The parts that make up computer hardware haven’t changed much. They still perform the same basic functions – the motherboard has processors that follow instructions; RAM stores data for quick access; and hard disks store long term data.
However, modern PC hardware can be surprisingly powerful. This is especially true for computers that handle graphical operations and advanced imagery.
Motherboard
The motherboard acts as the hub connecting your computer’s functional components. It houses essential circuits, chips, sockets, slots and ports that determine the performance, expandability and compatibility of your computer hardware.
The central processing unit (CPU) is plugged into a socket on the motherboard, which enables it to interface with other hardware components and perform tasks. The motherboard also contains a memory management hardware, a power connector, a CMOS battery (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and expansion slots for adding new hardware capabilities.
The motherboard regulates power from the power supply unit and distributes it optimally for the system. The board has special circuits that check the quality of the electricity and prevent over-heating.
Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is an integrated electronic circuit that interprets the operating system and software instructions that run your computer. It performs arithmetic, logical, and input/output functions.
A CPU is made up of several components: the control unit fetches instructions from memory and decodes them; the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic operations on data; the floating point unit manipulates numbers more quickly than basic microprocessor circuitry; and registers hold data and instructions.
The most common CPUs feature multiple cores and a high clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz). Other types of processors are specialized for tasks like visual processing (GPU) or audio processing.
RAM
Whether you’re surfing the web or navigating complex computer programs, RAM helps your machine work quickly. It stores data that the processor might need right away and processes it faster than a hard drive can.
Think of your RAM like the top of your desk, where you keep all of the information that you need immediate access to. The data that you’ll need for later goes into your long-term storage—like a hard disk or cloud.
Your computer’s memory uses tiny capacitors that constantly fill and empty with electricity to store the data bits that it needs to process. This is why it’s important to clear out wasteful clutter from your RAM regularly with a PC performance optimization tool.
Graphics Card
Along with the CPU, the graphics card is responsible for the quality of the images and videos that appear on your computer screen. Also known as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), it works differently from the main processor and excels at parallel processing, making it essential for tasks like graphics rendering.
The card’s RAM, or video memory, stores information about each pixel and its color on the screen. It also acts as a frame buffer to hold completed pictures until they’re ready to be displayed. The more memory a card has, the higher its performance will be. The graphics card also has built-in connections that allow you to connect it to a monitor.
Optical Drive
The Optical Drive is used to read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. The optical drive has a lens and the laser beam passes through this lens to read the discs.
The discs have a pattern of pits and bumps that contain encoded digital data. The data is read by a laser, and the information is converted to a signal that the motherboard can interpret.
To install the optical drive, remove the side panel or cover of the case to access the 5.25-inch bay front panel (may require a screwdriver). Slide the new optical drive into the bay and attach the interface cable and power cable to the back end of the optical drive.
Computer Case
The computer case serves mainly to physically mount and contain the actual components of the computer. Also known as a base unit, box, tower or enclosure, it provides a housing for the motherboard, disk drives and other peripheral control devices.
A quality computer case will have features that help keep your hardware cool, which is essential to avoid overheating and malfunction. It will have vents for air intake and exhaust, which allows fresher air to circulate inside the computer case.
A good case will also have space for plenty of mass storage devices like a hard disk drive (HDD). It may include features such as cutouts or grommets for cable runs and front panel ports.