Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer such as the central processing unit, random access memory, motherboard, computer data storage and more. It also includes external peripherals like a mouse and keyboard.
The motherboard is the primary circuit board that connects and allows communication between other components. The chipset is a silicon backbone integrated into the motherboard that works with specific CPU generations.
Motherboard
A motherboard is the primary printed circuit board within a computer that connects and allows communication between all other hardware components. It hosts a microprocessor, random-access memory (RAM), and expansion slots for devices like hard drives and graphics cards.
It also includes a chipset, a group of microchips that manages data flow between different components. This ensures that information gets where it needs to be, preventing slowdowns and other issues.
A chip on the motherboard stores the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or its successor, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). This firmware initializes the hardware during startup and loads an operating system. It also generates clock signals that synchronize operations between various parts of the computer.
CPU
The CPU, which you can see in a traditional desktop computer’s circuit board, is the central piece of hardware that interprets and executes most of the computing commands that the computer processes. The CPU is the only piece of hardware that connects directly to all the other components in a PC.
Generally, the CPU receives input from other hardware and software programs in the form of instructions in machine language or binary code. It then reads the corresponding instructions from memory and executes them. The CPU then stores the results of that execution in registers, which are extremely fast memory locations.
Modern computers have special CPUs with multiple processing cores that work together to solve complex algorithms and programming tasks, resulting in faster computing speeds when running applications or browsing the web.
RAM
RAM is where your computer keeps the data that it needs to work. If it relied on your hard drive to do everything — from typing a text to jumping around in a video game — it would slow to a crawl and might even crash.
RAM uses transistors to store data as electrical charges. Its cells gradually dissipate, so it must be refreshed periodically to keep data fresh. Unlike non-volatile storage, such as the folders that hold your files, RAM loses all of its data when the computer is turned off.
Modern desktop PCs use SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random-access memory). It transmits data twice during each system clock cycle, reducing wait times and improving performance. Mobile platforms typically use a variant called LPDDR, or low-power double data rate, to conserve power.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is an expansion card that mounts in a slot on the motherboard to create visuals for the monitor. It is also known as the GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit.
A powerful graphics card is essential for computer gaming, video editing, and other graphic-intensive tasks. It helps to minimize on-screen lag and framerate drops.
A GPU can be a discrete or integrated component. Discrete cards can be custom-designed with modifications to the reference design, like coolers and clock speeds. Integrated GPUs are found on laptops and are not upgradeable. Modern GPUs are designed for parallel processing, which allows them to render images much faster than the CPU can.
Hard Drive
The hard drive stores the operating system, files and other programs on physical discs coated with magnetic material. It spins at pre-set speeds (4200 rpm to 7200 rpm for consumer computers). A precisely controlled arm moves quickly from the hub to each platter and reads or writes data as needed.
The older versions of hard drives look a lot like phonograph players, complete with a tonearm. Newer solid-state drives (SSDs) store information on chips, making them faster and quieter. They’re also more expensive, but they hold more data than older models. They can be used as a primary or secondary drive.
Keyboard
A keyboard is a piece of hardware that allows you to enter text and characters into a computer system. Depending on the type of keyboard, it may be physical (with keys that click) or virtual (in the case of tablets and laptops).
Most computer keyboards use a QWERTY layout with alphanumeric keypads for entering letters and numbers. Some include special keys like Alt and Command that can perform actions when combined with other keystrokes. Others include arrow keys and Page up and Page down to navigate and move the cursor around.
Most wired 21st century keyboards connect to the motherboard via USB, while older ones used PS/2 or serial ports. Some are also wireless.