The computers we use to play the latest video games and do advanced photo editing require serious hardware. That’s why you need a case with space for expansion and a powerful power supply unit that can handle the extra electricity needed.
Inside the case, a motherboard serves as the central hub where everything connects to it. It has a processor that follows instructions from software, and memory — either RAM or hard drives that store data for quick access.
Processor
The processor, also known as the brain of a computer, interprets and executes digital instructions contained in software programs. Its clock speed determines a computer’s overall performance.
A processor can do four primary functions: fetch, decode, and execute. It also has registers that can store output data and instructions. It can perform arithmetic logic operations on data. It can also work with specialized coprocessors that manipulate numbers more quickly.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the key printed circuit board that holds essential chips, sockets, slots and ports that determine a PC’s performance, expandability and compatibility. It distributes power from your PSU and contains voltage regulators to keep your components safe from overvoltage damage.
Expansion Slots (often called ports) allow you to install additional hardware like Graphics Cards, Sound Cards and Network Controllers. They can be a variety of interface standards including the classic USB ports and the newer, slimmer Thunderbolt connector.
Graphics Card
A graphics card is a specialized processor that creates the images displayed on your screen. It uses a pool of Video Random-Access Memory (VRAM) to store data about each pixel and its color, then builds them into a 2D frame for display.
Discrete GPUs slip into an expansion slot on your motherboard and can be upgraded to new models. Nvidia and AMD both make cards, each offering different features.
Hard Drive
A hard drive has disc-like objects called platters that spin. A head assembly on an actuator arm floats over them, sweeping back and forth with precise movements at blistering speeds to read or write data.
Data is written on the platters as binary numbers (either 0s or 1s) using an electrical signal from the heads. A DSP in the HDD’s electronics decodes that data and transmits it via standard interface cables.
RAM
Like a desk’s top surface, RAM keeps the most frequently used data within arm’s reach, while data that’s less important gets moved to drawers. RAM uses electric charges stored in capacitors to process data quickly and efficiently.
It helps software open faster and reduces lag in games. It also plays an instrumental role in overall system performance, especially for power users, content creators, and software developers.
Sound Card
The sound card converts analog sound waves into digital information that your computer can read. It may also have signal processing capabilities that can improve audio quality.
Most gaming motherboards have built-in support for the most common input and output connections. However, some PCs need more advanced features, like surround sound. These PCs may require a separate sound card or an audio interface.
Video Card
The video card is a processor that turns ones and zeros into pixel colors on the computer monitor. It also performs other complex calculations to create 3D worlds in games and animations.
Most modern computers have a GPU built into the system called integrated graphics. These use what’s called “unified memory architecture” to share a block of main system RAM with the GPU.
Keyboard
A keyboard is one of the most important input devices. It transmits keystrokes (data) to the CPU and then displays them on the monitor.
On older keyboards, the metal springs inside each key “bounce” against each other for a few milliseconds before they make contact. This creates many pulses that the computer interprets as one keystroke.
Newer keyboards use buckling spring switches that require less force to register. They can also be configured with programmable function keys.
Mouse
Mouse is a useful input device used to control the cursor in graphical software applications. It converts analog movements of the mouse backward, forward and left-right into digital signals that are sent to the computer and applied to the movement of the cursor on the screen.
Updating system software and drivers can help ensure that your mouse works smoothly. Try AVG Driver Updater for free today.
Monitor
Computer monitors display visual output from the computer. They can also come with integrated accessories to enhance the user experience.
Some monitors have a built-in USB hub, which can save you the hassle of connecting external devices to your PC. Other monitors offer features like G-Sync, which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with your GPU to prevent screen tearing and stutter.