Computer hardware includes any physical components that make up a computer system. These include the central processing unit, random access memory, motherboard, computer data storage, and graphics card. It also includes external devices like a monitor, mouse and keyboard.
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Motherboard
The motherboard is the primary circuit board that connects all other hardware components of a computer. It houses essential circuits, chips, slots and ports that determine the performance, expandability and compatibility of a computer. It also regulates power from the power supply unit to ensure that everything runs properly.
Motherboards come in a variety of form factors. Each one is designed with a specific type of computer in mind. These form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX.
The motherboard has a CPU slot that holds the microprocessor, which is the brain of the computer. The motherboard also has a RAM slot that holds the random access memory, which is used to store data that is actively being processed by the CPU. All these elements are connected to the motherboard by various electrical connectors.
CPU
The brains behind the operation of all computers and smart devices is a tiny silicon chip called the central processing unit, or CPU. The CPU translates and executes commands that run your system software and applications, from surfing the web to creating documents.
A CPU consists of two primary sections. The arithmetic/logic unit handles all arithmetic and logical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). The control unit assigns tasks to different parts of the processor, much like a human manager might assign work to staffers.
The CPU receives instructions from the motherboard via a system of electrical pulses, and then decodes those instructions into binary code that can be understood by the ALU. The CPU executes each instruction, or “cycle,” one at a time. More recent CPUs, called multicore processors, use a system of two or more cores within the same integrated circuit to execute multiple instructions simultaneously, doubling performance rates.
RAM
RAM keeps frequently-used data on hand, loading it instantly when programs or files are opened. This volatile memory refreshes itself each time the computer is turned off and on again, resulting in quicker load times than storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives.
RAM allows other components to work without accessing slower storage, saving the CPU from having to read data from a hard drive or SSD each time it needs it. Upgrading RAM can increase how quickly your computer performs, especially if you’re running multiple programs at once or frequently open and close files.
RAM is a collection of microchips that are gathered into modules and plugged into slots on a computer’s motherboard. Most computers today use an upgraded form of RAM called DDR, which operates synchronized with the computer’s processor clock cycle to reduce wait states and improve performance.
Video Card
A video card, also known as a graphics card or graphics processing unit (GPU), is a hardware component that processes images and creates the computer’s display. Video cards can be discrete, which means they’re an expansion card that plugs into a motherboard, or integrated, which means they are built into the processor.
Discrete video cards use dedicated processor cores that break down data from simple ones and zeros into smaller bits of pixels and then assemble them together to form a visual display on the screen. Video cards also contain memory chips that hold this data.
Many modern computers have on-board video, which means they have GPUs built into the motherboard instead of in a separate expansion card. However, for users who want to play high resolution games or perform other tasks that require a lot of graphical computing power, a discrete video card is recommended.
Keyboard
A keyboard is a device with finger-sized buttons that are used to enter data on a computer. They can be built into a device, like laptops, or they can be connected to the device via wires or wirelessly.
Keyboards use switches, usually made of plastic, that capture the pressed keys and transfer the signal to the computer. Different types of switches can provide different actuation forces, tactile feedback and elasticity.
Most keyboards contain alphanumeric keys, arrow keys, Page Up and Page Down keys, and the Delete key. Some keyboards include a numeric keypad or have additional programmable keys. A gaming keyboard may also feature special keys and digital displays for use with game software. Keyboards can be either wireless or wired, with USB being the most common connection type.