Computer hardware (also called computer hw) includes the physical components that make your PC go. It’s what powers that computer built for video editing, or that powerful gaming machine.
The motherboard — flat and about the size of an 8.5-by-11 piece of paper — is the heart of any desktop computer. It houses the central processing unit, or CPU, which interprets digital instructions and relays information to other components.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the central hub for your computer. Every other piece of hardware plugs into it in one way or another.
It’s a flat circuit board that contains sockets for different components such as the central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM), and expansion cards like video display adapters or sound cards.
It also houses a heat sink that absorbs and redirects excess heat to keep the components cool while working. Motherboards come in different sizes and shapes, depending on their intended use. The most common design is the ATX standard that’s evolved into mini-ATX, microATX, FlexATX, and Extended ATX.
Processor
The CPU acts as the brain of a computer system, telling other components what to do. It has four key functions: fetch, decode, execute and write back.
The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs basic and advanced arithmetic and logical operations on data. It sends results to registers, which store instructions and data.
Cache memory stores copies of frequently used data close to the processor core, boosting performance.
Different types of processors are designed for different purposes and performance levels. For example, the i7 processor from Intel has multiple cores that work independently to process many tasks at once and runs at speeds up to 3.7 gigahertz.
RAM
RAM is your computer or laptop’s short-term memory, holding the data that it uses most right now. It offers lightning-fast data access, unlike storage like a hard disk or solid state drive.
This volatile memory maintains its data only as long as the system is powered on. For longer-term storage, your computer relies on nonvolatile storage, like a hard drive or SSD.
RAM comes in the form of chips soldered to your motherboard or in removable modules called DIMMs that slot into sockets on the motherboard. Most compact devices like laptops and mini PCs stick with the soldered-on option, but desktop computers and larger laptops use the DIMMs for easy upgrades.
Hard Drive
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile data storage device that can store all of your digital data. It typically sits inside an air-sealed case connected to the motherboard by a SATA or SCSI cable.
Each platter houses a series of tiny portions, or sectors, that house binary data in the form of ones and zeros. The read/write heads scan each sector, reading its magnetic polarity to interpret the information.
The arm that moves the heads must be light and incredibly fast, moving from the hub to each edge of the disk and back again 50 times a second. This allows the drive to deliver a high data rate to the CPU with an average seek time.
Graphics Card
The GPU handles rendering graphical data, making it crucial for PC gaming. It works in tandem with the CPU to ensure smooth frame rates and lag-free experiences.
Video random access memory (VRAM) is another important component of a graphics card. The more VRAM, the better performance you’ll get. For most gaming purposes, 4GB is sufficient.
AMD continues to lead the pack in rasterization games, but it’s sometimes behind Nvidia when it comes to ray tracing effects. Its lower price makes it a good choice for budget-minded gamers.
Sound Card
Often overlooked, a good sound card can make a significant difference in your audio experience. Component-produced noise and a lack of shielding on the motherboard are usually to blame for bad computer audio.
A sound card translates digital data (the computer’s language of 1’s and 0’s) into analog signals that can be heard through wired headphones or speakers. It can also convert analog input from microphones into digital output.
Early ISA bus cards and plug-and-play Sound Blaster cards only supported one or two channels of digitized sound. Games and MOD-players that needed more channels had to mix the sound in software.
Monitor
The monitor is the main output device of a computer as it displays everything that runs inside the CPU. It is also known as VDU or Visual display unit.
Modern monitors are designed with slim, sleek frames and lightweight panels. They take up less space, are easier to transport and use significantly less power than CRT monitors.
The most important factors in choosing a monitor are resolution (screen width and height in pixels), contrast ratio, response time, gamut, color depth, pixel density, color accuracy and input latency. Some monitors have built-in sensors, such as a people sensor that automatically reduces screen brightness when you walk away from your desk and saves energy.