Hardware Terminology [Exploring Desktops]

4-pin 12-V connector

A power connector that supplies 12-volt power from a power supply to components such as the CPU.

8-pin 12-V connector

A power connector that supplies additional 12-volt power to the CPU, usually on the motherboard.

20-pin P1 connector

An older main motherboard power connector that supplies electrical power to the motherboard.

24-pin P1 connector

The standard modern ATX motherboard power connector that supplies power to the motherboard.

airplane mode

A setting that disables wireless communication features such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

all-in-one computer

A computer in which the computer components are built into the same enclosure as the display.

analog

A type of signal that represents information using continuously varying values.

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)

A standard that defines the size, layout, and specifications of computer motherboards, cases, and power supplies.

ATX12V power supply

A computer power supply designed according to the ATX standard that provides dedicated 12-volt power for modern computer components.

audio ports

Connectors used to connect audio devices such as speakers, headphones, and microphones to a computer.

base station

A device that provides a central connection point for wireless or cellular communication.

BIOS (basic input/output system)

Firmware that initializes computer hardware and starts the operating system when a computer is turned on.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless technology used to connect devices such as keyboards, mice, headphones, and phones.

cellular network

A wireless communication network that provides mobile services such as phone calls and Internet access through cellular towers.

central processing unit (CPU)

The main processor that executes instructions and performs calculations for a computer.

chassis

The physical frame or enclosure that holds a computer's internal components.

DB9 port

A nine-pin D-subminiature connector commonly used for serial communication.

DB15 port

A 15-pin D-subminiature connector commonly used for analog video connections.

DE15 port

A 15-pin high-density D-sub connector commonly used for VGA video connections.

desktop case

A computer enclosure designed to hold the internal components of a desktop computer.

digital

A method of representing information using discrete values, usually binary 0s and 1s.

DIMM (dual inline memory module)

A circuit board containing RAM chips that is designed to be installed in a desktop computer's memory slot.

DisplayPort

A digital connection used to transmit high-quality video and audio from a computer to a display.

docking port

A connector that allows a laptop to connect to a docking station and gain access to additional ports and peripherals.

docking station

A device that connects a laptop to multiple external devices, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and network connections.

dual-voltage selector switch

A switch on some power supplies that allows the power supply to be configured for different input voltages, such as 115 V or 230 V.

DVI (Digital Video Interface) port

A video connector used to transmit digital and/or analog video between a computer and display.

electrostatic discharge (ESD)

The sudden flow of static electricity between objects, which can damage electronic components.

Ethernet port

A network connector, usually an RJ-45 jack, used to connect a computer to a wired network.

expansion card

A circuit board installed in a computer to add capabilities such as graphics, sound, networking, or additional ports.

external SATA (eSATA) port

A port designed to connect external storage devices using the SATA interface.

firmware

Software permanently or semi-permanently stored in hardware that controls how a device operates.

form factors

Standardized physical sizes, shapes, and layouts used for computer components and devices.

front panel connectors

Small connectors that connect a computer case's buttons, LEDs, and other front-panel features to the motherboard.

front panel header

A group of pins on a motherboard used to connect the computer case's front-panel controls and indicators.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A satellite-based system used to determine the location of a device.

hard disk drive (HDD)

A storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks and read/write heads to store data.

hard drive

A device used to permanently store computer data, commonly referring to an HDD or, more broadly, a storage drive.

HD15 port

A 15-pin high-density D-sub connector commonly used for VGA video connections.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port

A digital connection that carries high-definition video and audio between compatible devices.

heat sink

A metal component that absorbs and dissipates heat produced by electronic components such as CPUs.

internal components

Hardware located inside a computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drive, and power supply.

keyboard backlight

A light underneath or behind a keyboard's keys that makes the keys easier to see in low-light conditions.

laptop

A portable computer with a built-in screen, keyboard, touch pad, battery, and other components.

loopback plug

A testing device that connects to a computer port and sends signals back to the device to test whether the port is functioning correctly.

main board

Another term for the motherboard or system board, which connects and allows communication between a computer's components.

microATX (mATX)

A smaller motherboard form factor that follows the ATX standard while using less physical space.

microprocessor

An integrated circuit containing a computer's processor, capable of executing instructions and performing calculations.

modem port

A port used to connect a computer to a modem, traditionally through a telephone-line connection.

Molex connector

A type of power connector traditionally used to supply power to internal computer components such as drives and fans.

motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that connects the CPU, memory, storage, expansion cards, and other components.

multimeter

An electronic measuring instrument used to measure values such as voltage, current, resistance, and continuity.

netbook

A small, lightweight, low-cost laptop designed primarily for basic computing and Internet access.

network port

A physical connector used to connect a computer or other device to a network.

notebook

Another term for a laptop computer, generally referring to a portable computer.

optical connector

A connector that transmits digital signals using light, commonly used for digital audio.

PCI Express (PCIe)

A high-speed expansion interface used to connect devices such as graphics cards, network cards, and NVMe storage to a motherboard.

PCIe 6/8-pin connector

A power connector used by a power supply to provide additional power to high-performance PCIe expansion cards, especially graphics cards.

port replicator

A device that provides a laptop with additional ports and connections, usually through a single connection to the laptop.

POST card

A diagnostic expansion card that displays codes generated during the computer's power-on self-test to help identify hardware problems.

POST diagnostic card

A hardware troubleshooting device that displays POST codes to help identify failures during computer startup.

POST (power-on self test)

A series of hardware checks performed by a computer when it starts to determine whether essential components are functioning properly.

power supply

A device that provides electrical power to a computer's components.

power supply tester

A device used to test the voltages and operation of a computer power supply.

power supply unit (PSU)

The component that converts incoming electrical power into the voltages required by a computer's internal components.

processor

A component that executes instructions and performs calculations; commonly another term for the CPU.

PS/2 port

A round connector traditionally used to connect a keyboard or mouse to a computer.

RAM (random access memory)

Temporary, high-speed memory used by a computer to store data and programs currently being used.

RJ-11 port

A modular connector commonly used for telephone lines and older dial-up modem connections.

RJ-45 port

A modular connector commonly used for Ethernet network connections.

SATA power connector

A power connector used to provide electrical power to SATA storage drives and optical drives.

screen orientation

The direction in which a display is arranged, such as landscape or portrait.

serial ATA (SATA)

An interface used to connect storage devices such as hard disk drives and SATA solid-state drives to a motherboard.

serial port

A port that transfers data one bit at a time, traditionally used for devices such as modems and older peripherals.

SO-DIMM (small outline DIMM)

A smaller type of memory module commonly used in laptops and other compact computers.

spacers

Components used to create separation between computer parts or between a circuit board and another surface.

SPDIF (Sony-Philips Digital Interface) sound port

A connection used to transmit digital audio between compatible devices.

spudgers

Small, usually nonconductive tools used to pry apart, disconnect, or manipulate components during electronic repairs.

standoffs

Small mounting posts that hold a motherboard above the computer case and prevent it from touching the metal chassis.

system board

Another name for the motherboard, the main circuit board that connects the computer's components.

Thunderbolt 3 port

A high-speed port using the USB-C connector that can carry data, video, and power and support devices such as displays and docking stations.

touch pad

A touch-sensitive surface on a laptop used to control the cursor and perform mouse functions.

tower case

A tall desktop computer enclosure designed to provide space for internal components and expansion devices.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

Modern firmware that initializes computer hardware and starts the operating system, replacing traditional BIOS on most modern computers.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port

A standard connection used to transfer data and provide power between computers and peripheral devices.

USB optical drive

An external optical disc drive that connects to a computer through USB and can read or write CDs, DVDs, or other optical media.

USB to Bluetooth adapter

A USB device that adds Bluetooth wireless capability to a computer.

USB to RJ-45 dongle

An adapter that allows a computer with USB ports to connect to an Ethernet network through an RJ-45 connector.

USB to Wi-Fi dongle

A USB device that adds Wi-Fi wireless networking capability to a computer.

VGA (Video Graphics Array) port

An analog video connector commonly used to connect a computer to a monitor or projector.

video memory

Memory used by a graphics processor to store data needed to display images and video, often called VRAM.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to networks and the Internet without a physical cable.

ZIF connectors

Zero Insertion Force connectors designed to allow components or cables to be inserted and removed with little or no force, usually using a locking mechanism.