If you’re looking to build a new pc, then it’s important that you understand how the different components work together. It’s also crucial that you choose the right components for your needs and budget.
The PC hardware market is constantly evolving, meaning that part choices can be confusing for the novice PC builder.
CPU
The CPU (or Central Processing Unit) is one of the most important components of a computer system. It is responsible for coordinating tasks done by the hard drive, memory, graphics card and other system components.
A CPU is a small, silicon chip that performs calculations and interprets data. It can be found in laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smart washing machines and many other modern devices.
Using billions of microscopic transistors, CPUs make the calculations required for running programs stored on your computer’s memory. They are also used to run software in devices like smart thermostats, DVD players and even some cars.
A CPU executes a set of instructions (called a program) and runs them at a specified rate, determined by the clock cycle. It can also use instruction pipelining for parallelization in instruction execution.
RAM
RAM is short-term memory that a computer uses to store commonly used information when it’s not in use. This storage helps a computer run faster and prevents it from having to dig through its long-term storage (hard drive or SSD) for the data it needs.
To read or write to a memory cell, the system sends an address down a thin electrical line etched into the chip. When a specific address is found, a transistor or capacitor in each cell turns on and off, storing the information.
RAM can process data 20 to 100 times faster than long-term storage (hard disk drive or SSD) depending on the hardware and task. This makes RAM a must-have for gaming and other applications that require quick access to computing resources.
Graphics Card
A graphics card is a piece of pc hardware that is designed to read and process different graphic pictures. These images are then displayed on a monitor.
A GPU can do this because it’s able to translate the binary data sent from the CPU into an image. This makes it more powerful than a CPU and allows a computer to run faster than it would without a graphics card.
The amount of memory that a graphics card has also determines its performance. Modern games require cards with lots of RAM to ensure that they can render an optimally smooth experience.
GPUs are designed for specialized processing tasks that involve manipulating large amounts of data in parallel. They’re particularly useful for a wide range of applications outside of gaming, including video editing and 3D modeling.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the heart of a computer system. It connects all of the other components, relaying data and power throughout a computer. It’s like a backbone, nervous system and circulatory system in one.
A motherboard has a variety of circuits, transistors, capacitors, slots and connectors that work together to make communication between components easier. It also has heat sinks to absorb and dissipate heat that comes from a processor, RAM and other hardware.
Modern motherboards have several different types of connections, including PCI and Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slots that can be used for graphics cards, SSDs, sound cards and other add-on devices. You’ll also find serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) and Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) connections for connecting hard drives. These are important for compatibility with older hard drives and newer storage technologies.
Power Supply
The Power Supply (PSU) is a crucial component of your PC’s hardware. It provides electricity to various components of your computer, including the CPU, RAM, and graphics card.
The PSU can provide a range of different wattages to suit the needs of your system. It is important to choose a PSU with enough power to support your current and future components.
The 24-pin connector on the PSU plugs into your motherboard, supplying power to the CPU and other components. It can also provide power to your hard drives or SATA devices.