PC hardware includes the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM) and other internal components that collect, process and communicate instructions. It also includes a power supply unit that converts electricity into usable power for other parts of the computer.
Storage devices such as hard disk drives or solid state drives store persistent (they keep their state even when power is off) bytes of data in files and folders.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the core of the computer that connects all internal hardware components. It also provides the connections to external devices like a monitor, keyboard and mouse. A motherboard consists of a large printed circuit board with traces and slots that hold the central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM) and expansion cards.
Most modern motherboards use UEFI firmware instead of the traditional BIOS, which is more flexible and user-friendly. They often include a security chip called a TPM 2.0 that protects against ransomware attacks and other malware by encrypting sensitive data.
Other common features on a motherboard include USB ports, Ethernet ports and FireWire ports for external devices like hard drives and cameras. There are also several expansion slots for a variety of different cards, including PCI, PCI Express and M.2 slots for SSDs.
CPU
The central processing unit — or CPU — is the brains behind the sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer does while running software. Modern processors are designed to solve multiple tasks in parallel, delivering quicker response times for programs and the web.
The CPU receives input data from an external device (like a monitor display screen, keyboard or mouse) or from system/application software program. It then fetches instructions from memory, using its program counter to determine the corresponding memory address. The instruction is decoded into a form the CPU understands, such as machine language (binary).
The control unit then directs memory to release the result back to an output or storage device. It may also update the program counter, indicating the location of the next instruction.
RAM
RAM (or random access memory) keeps the computer’s most important currently-used data and codes on standby for lightning-fast access by the processor. Unlike storage (such as a hard drive or solid-state drive), it’s volatile, meaning that stored information gets cleared when the computer is turned off.
Typically, you’ll find it in the form of small modules called DIMMs that plug into slots on the motherboard. Modern computers use an upgraded form of DRAM called SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random-access memory).
A good 16GB of RAM is ideal for most PC games, but you can upgrade it to even more if you plan on doing heavier work like video editing or a lot of gaming. You can also help your computer run faster by using specialized optimization software to clear wasteful clutter from its RAM.
Graphics Card
A graphics card (or video card) is a hardware component that generates the video image that goes to your computer monitor. It also works with the CPU to display visuals in games and other software.
GPUs can be integrated into the motherboard or added as an expansion card. You can find them in laptops and inexpensive desktop PCs, which are often called “barebone” computers.
Graphics cards can be used to create 3-D images, and they’re important for gamers. The performance of a GPU can be measured in terms of how many triangles or vertices it can calculate per second, which is useful for evaluating its ability to run 3-D images. The wattage rating of your power supply is another important consideration, as it determines whether your computer can run a particular graphics card.
Hard Drive
Hard drives store your applications and files on a physical disc that the computer reads with an arm that travels across it (similar to a record player). They are slower than RAM but much cheaper.
Modern HDDs use zone bit recording, storing more data on each track than early models. They also use spindle motors that allow for higher speeds without sacrificing platter size or reliability.
Mechanical failure can occur from physical damage like a dropped hard drive or an electrical shock to the head actuator. Logical failure results from corruption or malfunction of the computer software that controls the operation of the drive’s hardware. Frequent cleanups of temporary files and junk data will help free up space and improve performance.