Computer Hardware Identifying parts of a

Computer System

System Unit

The System Unit is the main container that holds all the other electrical components

Power Supply

The Power Supply provides electrical current to all of the components inside the System Unit

Motherboard

The Motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) that provides connections for other components inside the System Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This main computer chip is considered the “heart” of any computer – it’s where the majority of processing takes place

Heat sink and fan

These two devices are attached to the top of the CPU to help keep it running cool – it pulls the heat from the chip and sends it out of the System Unit

Primary Storage

This type of storage is generally referred to as “memory” or RAM (Random Access Memory) – it is a temporary form of storage – when power is removed from the chip its content is lost

Secondary Storage

The Hard Drive -

this form of storage is described as “permanent” (non-volatile) – its content does not get lost when power is removed from the device.

Removable Storage

CD/DVD drives and USB drives are examples of removable storage – these devices can easily be removed from the System Unit

Removable storage devices are generally used for backing up important work

Daughterboard

This printed circuit board (PCB) is smaller than, and attaches to, the Motherboard. Its purpose is to extend the functionality of the Motherboard The example pictured here provides PCI and PCIe slots for installing adapter cards

Adapter Cards

Adapter cards add additional functionality to the computer. Common examples would include graphics cards for controlling a monitor and network interface cards (NIC) for connecting multiple computers to a network

Monitor

A computer monitor provides the user (you) with visual feedback on what the computer is doing. The monitor is considered an “output” device – it displays the output of what is being processed by the computer

Keyboard

A computer keyboard is still the most widely used “input” device – used for inputting data, information, or instructions into a computer

Mouse

As a pointing device a mouse can also be described as an “input” device – it is used to input commands into the computer as well as for providing information

Printer

A printer is an “output” device – it provides the user (you) with a hardcopy (printout) of data, information or instructions

Scanner

A scanner provides the ability to create a digital copy of a physical document

Acronyms

CPU – Central Processing Unit

RAM – Random Access Memory

USB – Universal Serial Bus

PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect

PCIe – “express”

NIC – Network Interface Card

PCB – Printed Circuit Board