Computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up your PC. It includes everything from the motherboard to the CPU and RAM.
The motherboard is the main hub of a computer, connecting all other hardware. It contains slots for memory and other expansion cards. It also converts alternating current (AC) from the wall socket to direct current for the other hardware.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the central hub connecting all functional components of a computer. It’s similar to the skeleton in a body; it doesn’t do much on its own but the heart, lungs and brain would be nothing without it.
The traces on the board connect to slots into which the CPU, RAM and expansion cards are placed. It also generates clock signals that keep all internal hardware components working in a synchronized fashion, preventing data errors that could cause the system to freeze.
Motherboards are available in a variety of formats to fit different types of computers. Standard ATX motherboards are used in most desktop computers, while microATX boards work well for small form factor PCs. There are also server-class motherboards for high performance systems.
Video Card
A video card, also known as a graphics card or display adapter, is an electronic circuit that generates the video signal sent to a computer monitor or LCD screen. The card contains a graphics processing unit, an analog-to-digital converter, and memory chips that store the display data. A video card also has a heat sink and fans to help disperse the heat generated by the GPU.
Many modern computers have a built-in video chip integrated into the motherboard. Although this saves on cost, it can limit the resolution and speed at which images are displayed.
A discrete graphics card can significantly increase the quality of computer displays and allow for higher-resolution gaming, video editing, and other tasks that require fast rendering. Some cards also have multiple GPUs, which enable SLI and Crossfire configurations for improved performance.
Optical Drive
Optical disc drives (ODDs) read and write information on optical media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. They’re commonly used for distributing software and media, as well as for data archiving.
They’re also the most common method of storing and playing back audio recordings. Most newer computers no longer come with an internal ODD as advances in flash storage technologies, high-capacity HDDs, and solid-state drives have rendered them obsolete.
Despite this, external ODDs are still available for those who need one. They work in the same way as internal ODDs but can be connected to a computer via USB or another type of cable. Also known as a disc drive or ODD, an external ODD typically comes from manufacturers like LG, ASUS, Memorex, and NEC.
Hard Drive
The hard drive is the primary storage device in the computer. It has disc-like objects called platters that store the data magnetically. The platters are organized into sectors and tracks. The hard drive also needs a read/write head that is instructed by the CPU and system board on how, when and where to move across the platters.
The physical movement of the arm and platters make hard drives less fast than newer solid-state devices. They are also more susceptible to physical damage if handled roughly or dropped.
HDDs can hold up to 2 TB or more of data. However, the operating system, file system structures and data redundancy procedures use up a significant amount of space. The space left available for data can be improved by using a program to defragment the hard drive.