

Information about 9?H

!"# si'e

7ate and time

Berial and parallel port information

?lug and ?lay information

?ower Baving settings

3ther Important data kept in 9#3B memory is the time and date, which is updated by a !eal Time 9lock

&!T9*.

Cache Memory

; cache on an old motherboard.


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9ache memory is a small block of high$speed memory &!"#* that enhances ?9 performance by pre$loading

information from the &relatively slow* main memory and passing it to the processor on demand.

#ost 9?Hs have an internal cache memory &built into the processor* which is referred to as evel - or primary

cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on the motherboard. This is the

evel ; or secondary cache.

In modern computers, evels - and ; cache memory are built into the processor die. If a third cache is

implemented outside the die, it is referred to as the evel @ &@* cache.

Expansion Bus

?9I slots.

"n expansion bus is an inputoutput pathway from the 9?H to peripheral devices and it is typically made up of

a series of slots on the motherboard. Mxpansion boards &cards* plug into the bus. ?9I is the most common

expansion bus in a ?9 and other hardware platforms. /uses carry signals such as data, memory addresses,

power, and control signals from component to component. 3ther types of buses include IB" and MIB".

Mxpansion buses enhance the ?9s capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their computers by

slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.

Chipsets

" chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a ?9Ns key components. These

key components include the 9?H itself, the main memory, the secondary cache, and any devices situated on

the buses. " chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the I7M

channels.


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" computer has got two main chipsets:

The >orth/ridge &also called the memory controller* is in charge of controlling transfers between the

processor and the !"#, which is why it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called

the (#9), for (raphic and #emory 9ontroller )ub.

The Bouth/ridge &also called the inputoutput controller or expansion controller* handlescommunications between slower peripheral devices. It is also called the I9) &I3 9ontroller )ub*. The

term LbridgeL is generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.

9hipset manufacturers include BIB, 8I", "I, and 3?TI.

CPU Clock

The 9?H clock synchroni'es the operation of all parts of the ?9 and provides the basic timing signal for the

9?H. Hsing a %uart' crystal, the 9?H clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow

of pulses.

Aor example, a ;55 #)' 9?H receives ;55 million pulses per second from the clock. " ; ()' 9?H gets two

billion pulses per second. Bimilarly, in any communications device a clock may be used to synchroni'e the data

pulses between sender and receiver.

" Lreal$time clock,L also called the Lsystem clock,L keeps track of the time of day and makes this data available

to the software. " Ltime$sharing clockL interrupts the 9?H at regular intervals and allows the operating system

to divide its time between active users andor applications.

Switches and Jumpers

D%P&7ual In$line ?ackage* switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit board that canbe turned on or off Dust like a normal switch. They are very small and so are usually flipped with a pointed

obDect, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a bent paper clip, or a pen top. Take care when cleaning near 7I?

switches, as some solvents may destroy them. 7ip switches are obsolete and you will not find them in

modern systems.

,umper pinsare small protruding pins on the motherboard. " Dumper cap or bridge is used to connect

or short a pair of Dumper pins. 0hen the bridge is connected to any two pins, via a shorting link, it

completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.

,umper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a Dumper consists of a plastic

plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Oumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards.

/y placing a Dumper plug over a different set of pins, you can change a boardNs parameters.

$T./ 2ou can check the Dumper pins and Dumper cap at the back of an I7M hard disk and a 97787

!3#0riter.

More Resources #bout Motherboards


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#otherboard Aorm Aactors

The motherboard form factor describes the boardNs general shape, type of case, power supply, and

physical organi'ation &layout*.

9omputer /us "rchitecture Types

" bus is a common pathway through which information is connected from one component to another. This

pathway is used for communication and can be established between two or more computer components.

77!-, 77!;, 77!@: >avigating The !"# #a'e

9hoosing the proper 77!$type for your ?9 is critical. The wrong choice can drastically bottleneck your

system. )ere is a full guide to picking the right 77! for your 9?H.

Parts o) a Motherboard

Did you get what you were looing )or in this hub0

2es

>o

Bee results without voting

1 2344 Patric Kamau

More by this #uthor

etwork Card,

#ound Cards, odem Cards and 'raphics Cards will look dierent

also depending on the manufacture and type of card you buy. Dut

they will all look "ery similar to the ones shown.
http://hubpages.com/technology/cpus-and-motherboards/6156http://hubpages.com/technology/computer-processorhttp://hubpages.com/technology/cpus-and-motherboards/6156http://hubpages.com/technology/buseshttp://hubpages.com/technology/cpus-and-motherboards/6156http://hubpages.com/technology/computer-processorhttp://hubpages.com/technology/cpus-and-motherboards/6156http://hubpages.com/technology/buses


20/23


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These are ;E= cables.

n the right side is a 1ed line on the cable, tha

goes on the same side as the power supply on t

Fard Eri"e, there is also, usually a notch that it 2

into.

GG The CE01 Eri"e is similar to the Fard Eri"e, as far as the connections on the back and


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This is a >etwork card for the &C; slot, used for

Droadband connection, like cable or E#/.

This is a 1am emory Chip, notice the

notches on the bottom, it can only go into t

slot one way, those notches ha"e to line u

with the ones in the slot. ake sure it is

seated all the way and the white clips areclipped into the notches on the sides.

Computer &ower #upply, this supplies the

electricity to all the parts in the computer

This is the only part that holds electricity af

you unplug the &ower Cord and should only ser"iced by a Huali2ed Tech.


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This is a C&? the Central &rocessing ?nit, th

sends all the info to the dierent parts of yo

computer. This is the bottom of the C&?showing all the pins, they 2t into a slot on t

otherboard.

This sits on top of the C&? and draws heat

into the 2ns of the Feat #ink, then the Ian

pulls air up and through the 2ns cooling the

That is how the C&? is stays cool, otherwise

would o"er heat and shut down the comput

the computer case

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