A computer’s hardware is the physical parts that make it work. It includes the processor, RAM, and storage.
RAM (random access memory) temporarily stores software applications and user data. All current RAM technologies are “volatile” — they lose their contents when power is removed. Disk drives (HDD or SSD) store permanent data like programs and files.
Motherboard
Also known as mainboard, system board or mobo, motherboard acts like a skeleton that holds all the other parts of your computer together. It allows components to communicate and gives them life by routing power from the power supply unit.
Motherboards are filled with essential circuits, chips, slots, and ports that determine the performance, expandability, and compatibility of your computer system. They also manage the power from your power supply unit to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
A motherboard contains spaces for random access memory (RAM), which is a temporary warehouse that helps the CPU quickly open applications and perform tasks. It also contains connectors for storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSD). In addition, a motherboard will have cooling fans to manage the heat that all these components generate while operating.
Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is the hardware that interprets and executes a computer’s commands. Also referred to as the microprocessor, it is a powerful chip that converts input into output through mathematical calculations and logical operations.
The CPU has four primary functions: fetch, decode, execute and write back. It fetches instructions from program memory in a system’s RAM, decodes them to determine what kind of operation they should perform, and then executes them.
Other computer hardware components include a specialized microprocessor for video games that accelerates graphics processing, and DSP processors that digitize, compress and filter continuous real-world analog signals. These devices are typically embedded in motherboards or video cards. They offload time-consuming tasks from the CPU’s cores. The more cores, the more performance the CPU can achieve.
Memory
The computer’s memory is where it stores software applications and user data while the system is running. It also includes a type of fast RAM built into the processor called cache, which reduces wait times by transferring data into and out of standard RAM at twice the speed.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer, which processes instructions from software to perform tasks and calculations. The CPU’s clock speed, measured in gigahertz, is an important indicator of its performance.
RAM — also known as dynamic random-access memory — works closely with the CPU to temporarily store information created by programs so that it’s instantly available. Modern computers use RAM that’s sometimes referred to as non-volatile, meaning that it doesn’t get erased when the computer is turned off.
Graphics Card
Graphics cards are hardware devices that provide a video output to your monitor. Also known as discrete or dedicated graphics cards, they have their own memory modules and a processor called GPU that creates the images we see on our monitor screen.
To do this, the GPU processes a lot of data each second. First, it creates a wire frame out of straight lines and then rasterizes them (fills them in). Then, it adds lighting, texture and color. This process is so demanding that it would consume all of your computer’s CPU resources without the help of a dedicated graphics card.
A dedicated graphics card can handle more powerful tasks like 3D gaming and accelerated video rendering, but it comes at the cost of higher power usage and heat. You can check what card you have in the device manager under display adapters.
Storage
The computer’s memory and storage components handle the digital information that makes your operating system, programs and files work. They store and process data and display graphics in games and videos.
Primary storage (RAM and SSD) holds data while your computer is running, ensuring quick access to active programs. Its volatile nature means it erases itself when you shut down your computer, so it’s vital to save your changes to permanent storage (like a hard drive or SSD) before turning off your laptop.
Secondary storage is permanent home for your operating system, installed programs and other files, with options including external hard drives, DVD and BluRay units, pen/flash drives and more. Whether you’re a casual user, a power user or a dedicated gamer, the right combination of memory and storage ensures that your computer runs smoothly now and into the future.