Computer hardware components enable the input and output of software. They may include external devices such as a mouse that tracks the movement of a cursor, or internal circuit boards plugged into system board expansion slots for functionality like sound or network connection.
A motherboard is the main component of a desktop PC and contains slots for inserting memory modules (though in tablets, smartphones and laptops the RAM may be soldered in place). The processor is connected to this motherboard by a chipset.
Motherboard
Motherboards act as the main road system connecting all of the important parts of your computer so that they can talk to each other. They also send electricity to all of your hardware components, including your CPU (the brain) and RAM (the library).
A motherboard also includes the chipset, which is a single integrated circuit that works with certain processors and relays communication between a computer’s CPU and connected storage and expansion devices. The name of the chipset is often included in a motherboard’s product name, and you must ensure that your CPU and chipset are compatible before purchasing a motherboard.
A popular standard for smaller form factor PCs, the mATX standard trades expandability for compact size. mATX motherboards have two expansion slots and come in 244*244 mm dimensions (these can vary with different manufacturer). They require four standoff mounts located at the corners of the motherboard.
Processor
The processor, or CPU, is a tiny microprocessor chip that controls the speed of your device or computer. Its transistors work like a logic gate of binary number sequences, turning inputs into outputs, and the inputs into instructions for other components. The CPU’s instruction decoder interprets these instructions and translates them into signals that control other parts of the CPU. Then, it performs the operations specified by those instructions. This cycle happens billions of times per second, depending on the CPU’s clock speed.
Processors come in different sizes and configurations, with some offering multiple cores for muti-tasking. Intel and AMD processors are popular choices, with their lines ranging from the budget-friendly to the high-powered. They also vary by architecture, power efficiency, and clock speed.
RAM
RAM is where your computer keeps the software applications it’s running and data that’s currently being actively processed. Like the blackboard in a classroom, it can be erased and rewritten when the computer is shut down.
RAM stores data in microchips that are grouped together into modules that plug into slots on the motherboard. Most computers use DRAM (synchronous dynamic random-access memory), which has been improved over time to run faster, consume less power and be smaller.
Often, multiple identical sets of DIMMs are installed in “banks” on the motherboard to maximize RAM speed. There is another type of RAM called SRAM, or static random-access memory, which uses transistors to preserve the information it holds as long as a steady trickle of power is available.
Graphics Card
The graphics card, or video card, renders images, videos and 3D graphics on your computer screen. It works with the central processing unit (CPU) to provide high-quality visuals, especially important for gaming and graphic design tasks.
Unlike integrated graphics, which is built into the CPU and cannot be upgraded, dedicated GPUs are separate cards that slip into a motherboard’s expansion slot. These cards can be replaced as newer models are introduced, which is essential for future-proofing a PC.
When shopping for a new graphics card, consider its memory capacity and clock speed. A higher memory capacity supports more demanding activities and a faster clock speed ensures smooth performance. Also, make sure your power supply has enough wattage to support the card’s requirements. Open box and refurbished cards often offer value by offering lower prices with a warranty.
Hard Drive
Hard disks store all of your digital data, including documents, music, pictures, video and programs. They are non-volatile and hold information even when the computer is turned off.
Each hard disk has a platter that’s divided into thousands of “sectors” that can each accept an electric charge. The platter’s read/write heads magnetize sections of the platter to represent digital data as one- or zero-bits.
Seek time is the amount of time it takes for the head assembly to locate a track on the platter with a specific sector. The gross capacity of an internal HDD may be less than the advertised value for several reasons, including file system overhead and space used for error correction.
Modern hard drives are available in 2.5-inch (for desktop computers) and 3.5-inch (for laptops) form factors. They are typically connected to the system motherboard by SATA, SAS, or PATA interface cables.