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Overview:

Additional information that you should know that isn't included here:

Hardware components of a computer are the physical components of a computer.

Computers are comprised of many different parts. The system unit, commonly known as the computer case, houses many of these components.

Main Internal Hardware

Motherboard: Main internal component of the system unit, called the motherboard since it connects all components of the computer system

CPU: Commonly known as the brain of the computer, responsible for operations performed on a computer

RAM: Main memory of a computer system, used to temporarily store data, can make a computer faster

Hard Drive: Storage device, used to permanently store data

Video Card: Commonly known as the graphics card, contains the graphics processing unit (GPU), generates the video signal sent to a computer display

Power Supply: Provides power to the computer

Key Terms and Definitions:

DDR: Five generations of RAM synchronized with the system clock including DDR1 through DDR5. Each new generation doubles the data transfer rate.
DRAM: A type of RAM that stores data using a single transistor for every bit of data.
SODIMM: A smaller memory card with unique notch positions that is used in laptops and notebook computers.
SRAM: A type of RAM that stores data using four transistors for every bit of data.

Other important terms:

CPU socket: Used to connect a CPU’s processor to the PC’s motherboard through a series of pins
Chipset: A collection of integrated circuits that are needed to control the flow of communication between the processor, memory, and external devices.
Direct current (DC direct): The type of current used inside a computer, an electric current flowing in one direction only
Firmware: Software embedded in the motherboard
Form factors: These are the motherboard specifications. Used to describe the size and use of the device’s physical case. (Ex: microtower, slim, mini, etc.)
I/O connectors: Input/Output connectors that provide high-speed data transmission. Commonly used in products that require data transmission or internet connection such as computers, routers, servers, etc. Works by joining a circuit from the inside to the outside of electronic equipment.

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