Computer hardware is the physical parts that contribute to a computer system. It includes the central processor (CPU), random access memory (RAM), hard drives, and more.
While today’s components are better labeled, more affordable and faster than ever, the fundamental makeup of a computer hasn’t changed much since the 1990s.
Motherboard
Motherboards connect and control the components of your computer. They manage communication between the CPU, memory and expansion slots. They also provide power connections for the power supply.
They connect the CPU (the hardware “brain”) to memory and storage devices, as well as expansion slots for performance-critical components like GPUs. They have ports for USB devices and Ethernet connections. They also contain heat sinks and capacitors to help disperse the heat from the various components. This is an important feature for gaming and other demanding applications. Motherboards come in many forms, each designed for different uses. The most common is ATX, which features a standard size and layout that accommodates a variety of components.
Processor
The processor, or CPU, is the heart of your PC. It acts like a brain telling other components such as disk drives and screens what to do. There are many different types of processors from everyday use to ones that can handle pro-gaming and video editing.
Four main functions are performed by the CPU: fetch, decode, execute and write back. The arithmetic logic unit performs basic and advanced logical arithmetic operations on data, sending the results to registers that store instructions and other data.
Cache memory, small but fast memories that save copies of frequently used data close to the CPU, reduces the amount of time the CPU spends getting information from main memory.
RAM
When you play a video game or stream a movie, everything that the computer needs to process the data goes into RAM for quick access. Once it’s no longer needed, that information is deleted and the next piece of data stored in its place.
Memory is volatile, meaning that it loses information when the power goes off. That’s where storage, like a hard drive or SSD, comes in.
RAM can come in the form of soldered-on chips on a motherboard or removable modules called DIMMs that slot into it. The latter is the preferred option for most laptops and desktops.
Hard Drive
The hard drive stores applications and files used by the operating system and other programs. Typical hard disk capacities range from megabytes to terabytes.
Modern drives employ fluid-bearing spindle motors and advanced firmware capable of scheduling reads/writes efficiently on the platter surfaces, remapping defective sectors, and detecting physical failure. The platters are thin, magnetized disks.
Mechanical failure can occur from a variety of causes such as wear and tear or a hard impact. Logical failures can also be caused by malware and viruses, file corruption and human error such as improperly closing an application or shutting down the computer. Various hard drive classes are available to address different performance requirements.
Optical Drive
The optical drive allows you to store music, movies, games and software on discs. Optical drives are also used to backup data and have a longer life span than older technologies like floppy disks.
The back of an optical drive contains a port for a cable that connects to the motherboard and a connection for power from your power supply. Depending on the type of optical drive, you may need to install a special interface cable or jumper settings.
Optical drives are becoming less common in computer systems as internet streaming and external hard drives become more popular. However, they continue to be an important piece of hardware for those who still enjoy using physical media or need to work with legacy systems.
Case
Often overlooked, a case is one of the most important parts of any desktop PC. It not only physically houses the hardware, but it helps keep components cool and running efficiently.
Choosing the right case for your system can be tricky. It can be frustrating to labour over a build only to discover that your new graphics card is a few centimetres too big for the case you bought.
The best cases provide plenty of room for drives, an optical drive and a floppy disk drive. They also include dust filters that catch and remove airborne dust, which can shorten the lifespan of a component by adding heat.