Computer hardware is what makes a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone work. The hardware includes the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM) and the hard drive.
A CPU reads digital instructions and then acts on them to produce results, like the text you type on a keyboard. It also controls other hardware components and relays information to them.
Motherboard
The motherboard connects all of the different hardware components inside your computer. It has a power connector that transfers electricity from your computer’s power supply unit, and it distributes it optimally to all of the system components.
It also contains a socket for the CPU, which enables the processor to communicate with other components through data buses. Modern motherboards also feature slots for RAM, which provides temporary storage for data that the CPU needs to execute instructions and perform tasks.
Expansion slots enable you to install expansion cards, such as network adapters and video cards. Motherboards can also include USB ports for connecting external devices, and they may come with a reversible Type-C port that supports high-speed transfer of data.
Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) acts as your device’s brain, telling the rest of its components what to do. Learn about different processor types, from ones that are great for everyday use to ones that give you more power for heavy-duty tasks.
The address generation unit (AGU) calculates addresses used to access main memory, which helps speed up CPU operations by eliminating the need for a separate hardware counter. The AGU also provides a low-overhead way to collect CPU performance metrics, which is beneficial when debugging software.
The number of cores a processor has affects parallel processing capabilities, which are necessary for things like gaming and content creation. Other important technical specifications include clock speed, cache size and power consumption.
RAM
RAM acts as the computer’s short term memory, so it can quickly read data to help other components like the central processing unit (CPU) do their jobs. This helps the CPU avoid pulling up data from slower storage devices like hard drives and solid state drives (SSDs).
RAM is non-volatile, meaning its data stays intact even when power is removed. This makes it much faster than the slower data stored in a hard drive or SSD.
Different types of RAM have different performance characteristics. For example, double data rate synchronous RAM performs two memory operations in a single clock cycle. This decreases latency, which is helpful in tasks like gaming where split-second reactions are important.
Hard Drive
Hard disk drives (HDD) are where computer users save files and applications. They retain data even after the computer power is turned off.
HDDs contain flat circular platters coated with ferromagnetic material that spin at high speeds. A motor moves actuator arms containing read/write heads to different spots on the platters to access data as instructed by software in the CPU and system board.
Modern HDDs use a variety of connection types, with 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch form factors catering to desktop computers and laptops respectively. The IDE (or AT Attachment) and later ATA (AT Achiever) connection standard uses 40-conductor wires to transfer data between the drive and the system, simplifying programming for the processor.
Graphics Card
The Graphics Card converts image information from the CPU into pixels (tiny squares of color that combine to form images on your computer monitor or display). It is a vital component for gamers and video editors.
GPUs are designed for parallel processing and excel at handling large numbers of data elements simultaneously. However, they have limited single-threaded performance and may bottleneck the CPU during certain tasks.
A discrete graphics card is mounted on a printed circuit board that slips into an expansion slot on the motherboard. This type of graphics card is upgradeable and allows your computer to keep up with the latest video technology.
Sound Card
Sound cards, or audio adapters, provide the input and output of the computer’s sound signals. Often, they include dedicated chips to offload processing from the CPU.
Sound card chips convert digital sound data into analog signals that can be listened to using headphones, speakers or an external DAC. They also perform other audio processing functions like converting waveforms, enhancing sound quality, and supporting loopback recording and playback.
Integrated sound cards are built directly into the motherboard, and they are sufficient for most everyday applications. However, external sound cards offer superior performance and additional features for users with demanding applications. They fit into a PCI slot on the motherboard and provide higher sound quality than a standard integrated sound card.