Understanding Computer Hardware and System Components

Hardware

Any device that assists in the input, processing, storage, output, or communications of an information system.

Software

Computer programs that aid in the operation of a computer system or that have a specific use.

Peripherals

All the input, output, and secondary storage devices attached to a computer.

Printers

Provide a hardcopy of information (output device).

Scanners

Input hardcopy data into the PC for editing or backup.

Microphones

Input sound for processing and editing.

Speakers

Output sound from the computer system.

Webcams

Input video into the computer system.

Graphics Tablets

Input device for drawing or writing digitally.

Input

Inputs data into the computer to be processed.

Processing

Processes the data to make it information.

Output

Outputs information for the user to see or use.

Storage

Allows the user to store data/information for later use.

Communications

Allows communication with other devices or computers.

Motherboard Chipsets

Connects the CPU to other components like memory, storage, and expansion cards.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A highly complex set of electronic circuitry that executes stored program instructions.

Factors Affecting CPU Power

Clock cycle speed, Manufacturing process (e.g., 5nm, 7nm), Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit), Number of Cores, Threading, Cache Size, Chipset (e.g., Intel vs. ARM), Heat/cooling efficiency.

Basic Operations Performed by the CPU

Arithmetic operations, Memory operations, Logical operations, Control operations.

CPU Working Process (Four Steps)

1. An instruction is fetched from memory (RAM). 2. The instruction is decoded by the control unit. 3. The instruction is executed, usually by the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and an operation is performed. 4. The result of the instruction is stored in primary memory.

Control Unit (CU)

Circuitry that controls operations within the CPU.

Control Unit (CU)

Directs the arithmetic and logic unit, memory, and input/output devices in response to software instructions.

Control Unit (CU)

Fetches instructions from memory and converts (decodes) them into control signals.

Control Unit (CU)

Sends these control signals to the logic unit, memory, or I/O devices to execute the instruction.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Most CPU operations are performed by one or more ALUs, which load data from input registers (controlled by the CU).

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The control unit tells the ALU what operation to perform on that data.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The ALU executes the instruction.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The ALU stores the result in an output register.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logic operations (NOT, AND, OR).

Registers/Immediate Access Store

A small data storage (memory) unit found on the CPU.

Registers/Immediate Access Store

Also referred to as an immediate access store.

Registers/Immediate Access Store

May hold an instruction, a storage address, or any kind of data for storage.

Registers/Immediate Access Store

Some registers have specific functions.

Program counter

Holds the number of the next instruction to be executed.

Instruction register

Holds the instruction that is currently being decoded or executed.

Buses

A bus transfers data between components/devices on a computer or between computers.

Address bus

Carries the location of stored information (e.g., the address in RAM).

Data bus

Carries data to different components within a computer (e.g., from RAM to the CPU).

Control bus

Carries commands from the CPU (control unit) and returns status signals from the devices.

CPU Cycle

The PC contains the address of the memory location with the next instruction.

CPU Cycle

This address is copied from the PC to the MAR via the address bus.

CPU Cycle

The contents (instruction) at the memory location in MAR are copied into the MDR via the data bus (controlled by the control bus).

CPU Cycle

The contents (instruction) in the MDR are copied into the CIR.

CPU Cycle

The value in the PC is incremented to point to the next instruction.

CPU Cycle

The instruction is decoded and executed by sending signals via the control bus to the various components.

MOTHERBOARD CHARACTERISTICS

Form Factor influences case size and the number of components, connectors, and expansion slots.

Form Factor

Smaller form factors include micro-ATX (9.6-inch square) and mini-ITX (6.7-inch square).

Form Factor

Larger form factors include mini-ATX (11.2-by-8.2 inch) and full-size ATX (12-by-9.6 inch).

CPU Socket and Chipset

The CPU socket must be compatible with the chosen CPU (Intel or AMD, and specific models).

CPU Socket and Chipset

The chipset determines computer speed, supported features, and maximum memory access.

Slots

Memory slots are for RAM modules; the number of slots dictates the maximum RAM capacity, and slots are specific to RAM type (e.g., DDR3).

PCI Express slots

High-speed slots for graphics cards.

x16 slot

Essential for graphics cards.

PCI Express slots

Variations include x16(x4), x16(x8), and true x16(x16) depending on the number of lanes.

Regular PCI slots

Slots for other expansion cards, though many devices now use USB.

Internal connectors

USB headers, serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) ports for drives, and connectors for case LEDs and switches.

External connectors

USB ports, audio ports, USB 3.0, graphics connectors for onboard graphics, external SATA (eSATA), and legacy ports like parallel or serial.

RAID (redundant array of independent disks)

A feature that allows for multiple hard drives.

Basic input and output system (BIOS)

System settings and performance tweaking.

PS/2

An older type of connector for mice and keyboards.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Used for connecting various peripherals like mice, keyboards, scanners, cameras, and printers. USB revisions offer improved speed.

USB-C

Provides faster data rates, a reversible port, and greater power output.

Parallel ports

Primarily used for connecting older printers. Uses a 25-pin female DB connector and transmits multiple bits of data simultaneously.

CPU SLOT (Socket)

Uses pins to connect the CPU to the motherboard, allowing for CPU replacement.

CPU CHIP

The processor (central processing unit) that performs all internal computer tasks.

RAM SLOTS

For attaching RAM modules; desktop motherboards typically have two or more, while server motherboards can have four or more.

IDE CONTROLLER (Integrated Drive Electronics)

Also known as ATA or Parallel ATA (PATA), it controlled hard drives. Modern computers generally do not have IDE controllers.

SATA CONTROLLER (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

Replaced PATA for transferring data between the motherboard and storage devices. Uses serial communication, which is less susceptible to interference and allows for higher speeds.

PCI SLOT (Peripheral Component Interface)

Allows insertion of expansion cards like network cards, sound cards, modems, and video cards.

PCIE SLOT (PCI Express)

Used for adding expansion cards for additional PC functionality, such as graphics cards, WiFi network cards, or dedicated sound cards.

CMOS BATTERY (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)

Stores BIOS settings and the system date and time on the motherboard.

POWER SUPPLY PLUG IN

Connects the power supply to the motherboard, providing necessary DC power.

Computer data storage

Components and media that allow a user to retain/store data.

Memory

The short term memory of the computer (primary storage).

Storage

The long term memory/storage (secondary storage) of data in a computer system.

Primary Memory

Storage/memory used by the processor in computer devices.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

External to the CPU, close to the CPU for fastest access, storing program instructions and processed data.

DRAM/SDRAM

Dynamic RAM that must be constantly refreshed or it will lose its contents, also called DDR.

SRAM

Static RAM used as a system cache, faster than DRAM, does not need to be refreshed.

Cache

High speed mechanism that can be reserved on main memory (SRAM) or independent.

Level One Cache

Attached to each core on the processor, the fastest type of cache for the processor to read.

Level Two Cache

Larger in capacity than level one but slower, usually sits outside of the cores.

Level Three Cache

Larger than level one and two, slowest for the CPU to get data from, sits outside the processor.

Registers

Quickly accessible locations on a processor that may contain small bits of information.

Secondary Memory

Permanent storage that cannot be processed directly by the CPU.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A magnetic storage device that stores data on spinning platters.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A storage device that uses flash memory for faster data access and increased durability.

Optical Discs

Storage media that use laser technology to read and write data on discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

USB Flash Drive

A small, portable device that uses flash memory and connects via a USB port.

Peripheral Device

A device connected to a computer but not part of the core computer architecture.

Central Processing Unit

The main component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.

Motherboard

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

Power Supply

The component that supplies power to the computer's components.

Peripheral Device

A device that cannot function on its own and only becomes functional when connected to a computer system.

Input Devices

Devices that allow the user to send commands and data to the computer, such as a mouse and a keyboard.

Output Devices

Devices that display or produce the results of the computer's processing, such as a monitor and a printer.

Storage Devices

Devices that store data, such as a hard drive or a flash drive.

Internal Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices that are directly connected to the motherboard, often referred to as integrated peripherals.

External Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices that are connected to the computer from outside, such as a printer or scanner.

Graphics Card

A peripheral that connects via a high-speed PCI Express slot on the motherboard.