2. Sysytem Unit

Parts of a computer with their functions

Here is a complete list of all the common computer hardware components and common peripherals that get used with them.

1. The computer case

This is the part that holds all of the internal components to make up the computer itself.

It is usually designed in such a manner to make fitting a motherboard, wiring, and drives as easy as possible. Some are designed so well that it is easy to make everything look tidy and presentable too

Design elements can vary from being plain to extremely elaborate. You can get a plain grey case or one that has colored lighting everywhere to make it looks spectacular.

Cases, like most things, vary in quality. You can get them made from cheap metals or from good quality materials that provide you with a sturdy design.

List of computer case sizes (known as form factor):

  • Very small form factor: Supports Mini ITX motherboards
  • Small form factor: Supports micro ATX motherboards.
  • Standard form factor: Supports standard ATX motherboards.
  • Larger form factors: Supports ATX and XL-ATX motherboards.
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2. Motherboard

The motherboard is the main board that is screwed directly inside the computer case.

All other cards and everything else plugs directly into the motherboard, hence its name.

The CPU, RAM, drives, power supply and more all get connected to it.

Its function is to integrate all the components with each other so they can communicate and operate together.

A good motherboard offers a wide amount of connectivity options. It also has the least amount of bottlenecks as possible. This allows all the components to operate efficiently and to fulfill their maximum potential as they were designed to do.

Obviously, as the physical size of a motherboard is reduced, it begins to limit connectivity options and functionality.

3. CPU: Central Processing Unit

The CPU is basically like the brain of a computer. It processes all the information on a computational level.

It takes information from the RAM and processes it to perform the tasks required from the computer.

It is usually seated in a socket that utilizes a lever or a latch with a hinged plate with a cut out in the center to secure it onto the motherboard.

It has many copper pads underneath it for the contacts of the socket to push up against them to make electrical contact.

There are other ways CPU’s can be attached to the motherboard.

Here are some common examples:

  • ZIF (Zero Insertion Force): Although this a more desirable socket, they are mostly found on older computer motherboards. A lever-operated a mechanism to clamp the pins of the processor.
  • PGA (Pin Grid Array): It is also a ZIF socket but has a different pin pitch and contains a different pin count.
  • LGA (Land Grid Array): More commonly found on motherboards today. A levered hinged plate with a center cut out clamps down on the processor.
  • BGA (Ball Grid Array): The CPU is soldered directly onto the motherboard. This makes it a non-user swappable part. It is susceptible to bad connectivity.

A processor generates a decent amount of heat, especially when it is working under high loads.

It will run even hotter when it is set to a higher clock speed in order to make it run faster. This is called overclocking.

This is why a heatsink and fan assembly is required in order to draw the heat away from the processor and distribute it to thin sheets or fins of metal for the fan to cool down.

There are so many different types of processors. The top manufacturers for computers are Intel, AMD, and NVidia.

4. RAM: Random Access Memory

RAM is a data storage device that can provide fast read and write access. RAM is also volatile which means that it loses all the stored data the moment power is lost.

The RAM keeps data ready for the CPU to process. The speed of the RAM is a big contributor to the overall speed of a computer.

It plugs directly into a long slot which has contacts on either side of the slot.

It too has a clock speed, just like a processor. So, it can also be overclocked to deliver increased performance beyond the intended specification.

Certain RAM modules are sold with a heat spreader. It helps dissipate the heat from the individual memory IC’s, keeping them cooler.

RAM has evolved like any other component. RAM used on the motherboard often makes use of DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) type memory.