computer hardware: parts & functions

COMPUTER HARDWARE

PARTS & FUNCTIONS

BY: RAY LAURENZ T. MONTEROLA

External Components

MouseThe mouse is a pointing device that sends control signals into the computer. It is used to move the cursor (usually arrow icon) on the screen and to perform click actions.

Back

MonitorIt is used to display data in visual form (which can only be seen). The images it display are where the user gets information.

Back

KeyboardThis contains set of keys that are used to input characters (letters, numbers) and control signals into the computer.

Back

Automatic Voltage RegulatorIt protects the computer from changes in the electricity that may damage the computer components. It regulates the voltage that goes to the computer.

Back

System UnitIt serves as a container of the computer’s internal parts (motherboard, CPU, etc.)

Back

THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS

Internal Components

Power Supply UnitIt converts the main alternating current into low-voltage direct current that is supplied to other parts.A power supply unit has its own fan.

Hard Disk DriveIt is the main storage device of the computer. It is where most of the files of the computer (such as the ones found in Desktop) are stored.

Optical Disc DriveIt reads or writes data into optical discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc).

Random Access Memory ModuleIt is the temporary storage device of the computer. It is used to hold the data that the computer is working on.The black rectangles are called RAM chips.

Central Processing UnitThis is referred to as the computer’s brain as it does the processing job of the computer. This means that it is responsible for manipulating the data.

CPU Fan and HeatsinkThese two components work together in keeping the CPU from overheating. The metal is called the heatsink as it conducts heat from the CPU while the CPU fan blows the air to the heatsink. See next slide to know the airflow

System FanThis is found at the left side panel and the back panel of the system unit.It directs the flow of air in the system unit.

MotherboardIt is the main circuit board of the computer that connects all other parts.

PARTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD

Expansion SlotsThese are where the expansion cards such as modem card and graphics card are installed. These are different types of slots.

RAM SlotsThese are where the RAM modules are installed.

NorthbridgeLocated between the CPU socket, Expansion slots, and RAM slots.It coordinates the flow of data between the CPU, graphics card, and RAM

SouthbridgeLocated below the expansion slots, the Southbridge handles all of the computer’s input/output functions.

The location of the two Chipsets

BIOS ChipIt stands for Basic Input/Output System.It contains the program that checks devices to know if the computer is ready to startup.

CMOS RAMIt is the one that holds data used by the BIOS or Operating System. These data includes time, date, BIOS password.

CMOS BatteryIt provides the power used by the CMOS RAM so that even when the computer is off, the CMOS RAM can still keep data (this means time and date will not be reset).

Back Panel PortsLocated at the back of the motherboard. This is where most of the computer peripherals are connected. These peripherals include the keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Front Panel HeadersIt is mostly located at the left and front side of the motherboard. Most computers have three front panel headers: system panel headers, audio headers, USB headers.

CPU SocketIt is where the CPU is installed.

20+4 Pin ATX Main Power ConnectorIt is where the 20+4 Pin ATX Main Power Connector of the PSU is connected.

4 Pin ATX 12V Power ConnectorIt is where the 4 Pin ATX 12V Power Connector of the PSU is connected.

CPU Fan HeaderIt is where the CPU fan is connected to get its power.