P1 – Typical Computer ComponentsCandidate Number: 1726

Centre Number: 61101

The CPU

• The CPU is like the brain of the computer as it commands the whole computer and executes specific instructions. As you might guess it gets very hot and therefore has a heat sink to try to cool down the CPU. Sometimes, it might even have an extra one (Works so hard for so little pay!)

• CPU SIZE is measured in bits (Bytes) and CPU SPEED is measured in GHz (Gigahertz). These can be easy to mix up but they are different things!

• Sometimes, the CPU is incompatible with the rest of the motherboard. There can be many petty problems but a very common problem is that the CPU has inadequate wattage as the other motherboard components run on a lower wattage.

RAM/ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory (normally in the form of integrated circuits) that allows data to be withdrawn randomly.

• ROM (Read only memory) is a type of memory that is ‘read only’, so you cannot modify or change it without the greatest of difficulties. This memory is also non-volatile compared to RAM meaning that memory is not lost after powering down.

SSD & HDD

• SSD (Solid State Drive or Solid State Disk) is a type of data storage that uses solid state memory (containing no moving parts) to store memory in a non-volatile memory.

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive or Hard Disk (HD)) is a type of data storage that uses multiple rotating disks, coated with magnetic material to write and read data. It had been to main dominant secondary storage device for a long time as it has a good balance of cost, reliability, speed and capacity.