computer hardware component's flashcards

CPU(CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)

• CPU WORK :

• Performing arithmetic and logical operations via the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Controlling data flow between memory, input/output devices, and other components through the Control Unit (CU

• Fetching, decoding, and executing instructions in a cycle known as the instruction cycle

• CPU PLACEMENT :

• The CPU is typically placed at the center of the system architecture:

  • Connected directly to main memory (RAM) for fast access to instructions and data

  • CPU INTERCONNECTION :

Component	Connection Type	Purpose
Memory	Address, Data, Control Bus	Transfers instructions and data
I/O Devices	I/O Bus or Controllers	Sends/receives data to/from peripherals
Other CPUs	Multiprocessor Bus or Switch	Enables parallel processing in multi-core systems
Cache Memory	Internal Bus	Speeds up access to frequently used data

MOTHERBOARD

MOTHERBOARD WORK :

The motherboard is the central backbone of a computer system. It connects and coordinates all the major components, allowing them to communicate and work together efficiently.

MOTHERBOARD PLACEMENT :

Component	Placement on Motherboard	Purpose
CPU Socket	Center or top-center	Holds the processor
RAM Slots	Next to CPU socket	Houses memory modules
Chipset (Northbridge/Southbridge)	Near CPU and expansion slots	Manages data flow between components
PCIe Slots	Lower half	For GPU, network cards, etc.

• INTERCONNECTION :

• Traces: Copper pathways etched into the board that carry signals.

• Buses: Data highways like the front-side bus (FSB) and PCIe lanes.

• Connectors: Physical interfaces for cables and modules (e.g., SATA, USB headers).

• Chipset: Acts as a traffic controller between CPU, RAM, and peripherals.

• Power Rails: Deliver voltage to different zones of the board.

RAM(RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)

RAM WORK :

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the short-term memory of a computer, crucial for fast data access and smooth multitasking. Let’s break it down

• Boosts Performance: More RAM allows smoother multitasking and faster program execution.

• Volatile Memory: Data is lost when the system powers off.

RAM PLACEMENT :

Component	Location on Motherboard	Description
RAM Slots	Near the CPU socket	Long slots for DIMM modules
DIMM Modules	Inserted vertically into slots	Physical RAM sticks
Channel Layout	Dual-channel or quad-channel	Optimizes memory bandwidth

RAM INTERCONNENTION :

• Memory Bus: Connects RAM to the CPU via the memory controller.

• Address & Data Lines: Carry instructions and data to/from RAM.

• Chipset Coordination: Northbridge (or integrated controller) manages RAM traffic.

• Power Supply Rails: Provide voltage to RAM modules.

• Fly-by Topology: Used in DDR3/DDR4 for signal timing and integrity

STORAGE(SSD/HDD)

SSD-SOLID STATE DRIVE

HDD-HARD DISK DRIVE

SSD/HDD WORK :

Feature	SSD (Solid State Drive)	HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Storage Type	Flash memory (no moving parts)	Magnetic platters with spinning disks
Speed	Very fast read/write speeds	Slower compared to SSD
Durability	More shock-resistant	Prone to mechanical failure

SSD/HDD PLACEMENT :

• 2.5-inch SSD/HDD: Mounted in drive bays, connected via SATA cable.

• M.2 SSD: Slotted directly into the M.2 connector on the motherboard.

• NVMe SSD: Uses PCIe lanes for ultra-fast data transfer; fits into M.2 or PCIe slots.

• 3.5-inch HDD: Common in desktops; mounted in larger drive bays.

  SSD/HDD INTERCONNECTION :

• SATA Interface:

  • Used by both SSDs and HDDs (2.5" or 3.5")

  • Requires SATA data cable + SATA power cable from PSU

• M.2 Interface:

  • Direct motherboard connection

  • NVMe SSDs use PCIe lanes; SATA M.2 SSDs use SATA bus

• Power Supply:

  • 15-pin SATA power connector from PSU

• Data Transfer:

  • SATA: Up to 6 Gbps

  • NVMe (PCIe Gen 3/4/5): Up to 32 Gbps or more

GPU(GRAPHIC PROCESSING UNIT)

GPU WORK :

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized processor designed to handle complex visual and parallel computing tasks. It’s essential for gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and AI workloads.

Graphics Rendering: Processes and displays images, animations, and video.

GPU PLZCEMENT :

GPU Type	Placement Location	Connection Interface
Discrete GPU	Inserted into PCIe x16 slot	PCI Express (PCIe)
Integrated GPU	Built into CPU or motherboard	Shares system memory
External GPU	Connected via Thunderbolt/USB-C	External enclosure

GPU INTERCONNECTION :

• PCIe Interface: High-speed data link between GPU and CPU/memory.

• VRAM (Video RAM): Dedicated memory for textures, frame buffers, and shaders.

• Power Connectors: 6-pin, 8-pin, or 12-pin connectors from PSU for extra power.

PSU(POWER SUPPLY UNIT)

PSU WORK :

The PSU is the heart of a computer’s electrical system. It converts wall outlet AC power into usable DC power for all internal components.

• AC to DC Conversion: Transforms 230V AC (in India) into multiple DC voltages (typically 3.3V, 5V, and 12V).

• Voltage Regulation: Maintains stable output despite load changes.

• Power Distribution: Supplies energy to motherboard, CPU, GPU, drives, fans, and peripherals.

• Protection Mechanisms: Includes overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection.

• PSU PLACEMENT :

  Form Factor	Typical Location in Case	Notes
  ATX	Bottom or top rear	Most common in desktops
  SFX	Compact cases	Used in mini-ITX builds
  TFX	Slim desktops	Less common

PSU INTERCONNECTION :

Connector Type	Purpose	Connects To
24-pin ATX	Main power for motherboard	Motherboard
SATA Power	Powers SSDs/HDDs/optical drives	Storage devices
Molex	Legacy devices, fans, RGB	Older peripherals
FDD (Floppy)	Obsolete	Floppy drives (rarely used)

CABINET

CABINET WORK :

• Protection: Shields internal components from dust, moisture, and physical damage.

• Component Mounting: Provides slots and bays for motherboard, PSU, GPU, drives, etc.

• Cable Management: Keeps wiring organized to improve airflow and reduce clutter.

  CABINET PLACEMENT :

• Cabinet Type	Typical Placement	Use Case
  Tower (ATX/Micro)	On or under desk	Standard desktops
  Mini-ITX	Compact spaces, shelves	Small form factor builds
  Server Rack	Data centers	Enterprise/server environments
  Horizontal Case	Media centers	HTPCs or retro-style setups

  CABINET INTERCONNECTION :

• cabinet is connect with motherboard,psu,gpu,ssd,hdd,cooler,front panel.

GRAPHIC CARDS

GRAPHIC CARD WORK ;

• Image Rendering: Converts data into visuals for display—2D, 3D, and video.

• Parallel Processing: Executes thousands of tasks simultaneously, ideal for gaming and AI.

• Video Encoding/Decoding: Accelerates media playback and streaming.

• Ray Tracing & AI Graphics: Simulates realistic lighting and enhances visuals using machine learning.

• VR/AR Support: Powers immersive environments with high frame rates and low latency.

  GRAPHIC CARD PLACEMENT :

  Form Factor	Placement Location	Use Case
  Discrete GPU	PCIe slot on motherboard	Gaming, design, AI, rendering
  Integrated GPU	Inside CPU or motherboard	Basic tasks, office work
  External GPU (eGPU)	Connected via Thunderbolt	Portable graphics boost for laptops

GRAPHIC CARD INTERCONNECTION :

graphic card is interconnect with gpu,vram,power supply,moniter,cpu,cooling system.

CPU COOLER

CPU COOLER WORK :

• Purpose: It dissipates heat generated by the CPU to prevent overheating and maintain performance.

• Types:

  • Air Coolers: Use a heatsink and fan to draw heat away from the CPU.

  • Liquid Coolers (AIO): Circulate coolant through a loop to transfer heat from the CPU to a radiator.

    CPU COOLER PLACEMENT :

• Air Coolers:

  • Mount directly on the CPU socket.

  • Fan should push air through the heatsink toward the rear exhaust fan.

• Liquid Coolers (AIO):

  • Top Mount: Ideal for airflow and longevity; air accumulates in the radiator, not the pump.

  • Bottom Mount: Not recommended; air can gather in the pump, reducing efficiency

CPU COOLER INTERCONNECTION :

• Backplate: Installed behind the motherboard to secure the cooler.

• ARGB/Lighting:

  • Use 3-pin 5V connectors for RGB lighting if supported.

  • Daisy-chain fans or use a hub for synchronized lighting.

• Cable Management:

  • Use cable ties or Velcro strips to keep wires tidy and airflow unobstructed.

SATA(SERIAL ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT)

SATA WORK :

• Purpose: SATA is a high-speed interface used to connect storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives to the motherboard.

• Data Transfer: Uses serial communication for faster and more efficient data transmission compared to older PATA interfaces.

SATA PLACEMENT :

• Motherboard:

  • SATA ports are usually located near the bottom-right edge.

  • Labeled as SATA1, SATA2, etc., and often color-coded.

• Storage Devices:

  • Optical drives (DVD/CD) may also use SATA and are placed in external-facing bays.

SATA INTERCONNECTION :

Cables:

• Data Cable: 7-pin connector (3 grounds, 4 data lines).

• Power Cable: 15-pin connector supplying 3.3V, 5V, and 12V

• Controller Modes:

  • IDE Mode: Legacy compatibility.

  • AHCI Mode: Enables hot swapping and native command queuing.

  • RAID Mode: Combines multiple drives for redundancy or performance