Computer hardware is the physical components that make up a computer. Software is the program instructions that work with the hardware to perform tasks.
Today, the majority of computers use the x86 or ARM chipset architectures. The chipset is a silicon backbone integrated into the motherboard that works with specific processor generations and relays communications between the CPU and many connected storage and expansion devices.
Motherboard
A motherboard, also known as a mainboard or system board (and sometimes informally referred to as a mobo) is the central communications hub that connects and allows communication between all other components in your PC. It also provides power for the other pieces of hardware in your computer and helps to regulate temperature with fans and heat sinks.
RAM holds temporary data used by the CPU, ensuring smooth and fast operation. Hard disk drives or solid-state drives store permanent data, such as files and applications. Graphics cards handle rendering images and videos, critical for gaming and video editing. CMOS batteries keep the date and time in the BIOS stored.
CPU
The central component of any computer, the CPU processes digital instructions from software applications and performs calculations and tasks. The CPU’s clock speed determines its processing capabilities.
The CPU fetches the instructions from RAM or ROM and decodes them into binary numbers using its arithmetic-logic unit. Then it executes those numbers and stores the result in memory or registers.
The rest of the hardware helps with data storage and processing. The GPU handles rendering graphical data, and the motherboard connects all the other components and allows them to communicate. Check out the video below to get a brief overview of all the different computer components.
RAM
The RAM is where the computer stores information that is currently being used by the software applications and other parts of the computer hardware. It is volatile (retrieves data when the computer turns ON, but erases it when the computer turns OFF).
Modern PCs are fitted with DRAM modules about the size of a stick of gum. They work best when matched sets of these modules are installed into matching slots, or “banks”, on the motherboard to run in a multi-channel mode that maximizes the speed at which information is retrieved.
SDRAM is a development of DRAM that allows data to be moved more than once per CPU clock cycle, improving performance. Graphics DRAM, or GDDR, is another form of DRAM used in video cards and graphics hardware.
Storage
Storage refers to the space that is devoted to the long-term, permanent storage of computer programs and data. This storage is typically external to the CPU and includes devices like hard disk drives, CD/DVD units, pen/flash drives and SSD. Permanent storage is often used for backing up computer files and transferring them between computers. It can also be stored on nonmagnetic external media, such as DVDs and BluRay units.
A heat sink is another type of hardware that draws heat away from components to help regulate/reduce their temperature and prevent overheating. This is also called passive cooling. The thermal regulation is important to ensure that the computer hardware operates at optimal performance and longevity.
Graphics Card
The graphics card, or video card, is responsible for rendering images, video and 3D graphics. It’s crucial for gaming, video editing and other graphic-intensive tasks.
A GPU takes the binary data from the CPU and translates it into pixels (tiny squares that combine to form images on your screen). The faster the pixel fill rate, the more definition an image has.
Modern graphics cards plug into a PCIe expansion slot on the motherboard. They can also be integrated into the processor package. A GPU’s architecture, efficiency and instruction set determine its performance. Newer architectures offer improved power efficiency and performance. They may support features like ray tracing and deep learning super sampling (DLSS). They can also have decorative fans or heat sinks.
Power Supply
A power supply is just a plastic or metal box that takes mains in one end and provides a DC output at the other – it steps up (or down) voltages, and is crucial for making sure every part of the computer gets the correct current. They also perform a range of other functions including limiting current drawn by the system to safe levels, shutting off the power in the event of an electrical short circuit, regulating output voltages, providing a “Power Good” signal and storing energy for use when mains power is cut (uninterruptible power supplies). Power supply units are usually a separate component from the motherboard.