Computer Components

Computer Components

1. Motherboard

   • A circuit board connecting the main components of a computer with connectors for other circuit boards to be slotted into.

2. Heat sink

   • Absorbs excess heat created by microchips/processors

3. CPU fan

   • Moves heat gained by the heat sink away from the CPU by removing the hot air. (A fan on or inside the case can either draw cold air in or push hot air out.)

4. GPU

   • The GPU is a processor specialised in displaying functions and managing graphics such as images and animations.

5. DVD drive

   • An optical disc drive capable of reading and writing to CD and DVD formats.

6. PSU

   • Converts the mains AC to low-voltage DC which is used by the computer.

7. CPU

   • Commonly referred to as the brains of a computer, it does the central processing of all instructions.

8. Sound card

   • Enables the use of audio devices by managing the input and output signals of them.

9. RAM

   • Read and writable, the RAM stores temporary data, used by programs, from the hard drive as a quicker access place for the CPU

10. ROM

    • Only readable because it usually stores the boot-up sequence of the computer (it is non-volatile).

11. Hard drive

    • Holds main data of the computer and retains memory when switched off (is non-volatile). The hard drive is both read and writable.

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