A computer is an essential tool that can be utilized for a variety of tasks. Two major components, hardware and software, collaborate to execute tasks and provide the desired results.
Random-access memory (RAM) holds important currently-used data and codes on standby, instantly loading them up when programs or apps are opened. All RAM devices are volatile, meaning data is lost if the computer shuts down.
Motherboard
The motherboard acts as a hub connecting a computer’s functional components so they can interact. It transfers power from a power supply to other components of the system, and it distributes power optimally through pre-defined circuits that use less energy.
Today’s motherboards typically have USB ports that work with keyboards, mice, headphones, and smartphones. Some even have Thunderbolt 3 ports for high-speed data transfers (up to 40 GBit/s) and display daisy chaining of compatible monitors.
Most motherboards have sockets or connectors with six prongs apiece for the power connections; these can be challenging to recognize, and users sometimes experience difficulties when connecting and using them. Motherboards also have CMOS batteries that provide backup power for the BIOS.
Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer — it solves all the complex algorithms and programming that make your computer function. It tells every part of your computer what to do, including the GPU and disk drives. Many manufacturers, such as Intel and AMD, offer multiple processor types to suit your computing needs, from those that are great for everyday use to ones that give you more processing power for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
The CPU has four primary functions: fetch, decode, execute and write back. It also has circuitry called the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which can perform basic arithmetic operations and logical operations on data.
Memory
The memory is where information currently being used by software programs is held. It’s sometimes referred to as volatile since data in RAM is deleted when the computer is shut down.
Memory speeds, densities and generations all impact performance. Today’s newest RAM operates in synchronization with the CPU clock cycle, improving performance by cutting down wait times.
Computers are fitted with memory in the form of removable modules that plug into slots or “banks” on the motherboard. For optimum performance, the latest motherboards support matching sets of DIMMs to run in a multi-channel mode.
Hard Drive
The hard disk drive stores and retrieves files for the computer. A file is a named collection of bytes that contain information—from the ASCII codes for text to the instructions for a program to the pixels in a photograph.
Rigid rapidly spinning platters coated with magnetic material store data on each disk. A read/write arm is controlled by the system board to position its electromagnetic head across the platters. Each platter is divided into sections called sectors that hold thousands of bits that can accept an electrical charge.
Modern firmware manages the read/write heads to minimize platter degradation. However, mechanical failure and logical failure can occur.
Graphics Card
Graphics processing units (GPUs) perform a key function in the computer, converting ones and zeroes into images for display on a monitor or video screen. This requires a huge amount of computing power and is a great way to increase the performance of a computer for gaming, video editing or visual design.
GPUs can be standalone add-in cards plugged into a motherboard’s expansion slot or integrated into the CPU package, as is the case with many modern computers. A computer with integrated graphics can still be upgraded by plugging in a separate card, but this will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Video RAM stores data about each pixel and its color, and holds completed images until they’re ready to be displayed. The GPU also performs complex graphical calculations, offloading this demanding work from the CPU.
Sound Card
A sound card is an integral part of your computer setup, particularly if you’re a PC gamer or you want to enjoy high-fidelity music. Dedicated audio cards provide advanced processing capabilities and support various surround sound formats, offering a cinematic audio experience.
These circuits can accept analog sound signals from a microphone or an external device and convert them into digital data that can be processed by your PC. Many sound cards have additional features like speech recognition and equalization.
For home theater systems, they can support HDMI input to integrate with video cards and speakers. They can also feature DACs and amplifiers to deliver the best possible quality for headphones and speakers.