Major Personal Computer Components

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, components, definitions, and characteristics of personal computer hardware from the lecture notes.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of the computer that interprets and carries out basic instructions operating a computer by performing arithmetic, logic, and other operations.

Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)

A CPU component that performs simple arithmetic and logical operations, executes instructions, and stores results in memory or registers.

Control Unit (CU)

A CPU component that manages computer components by fetching and decoding instructions from memory and converting them into control signals.

Register

A temporary storage area within the CPU used to hold data and instructions being actively worked on by the processor.

Land Grid Array (LGA)

A CPU socket type common for Intel processors, featuring blunt protruding pins in uniform rows on the socket that connect with pads on the bottom of the processor.

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

A CPU socket type common for AMD processors, featuring uniform rows of holes around the socket to receive pins from the bottom of the processor.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile main memory in a computer that holds instructions and data temporarily while a program is executing.

Static RAM (SRAM)

A type of volatile memory using multiple transistors without capacitors per cell, requiring constant power flow without refreshing, primarily used for CPU cache.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

A type of volatile memory with cell structures containing a transistor and capacitor that requires periodic power refreshing, used in system memory and video graphics memory.

Memory Module

A printed circuit board containing one or more RAM chips soldered together to form a single integrated circuit board.

Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM)

A type of memory module with connected pins on one side that must be installed in pairs, available in 30-pin and 72-pin variants.

Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM)

A memory module featuring independent pins on both sides, with modern variants having 168, 184, or 240 pins classified by DDR type.

Motherboard

A large printed circuit board that acts as the backbone of the computer system, connecting internal components, providing power, and facilitating communication between them.

Expansion Slot

A socket located on the motherboard equipped with data lanes for adding expansion cards to increase computer capabilities.

Add-On Card

A printed circuit board inserted into a motherboard expansion slot to enhance system functionality by providing additional features.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

An add-on card that allows a computer to connect to a wired or wireless network.

Controller

A hardware device, chip, or software program that manages and directs the flow of data and communication between the motherboard and another hardware device.

Port

A hardware connection interface or endpoint on a computer that connects internal or external devices and peripherals using cables.

HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a digital video and audio format standard port capable of connecting to a single screen.

DisplayPort

A digital video and audio format standard port featuring Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to connect multiple screens.

VGA

Video Graphics Array, a video port standard supporting analog signals to display text and graphics on a monitor.

DVI

Digital Visual Interface, a video port standard supporting both analog and digital signals.

S-PDIF

Sony/Philips Digital Interface, a digital audio-only interface format standard.

Storage Device

A hardware component used primarily for saving data or information magnetically, optically, or electronically for later access.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A magnetic storage device containing several metal or plastic platters with magnetic surface coating to read and write data directly.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A fast, reliable electronic storage device using flash memory without moving mechanical parts.

Optical Storage

A storage technology utilizing removable plastic discs with reflective coatings, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, read by an optical drive.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A computer chassis component that converts line-voltage alternating current (AC) power from an outlet to low-voltage direct current (DC) power needed by system components.

Peripheral Device

An auxiliary internal or external device connected directly to a computer that assists user interaction without contributing to primary computing tasks.