Computer Components: Motherboard, CPU, RAM

• Study notes on computer components are itemized below

Motherboard

• The motherboard forms the backbone of a computer
• It enables communication between all components
• All wires for power buttons, sounds, lights, and hard drives connect to it
• Every computer component connects to the motherboard including the hard drive, RAM, graphics card, and network card

CPU

• Is normally inserted into the motherboard
• The CPU is the computer's brain
• It typically features a fan to prevent overheating
• It is positioned in a specific slot on the motherboard
• The CPU needs other programs to translate codes, and cannot function on its own

RAM

• Determines the machine's performance
• RAM modules plug directly into the motherboard
• Temporarily holds data required by the processor, such as for games and videos
• RAM stands for Random Access Memory
• Stores data temporarily while the computer is on
• Data on the RAM disappears when the computer is turned off
• The RAM plugs into the modem riser slot on the motherboard

Hard Drive

• Holds the data stored on the computer
• It connects to the motherboard using SATA cables
• A cable from the power supply must also be connected for it to function
• Memory is accessible through the computer's options
• Read Only Memory is generally already on the hard drive
• Stores data on metal discs inside the device, and can hold terabytes of information
• Most computers now have a C drive

ROM

• Read Only Memory is a type of storage for media that cannot be modified
• Programs on a computer need non-volatile memory to function correctly
• ROM serves this purpose because it cannot be easily edited, ensuring safety
• ROM is suitable for storing information and programs that should not be changed

BIOS

• The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is typically located on a ROM chip within the computer
• Ensures that the BIOS is always available and protected from disk failures
• Allows the computer to boot itself
• RAM is faster than ROM
• Many manufacturers design systems to copy the BIOS from ROM to RAM upon each boot

Graphics Card

• Displays images on the computer
• Some cards can only show a few images but more powerful cards can handle games
• It is connected to the motherboard
• Some graphics cards have built-in fans for cooling
• Graphics cards draw power from the motherboard through the battery
• The graphics card socket extends out the back plate, where the VGA cable connects to the monitor

Network Card

• Provides the computer with internet access via Ethernet cable
• It is slotted into the motherboard
• The Ethernet socket extends out of the back plate for cable connection
• Network cards can be wireless but their installation is the same as normal cards

Power Supply

• Takes power from the wall and outputs power at specific voltages for the computer's components

Connecting the Components

• All computer components connect to the motherboard through wires
• Hard drives and CD drives connect to the motherboard using SATA cables
• Power supply and LED cables from the case connect to the motherboard for lights and power buttons
• Graphic and network cards plug into the motherboards
• Cable sockets stick out the computer back plate, housing the cables inside the computer