A computer’s hardware works with software to perform tasks and produce results. Computer hardware consists of the input and output devices (like a keyboard or monitor) and the processing capabilities of its processor.
The motherboard contains the processor socket and slots for memory modules. The fingernail-sized CPU has a metal cover that helps conduct heat to its heatsink.
Motherboard
Motherboards connect other PC components and provide lines of communication between them. They also house essential circuits, chips, sockets, slots and ports that determine the performance, expandability and compatibility of a system.
For example, you’ll find expansion slots for adding peripheral cards like graphics or sound cards. You’ll also find places for installing the best RAM to help with processing computer data and programs.
Motherboards contain the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), which is the permanent software that runs when a computer starts up. It inspects the hardware and other elements to ensure everything is functional, and then provides instructions on how to start up the operating system. In addition, it controls the flow of power to make sure that all system components get what they need without getting too much or too little electricity.
Video Card
A video card (also known as a graphics card or GPU) provides the processing power needed to create visuals on your computer screen. It can be integrated into a motherboard or installed in a dedicated expansion slot.
The video card uses its own memory, called Video RAM or VRAM, to store completed images and information about each pixel in an image. This frees up the central processor’s resources to do other work, resulting in much faster performance.
Graphics cards also have a special processor core, similar to the CPU but designed specifically for handling graphical calculations. They also have a series of graphical output connections for connecting to external display devices like monitors.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is a computer hardware component that can read data stored on an optical disc. Optical drives are typically used to play prerecorded audio and video content as well as for storing and swapping data. Unlike hard disk drives, optical drives are not susceptible to magnetic disturbances or power surges.
Optical drives are most often connected to a motherboard via an IDE cable, although recent systems have adopted faster SATA optical drive interfaces. They are generally compatible with a limited number of disc formats, such as CD, DVD or Blu-ray.
Unlike their physical counterparts, modern PC games release digitally via Steam or other distribution services, and optical drives are not as necessary for custom built or prebuilt gaming computers. However, they remain a popular choice for people who still prefer tactile storage.
Hard Drive
A hard drive stores your computer’s data. It is a non-volatile memory device, meaning that the stored data persists even when the power is off.
The HDD is composed of two important pieces of hardware: a magnetic recording medium layered on glass or aluminum disks called platters, and a read/write head that reads the information from the platters. These two components are held together by a spindle motor that rotates the platters, and an actuator arm that positions the read/write heads across the platters.
The read/write heads fly above the platters on a special air-bearing system that relies on a certain range of air density to support the head at a proper flying height. This helps keep the heads away from the surface of the platters, reducing the chance of damage or failure.
Case
A computer case, also known as a tower is an essential part of the hardware that keeps all the fragile electronics in one place and ensures proper ventilation. Electronics get hot fast and without proper ventilation they will overheat, which shortens their lifespans significantly.
There are many different cases available for desktop computers including mini-towers, mid towers and full towers. Full towers provide more room for devices like large video cards and extra adapter cards, but for the average user they aren’t necessary.
Most cases will have two to four external bays for optical drives or hard disk drives. Some cases will have additional spaces for small devices like solid-state drives. They are usually installed using trays that can easily be purchased from the hardware store.