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- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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The Computer's Microprocessor :-
Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is usually inscribed on the chip itself.
For example, Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, or iCore7. If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 among others.
A computer cpu is the brain that runs a computer. CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the core chip to a computer. The CPU is responsible for processing codes and instructions through to the motherboard which sends the information through to the graphics card where it then travels to your monitor and then appears on your screen.
Whenever people talk and brag about their computer they always talk about their CPU first. They say, ‘its a Pentium 4, 3.0 Ghz’ or ‘its a Q6600, Quad Core beast’..
No matter how much RAM (Random Access Memory) or Hard Drive space you have, the CPU dictates whether the program will run on the computer or not.
Modern processors have millions of transistors placed onto the little square which is called a die. It is placed in the cpu socket and from here it forms an electrical interface with the motherboard.. A CPU is the most important part in a computer.
It ran at 740kHz (740,000 hertz) compared to the more modern computers that can run up to 3Ghz (3,000,000,000 hertz). AMD, Cyrix and Intel are the major CPU manufacturers, Intel released the first CPU processor which was the 4004 in the year of 1971.
A computer CPU is measured in megahertz (Mhz) and more recently gigahertz (Ghz). This is generally called the clock speed of the CPU. The higher the amount of hertz the greater amounts of cycles can be completed and more information will be processed.
However, along with faster processors comes more heat and thus bigger and better fans have been placed onto CPUs to keep them cooler.
However it is important to understand that megahertz and gigahertz are not the only way to define how good a CPU is.
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- Parts of a Motherboard and Their Function
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The Parts of a Computer Motherboard :-
Some of the major components of a Motherboard.
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- The Computer Mother Board Explained
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The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. Other names for this central computer unit are system board, mainboard, or printed wired board (PWB).
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on a computer's system speed and expansion capabilities. The motherboard is sometimes shortened to Mobo. Numerous major components, crucial for the functioning of the computer, are attached to the motherboard.
These include the processor, memory, and expansion slots. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
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- Major Motherboard Components and Their Functions
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A labeled ASRock K7VT4A Pro Mainboard.
Computer Video Card :-
The computer video card is a very important component in a computer.. Without it you would not be able to send any information to the monitor. Your computer can be running fine but if you can’t see anything on the monitor then it is basically worthless.
A computer video card is placed in the motherboard. where it transfers video signals through a cable to your monitor. The video card can either be built into the motherboard or be a separate card that is placed in either the AGP or PCI-Express Slots..
Graphics Cards :-
The computer graphics cards major job in a computer is to convert graphic patterns into signals for the monitor’s screen. However in recent times as the graphics card has become more advanced it taken some of the jobs previously assigned with the CPU and through a graphics pipeline adds 2D and 3D effects and it also adds textures..
Video Card Ports :-
There are several ways the computer graphics card transfers the signal to the monitor.. The older and most common way is through the VGA (Video Graphics Array) port. More recently the DVI (Digital Video Interactive) port has been used.
monitors to be connected at the same time.
S-Video (TV Out) ports have also become more common on computer video cards. These can be connected to through the S-Video In port of a TV thus turning a TV into a computer monitor.
There are a few ways of measuring computer graphics cards. MB (Megabyte) is the most common way of telling how good computer graphics card is. Typical graphics card memory sizes are similar to RAM but smaller, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 320MB, 512MB, 640MB, 768MB and maybe even 1GB.
Computer graphics cards have been improving incredibly fast in recent years and has now become one of the most important features of a computer. The graphics card is also measured by what type of memory it has (DDR, DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4) and by its chipset.
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- Computer Hard Drive
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Hard Drive A computer hard drive is the place where computer data is stored. A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is generally referred to as the secondary computer storage device, as the RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary.
Data that is stored on the RAM is volatile meaning when the computer is shut down then the information will be lost.
What is a Hard Drive? :-
When you turn on your computer it starts the Boot Process which tells the computer to go to the hard drive for the Operating System.
A hard drive is a permanent storage device, so even when the computer is turned off the information will still be there. The operating system, program files, and all data files are stored on the hard drive.
A computer can function without a hard drive but there would be no operating system or programs so it would be of very little use.
A hard drive uses circular platters to store data. These are kept in pristine condition and are very good mirrors. If you open a hard drive case, the air will contaminate the platters and it is unlikely that it would work again. The actuator arm runs between the platters reading the information in 1’s and 0’s. The head of this arm reads data even when the disk is running at 7200rpms (a common hard drive speed).
This means that the platter is doing 7200 rounds per minute. More recent computer hard drives can now do up to 15,000rpms. As the platters go round and round the head reads it and processes the information which then proceeds to the connector which connects to the computer.
External or Internal? :-
All the hard drives that are inside a computer are called internal hard drives. All the pictures on this page show internal hard drives.
Hard Drive Connectors :-
There are currently three connector cables in a common hard drive. These are the: IDE Ribbon Cable, SCSI Cable and the more recent SATA Cable.
Hard Drive Magnets :-
Located in the actuator are very strong magnets. When I have old hard drives that I no longer need, I open them up and take out the magnets. I give them to my brothers who enjoy playing with them.
Hard Drive Capacity :-
A computer hard drive is measured in Gigabytes. For example, a computer may have a 80Gb (Gigabyte) hard drive. Different files take more space.
Video files and pictures take up a lot of room, but simple text files take next to nothing. The operating system and program files take up space as well.
Hard drive capacities vary between 1Gb (or less) to 2Tb (maybe even bigger).
Hard Drive Manufacturers :-
There are a number of hard drive manufacturers that build hard drives and then distribute them to different shops and online stores to sell them.
I plan on reviewing all of them, but in my opinion, Wesern Digital and Seagate are the best.
Western Digital
Seagate
Samsung
Iomega
Hitachi
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- Computer Sound Card
What is a Sound Card? :-
A computer sound card is an additional card that is often included in the motherboard.This computer component is not compulsory but it is useful to have as most programs use a sound card.
A sound card translates signals into sounds that can be played back through speakers.. Many motherboards have a sound card built in making it unnecessary to have a separate sound card.. A pc sound card is placed into the PCI slots of a motherboard.
Sound Card :-
A computer sound card is used by a computer for music, sounds during applications and entertainment (TV, movies and games). A typical sound card usually has four ports.
The largest port is the Midi/Game port, which is used for connecting a joystick or gaming controller to. The other three ports look similar and are generally green, pink and blue.
Underneath each port will be a small engraving of what each port does. The pink port is for a microphone which can record sound to the computer.
The green port is line out and this is where the speakers are connected to produce sound from the computer. The blue port is line in and this is for connecting a CD-player or cassette tape to the computer.
Remember a sound card by itself is not enough to hear sound. You will still need to purchase some computer speakers or a headphone set.. If you want to make use of the microphone feature then you will need to buy a computer microphone and you should then be able to record sound to your computer. Stereo microphones and headphones at JR.com may boost your sound card output.
Looking to buy a sound card? Well I suggest you learn how to choose a Sound Card appropriate to your needs and when you have done so then go and buy one.. There are some great stores online that sell the Best Sound Cards Available Online
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- Random Access Memory (RAM)
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The Computer Memory :-
The Computer Memory :-
Random Access Memory, or RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to enhance computer performance while you are working. In other words, it is the working place of your computer, where active programs and data are loaded so that any time the processor requires them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the hard disk.
Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not require a power source to retain data.
When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in RAM is returned back to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, a process called booting. Later on, the user opens other files and programs that are still loaded in the memory.
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- Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
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The BIOS :-
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a "read-only" memory, which consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by another name—device drivers, or just drivers. BIOS is essentially the link between the computer hardware and software in a system.
All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate from the main system memory used for loading and running software.
On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions. The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine (boot process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being supplied to the computer.
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- Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM)
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Photo Showing the CMOS Battery :-
The CMOS Battery
Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips which are kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on. CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Inform-ation about the PC’s configuration for instance :-
- Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
- Information about CPU
- RAM size
- Date and time
- Serial and parallel port information
- Plug and Play information
- Power Saving settings
- Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by a Real Time Clock (RTC).
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- Cache Memory
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The Level 2 Cache Memory on an Old Motherboard :-
L2 cache on an old motherboard.
The Computer Cache Memory :-
Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the processor on demand. Most CPUs have an internal cache memory (built into the processor) which is referred to as Level 1 or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on the motherboard. This is the Level 2 or secondary cache.
In modern computers, Levels 1 and 2 cache memory are built into the processor die. If a third cache is implemented outside the die, it is refe-rred to as the Level 3 (L3) cache.
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- Expansion Bus
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The Expansion Buses :-
PCI slots
Buses carry signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and control signals from component to component. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their computers by slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.
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- Chipset
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The Computer Chip-sets :-
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary cache, and any devices situated on the buses. A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the IDE channels.
A computer has got two main chipsets :-
The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.
The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles communications between slower peripheral devices.
It is also called the I.C.H (I/O Controller Hub). The term "bridge" is generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.
Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, and OPTI.
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- CPU Clock
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The CPU Clock :-
The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses.
For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in any communications device, a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.
A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day and makes this data available to the software.
A "time-sharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and allows the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or applications.
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- Switches and Jumpers
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The Switches and Jumpers :-
DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so are usually flipped with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a bent paper clip, or a pen top.
Take care when cleaning near DIP switches, as some solvents may destroy them. Dip switches are obsolete and you will not find them in modern systems. Jumper pins are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is used to connect or short a pair of jumper pins.
When the bridge is connected to any two pins, via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.
Jumper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different set of pins, you can change a board's parameters.
NOTE: You can check the jumper pins and jumper cap at the back of an IDE hard disk and a CD/DVD ROM/Writer.
Computer Power Supply :-
A computer power supply is a compulsory unit to a computer. Without the power supply a computer is useless as it is just a case full of metal and plastic. This page will explain the different power cables and connectors and how they work inside your computer.
A power cable connects from the power point to the power supply where it supply’s the motherboard and other components with power. Often there is a power. switch on the back which can be switched off to stop the power current.. If this is not switched off and even though the computer is off power will still be drawn out of the power point (very small amount).
The most common power supply that we have in our computers today are the ATX Power Supply.. The AT Power Supply was found in many computers a few years ago but this has become less common.The graphic below shows each power cable and its name. To find out more about each cable and where it goes in the computer click on the links at the end of the page.
The computer power supply is placed inside the computer case generally near the top of the case.
It is sometimes necessary to buy a mini power supply for some cases are so small that they need one.
Most computer cases when bought come with a power supply that is suited to its case.
There are usually power ports on the mother-board for the fans in the case but if not it is possible to buy an adapter that will convert power from the 4-pin power cable to a fan power cable
Computer Monitor :-
A computer monitor is the viewing display of a computer. People often get confused and call the monitor the computer.
The reason they get mixed up is because the monitor is the unit that people look at and is usually quite big.
There are two types of monitors, these are the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
The CRT is the older of these two types and is very chunky unlike the LCD monitors which are very thin.
A computer monitor connects to the computer’s video card. The information is sent from the computer, processed by the graphics card and then sent through the cable to the monitor where it becomes visible. The monitor does not store information but only displays what is sent from the computer.
This means a computer can run without a monitor but there would be no point as the user cannot see anything he does. The CRT monitor connects through the VGA (Video Graphics Array) port on the graphics card while the LCD monitor can connect either through the S-VGA port or the DVI (Digital Video Interface) Port.
A pc monitor is measured in inches. Common screen sizes are″,15 17″, 19″, 20″, and 22″. Some screens reach sizes of 40″ or more but this is rare. A monitor is measured from one corner diagonally to the other. This gives it’s size in inches.
The LCD monitors which are more recent then the CRT monitor are very useful in saving desk space and are usually easier on the eyes.
LCD widescreen monitors have also become popular and these stretch further across.
The widescreen monitor takes a while to get used to but once you do it feels much better.
Not only can you watch movies in full capacity but you can sometimes view two A4 pages at the same time and it is much easier to turn your head sideways then up and down
CD RW Drives, Crucial component to the modern computer :-
CD RW drives and other drives such as CD ROMs, DVD ROMs and DVD RWs have become a crucial component of a computer.
Previously the CD ROM drive was not crucial to the life of a computer. cd rw drives Floppy drives were the main source of data transfer and files were small enough to fit on them.
However, today even CD drives are getting out of date and are fast being replaced by the DVD ROM and DVD RW Drives.
What is a CD ROM :-
Well you most likely know what a CD ROM is used for but maybe you don’t know what it means. CD stands for Compact Disc and ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
A CD ROM holds data that can be accessed by a computer or a CD player. Music and multimedia CDs have become popular. CDs are often used for installing programs, operating systems and other applications. A common CD holds about 700MB (700 Megabytes) while the DVD holds 4.7GB or 4700 Megabytes.
A CD drive connects to the computer motherboard through two types of cables. The older and more common connection is through the IDE Ribbon cable. Recently SATA (Serial ATA) drives have been produced and will gradually become more common. The benefits of having SATA cables is that they are smaller and the transfer rate is higher.
CD burners can record data to CDs. This is why they are nearly compulsory in the modern computer. If you have a CD burner you can copy disks and backup your files to disk.
Windows XP and Windows Vista both come with their own burning software but common utilities such as Nero are quite useful.
On a CD drive there is usually some numbers with a x symbol after it. This stands for times, for example common speeds are 4x, 8x, 16x, 18x, 24x, 32x, 40x and 52x. CD RW drives have speeds like 24x-10x-40x or 52x-32x-52x.
Choosing a CD Drive :-
As the computer CD drive has become more popular so has the need of actually having one.
A CD drive or even a DVD Burner are so cheap that I would recommend at least buying one of these. Personally I like having two drives. I prefer having a DVD drive and a DVD Burner which gives me the option of directly copying a disk. If I want to backup files this makes it incredibly easy.
The option of having a SATA (serial ata) DVD drive is now possible and I would highly recommend this. Not only is SATA faster but the cables are much smaller and easier to connect. If your motherboard supports SATA then for the extra rs it is a great option
Desktop Computer Cases :-
Desktop computer cases are the home to all the computer components. Everything including the motherboard, the hard drive, the cd drive,
Computer desktop cases generally have trays for the CD/DVD drives, floppy drives and hard drives.
There is also a place for the power supply and the on-switch cables which usually come with the case. These are connected with the buttons at the front and these connect to pins on the motherboard.
When placing your hard drive or CD drive into the motherboard try to keep as much space between them as possible. If they are too close there is more chance they will overheat. A good computer case also has a few fans circulating the perimeter of the case. These either connect to the mother-board or to the power supply and they keep the computer much cooler.
A few years ago, desktop computer cases were just plain. However, today for a little bit more money you can get computers with cool designs and colors.
Some computer cases now come with front USB (Universal Serial Bus) and some even have a card reader, firewire or ports for a headset.
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