Hardware

Hardware

1. Memory and Storage

   • Memory
     • Stores program operations and data while a program is being executed
     • Examples
       • RAM (Random Access Memory)
       • Registers
       • Caches
       • Virtual Memory
   • Storage
     • Stores programs and files long-term, even when not in use
     • Examples
       • Hard Drives
       • SD Cards
       • USB sticks (Memory Sticks)

2. Graphics (GPU)

   • The GPU produces high-quality 3D graphics for games and films. It's responsible for handling images and frees up the CPU to do all other tasks

3. CPU

   • 'Central Processing Unit'
     • Executes programs
     • Performs mathematical functions
     • Moves data from one location to another
     • Makes decisions and jumps to a new set of instructions depending on those decisions
     • Parts
       • Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): Carries out mathematical problems and makes decisions on the data sent to the processor
       • Control unit (CU): Controls data sent through the processor, and controls the timing of operations as well as the instructions sent to the processor and the peripheral devices
       • Registers: A small amount of fast temporary memory within the processor where the ALU or the CU can store and change values needed to execute instructions
   • Performance
     • CPU, memory and bus speeds will all affect the overall speed of a computer. If one is significantly slower, then it will slow down the others
     • Benchmarking is a test used to assess the performance of a computer
     • Factors that affect performance
       • Core
         • Computers more commonly have dual or quad cores (2 or 4) or more
         • More cores allow the computer to run multiple programs at once
         • Doesn't necessarily make a computer faster as the cores still need to communicate with each other
       • Cache size
         • A small amount of memory in the CPU, closer than the RAM
         • Temporarily holds instructions
       • Clock speed
         • Indicates how fast the CPU can run (Measured in Megahertz (MHz)
         • Clock speed can be changed in the BIOS, and putting this over the normal clock speed is called 'overclocking'
       • Processor Type
         • There are two main types: CISC and RISC
           • CISC: Complex instruction set computing (Desktops/Laptops)
           • RISC: Reduced instruction set computing (Smartphones/Tablets)
           • Differences
             • Instructions (RISC has fewer than CISC)
             • Physical Size (CISC CPUs are bigger)
             • Speed (RISC CPUs run at a lower clock speed)
             • Energy Consumption (CISC CPUs are bigger so require more energy)
             • Design
             • Cost

4. Motherboard

   • A circuit board that connects the CPU to the memory and all the other hardware. The CPU sits on the motherboard
     • Buses: Circuits on the motherboard that connect the CPU to other components
       • The speed of the motherboard is defined by the speed of the buses and is measured in MHz (MegaHertz)
       • The bus that connects the CPU to the memory is called the front-side bus (FSB) or system bus
         • Address bus - this sends information about where data needs to go by sending an address to the memory. The address bus only sends data in one direction - from the CPU to RAM
         • Data bus - this sends data to the memory or receives data from the memory. Data can flow both ways along the data bus

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