Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware

1. Computer hardware consists of the physical components that make a computer go.

   • Computer Cases
     • is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer.
       • The most common system case type is the tower. Depending on the specific number of internal drive bays and the height of the tower, these cases can be further classified into mini-size, mid-size and full-size tower cases.
         • Full Tower
           • Are generally big with a height that is about or more than 30 inches (more than 76 cm). The number of internal drive bays inside these cases can be between 6 and 10.
         • Mid Tower
           • are the most widely used computer cases. Mid Tower cases are about 18 to 24 (45 to 60 cm) inches high and they usually contain 2 to 4 internal drive bays and a similar number of external bays
         • Mini Tower
           • Mini-tower usually have up to 2 or sometimes 3 internal drive bays. Mini-cases normally stand at a height of 12 to 18 inches
         • Slim Line Case
           • are simply tower cases turned on their sideways. They can hold a monitor on top of the case.
         • Small Form Factor (SFF) Case
           • are custom cases that are designed to minimize the spatial volume of a desktop computer. SFFs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
   • Motherboard
     • It is the main printed circuit board present in the computers which holds the main electronic components of the system.
       • Motherboard Form Factor
         • We need to be aware of when choosing the case size and that is the size of the motherboard. They need to match. The form factor identifies the size of the circuit board, the location of the slots as well as the location of the faceplate that comes out the back of the computer.
           • ATX Form Factor (Full ATX)
             • The most common form factor for a motherboard is the ATX form factor. The board is approximately 30cm x 24cm.
           • Mini ATX
             • is a smaller variation of the full ATX size.The main difference is the number of buses and possibly memory slots on the motherboard.
           • Micro ATX
             • is an even smaller version of the ATX standard. The faceplate line up to the exact same position as in all other versions of ATX.
           • Flex ATX
             • The size is 22,9 cm x 19,1 cm. It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in small computer cases.
           • Mini ITX
             • 17cm x 17cm. There is a single expansion slot and the motherboard itself is considerably smaller than the micro ATX.
           • Nano ITX
             • It is used with smaller devices like media centers, and other embedded devices.
           • SSI CEB
             • are intended for dual or multi processor motherboards used in servers and or even workstations.
       • Motherboard components
         • Expansion Slot
           • is an opening located inside a computer on the motherboard or riser board that allows additional boards to be connected to it.
         • Socket
           • is a connection that allows a computer processors to be connected to a motherboard.
         • • is an integrated circuit that is responsible for communications between the CPU interface, AGP, and the memory.
         • Memory slot
           • is what allows computer memory (RAM) to be inserted into the computer.
         • IDE
           • is a standard interface for IBM compatible hard drives
         • SATA
           • is a replacement for the Parallel ATA interface used in IBM compatible computers.
         • ATX style connector
           • is one of the largest connectors inside your computer that connects the computer power supply to an ATX style motherboard
         • Southbridge
           • is an integrated circuit on the motherboard that is responsible for the hard drive controller