Embedded Files
Intro to the Components
Intro to the Components
Hardware components that are used in the computer system allows for the functionality of the computer so they are extremely important. For this reason, we will get familiar with all of these components in the following matching exercise:
Grouping the Components
Grouping the Components
It is important to group all of the components into different categories. This way, we can further understand the functionality of the components.
Grouping Type 1 - Input, Storage, Processing, Output
Reasoning
Input: Gets data and inputs it to the computer to process
Mouse: Inputs left and right click, scroll, and cursor movements
Keyboard: Inputs when the keys are pressed
Scanner: Scans documents and inputs it to the computer
Output: Outputs data from the computer for a user to use
Monitor: Displays graphical information visually
Speaker: Outputs sound from
Printer: Prints based off information provided by the computer
None
Motherboard: Acts as a circulatory system, connecting and giving electricity and information to different components.
PSU: Power source of the computer providing it with electricity to operate
Processing: Manipulates data
CPU: Processes data from input
GPU: Processes data related to graphics (shown on screens)
Video Card: Processes video data
Sound Card: Processes sound data
Storage: Stores data which can be used by the computer when needed
SSD: Uses floating gate transistors to hold an electrical charge and an array of this will form data
HDD: Data stored on the magnetic disk
DRAM: Short term storage used when computer is on and erased when computer turns off
ROM: Stores basic functions for the BIOS (startup sequence)
SRAM: Short term storage used when computer is on and erased when computer turns off
USB Flash Drive: Stores data on a removable drive that can be accessed by the computer when connected to the computer.
Grouping Type 2 - Peripheral, Internal
Reasoning
Peripheral: External component that connects to computer
Mouse: It generally connects through a port, in a 2D plane, it translates to inputs.
Keyboard: It takes inputs from the keyboard and translates them into information which is sent through a port as well.
USB: Although it is a storage device, it attaches separately, negating it from becoming a internal component.
Scanner: An input device, it doesn’t have any direct effect on the computer’s functions.
Speakers: Although it outputs sound, if a computer doesn’t have it, there is no loss of functionality.
Monitor: It is seen as a core component of having a computer, but doesn’t actually contribute to the function. This doesn’t take away from the fact that without it, using a computer is horrendously annoying.
Printer: Processing, information and printing it. It doesn’t contribute or inhibit the functionality of a computer.
Internal: Components that enclosed within the case of the computer
Motherboard: Connects many of the main components of the computer internally, including:
ROM on motherboard as a microchip
HDD connected to motherboard via cable
GPU on PCIe slots of motherboard, sometimes
also located on graphics card
CPU in top of motherboard, in CPU socket
SRAM located on the processor/CPU
SSD located below CPU around PCIe slots
Video card often on motherboard but sometimes in a separate circuit board or directly in the display unit
Sound card can be connected through PCI slots on motherboard
PSU located in corner of case and is connected to motherboard via 24-pin ATX power connector
Grouping Type 3 - Solid-State, Mechanical Component
Reasoning
Mechanical
Mouse: Requires physical inputs in order to send information, on many mice, they still utilize mechanical switches.
Keyboard: Similar to mice, keyboards require a physical input. Cheap, mass produced keyboards generally use membrane(still falls under mechanical component), but many enjoy the mechanical counterpart which allows for more customization
HDD: The disk needs to be physically spun in order to read information
Speaker: In order to convert the audio information into actual audio, the speaker needs to vibrate to generate sound.
Scanner: There are moving components to perform a scan. An example is needing an analog to digital converter
Printer: A primary component of a printer is the mechanical part which prints the ink onto the sheet of printer
Monitor: takes information given from the video card and displays it visually.
Solid State
SSD: Stores memory in flash memory
USB: It uses flash memory as well
PSU: Other than a fan for cooling, the PSU converts AC power into DC without any moving components
SRAM: There is no moving component, but it is able to retain information statically
CPU: Although there is a lot of processing occurring on this component, it only uses the flow of electricity through transistors
GPU: Generally, a GPU is imagined with many fans, but other than cooling, it doesn’t serve any function. It uses similar technology as the CPU, but is able to break it down into smaller pieces and solve them in parallel
DRAM: Similar to SRAM, there is no moving component, but it requires constant power to retain information
ROM: It receives binary code and deciphers it using gates, there are no mechanical components
Motherboard: As it is similar to circulatory system, all it does is send information, unlike the circulatory system, there is no mechanical system needed to send information.
Video Card: There are no mechanical components needed to translate into visual information.
Sound Card: it converts information through gates to send to an audio output device
Grouping Type 4 - Mandatory, Optional
Reasoning
Optional: not necessary for the computer to function
Scanners + Printers: accessories that have separate function, not necessary for every computer
USB: Used for data backup and transferring files, not vital to computer function
GPUs: are more important for high intensive activities e.g. gaming or video editing, computer can function with a built in CPU
Sound card: Optional component but necessary if you want to hear audio
Speaker: Accessory component, used to output volume louder
Mandatory: Vital for computer function
Monitor: Needed for display
PSU: Needed for power supply
Mouse: Needed to move cursor on monitor
Keyboard: Vital for user input
Video card: Short term storage of data, allows multiple applications to all run on computer
Video card: Processes and renders everything we see
Motherboard: connects majority of vital components
ROM: Contains info needed for computer to boot
HDD: Needed to install other programs -> read, write, store data
SSD: Interchangeable with HDD, faster
DRAM: Quick access to essential data that processor needs to run peak performance
CPU: Provides instructions that computer needs in order to work
Page updated
Report abuse