Understanding computer hardware is key if you want to build or upgrade computers, so this eight-minute video offers a crash course on its major components. Internal hardware includes essentials like CPUs, RAM and hard drives for data storage. Peripherals add extra performance features or provide input and output services.
1. Motherboard
A motherboard serves as the main platform for many of a computer’s essential components, including its microprocessor and system memory. Additionally, it includes slots for keyboard and mouse input devices as well as connections to external storage drives and expansion cards that control video display and audio. Motherboards communicate between themselves via buses that route information based on signals sent over their pins.
Simply put, the motherboard connects different computer components together like Lego bricks and allows them to interact. Furthermore, it delivers and distributes power efficiently so as to reduce energy waste within your system and increase energy efficiency.
2. CPU
CPUs, or central processing units, are essential components that interpret and execute instructions necessary for software to run effectively on all computers—from desktops to laptops, tablets to smartphones, and even smart washing machines. CPUs provide core processing functions, making them essential to businesses looking to increase productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and remain competitive in a digital landscape. CPUs get data, decode it, and then process it.
Each instruction is represented by a set of bits known as an opcode in machine language, along with any additional fields describing its arguments (for instance, numbers to add or compare). A combinatorial circuit within the CPU decodes these opcodes into control signals.
3. RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the working memory of your computer, housing data your CPU requires for processing. Like an extension of short-term memory, without it tasks cannot be efficiently accomplished; more RAM equals faster and smoother computer performance.
RAM (random access memory) is stored on microchips that are assembled into modules and slotted into slots on a motherboard, connected via electrical paths known as buses to address each memory cell. Modern RAM comes either as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM); both utilize flip-flop circuits to store one bit of data; however, SRAM requires constant power usage, while DRAM provides greater data density.
4. Hard Drive
Hard disk drives (HDDs) are non-volatile storage devices that use rotating magnetic disks coated with thin film to store digital information, an essential component of every computer system.
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) come in various sizes and storage capacities that range up to several terabytes and may be either internal or external drives. An HDD stores information in sectors, each holding a fixed amount of data. Performance depends on seek time (how long it takes the actuator arm to reach the desired track or cylinder) as well as how much data is written per write zone.
5. Graphics Card
Graphics cards are hardware devices responsible for rendering images and videos onto your computer screen, offloading graphics processing from the central processor unit (CPU) for improved performance and higher-quality visuals. GPUs are essential components for those engaging in gaming, video editing, three-dimensional (3D) modeling, or virtual reality applications.
Input hardware monitors physical signals and user actions and converts them into digital input that computers can process. Storage hardware saves information either temporarily during active processes, such as RAM which provides quick access, or permanently for future reference; hard drives hold permanent information.
6. A sound card
A sound card converts digital code to various sounds—not just music but gunfire from PC games or the cat video you sent around to all your friends—through physical components that plug into expansion slots on a motherboard.
Most sound cards perform signal processing to reduce CPU load and enhance audio quality, managing input and output signals via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converters (DAC). Most standard sound cards include 3.5 mm stereo headphone and microphone combo jacks; some may offer additional 3.5 mm optical ports for surround sound output or even MIDI support for connecting your MIDI keyboard.
7. Network Interface Card
Knowing some computer hardware basics will give you a deeper understanding of the invisible engine driving every digital task, regardless of your experience level or curiosity about computers. It moves data, delivers power, manages fans, and serves as the standard basis for all components.
Network Interface Cards (NICs) connect your device to a switch or router for wired or wireless connectivity, offloading networking tasks from the CPU so it can focus on application processing instead of networking tasks. Many NICs feature LED indicators integrated into the connector that indicate when it has successfully connected and begun transmitting data.
8. Power Supply
A power supply converts wall current to the type of electricity required by the motherboard and other internal hardware. Additionally, it serves as both a voltage regulator and an inverter. Diodes are used to transform alternating current into direct current through rectification, while capacitors help tailor this direct current directly to computer components for which it was intended.
PSUs come in various forms and sizes depending on the needs of their end user, with bench power supplies being stand-alone desktop units offering full mechanical protection; open frame power supplies fitting into standard electronic equipment racks; and external power supplies (known as AC adapters or power bricks) integrated directly into outlet plugs themselves.
9. Case
A computer case, also referred to as the system unit, housing, box, or tower, houses most of its major components. Sometimes one side opens to allow access to components inside more easily.
From keyboards and mice that act as input to the computer to monitors that display output, physical components make up the core internal components of any computer system. Learning their functioning can help you tackle issues more easily, upgrade more securely, or simply gain an appreciation of how everything digital works together.
