Computer Hardware Fundamentals

CPUs (Central Processing Units)

• Also known as processors, execute most instructions that a computer program requires
• Consists of:
  • Control Unit: retrieves and decodes instructions
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performs mathematical and logical operations
  • Registers: small amount of on-chip memory for storing data temporarily
• Key factors to consider when choosing a CPU:
  • Clock speed (measured in GHz): how fast the CPU can execute instructions
  • Number of cores: multiple cores allow for multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously
  • Hyper-threading: allows multiple threads to run on a single core

Graphics Cards

• Also known as video cards, responsible for rendering images on the screen
• Types:
  • Integrated graphics: built into the CPU or motherboard, shares system RAM
  • Dedicated graphics: separate card with its own memory (VRAM)
• Key factors to consider when choosing a graphics card:
  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): handles graphics processing
  • VRAM (Video Random Access Memory): dedicated memory for graphics processing
  • Interface: type of connection to the motherboard (e.g. PCIe)

Motherboards

• Main circuit board of a computer, connects and supports all hardware components
• Key components:
  • Chipset: set of chips that manage data transfer between components
  • Expansion slots: allow for adding hardware components (e.g. graphics cards)
  • Power connectors: connect power supply to components
• Form factors:
  • ATX (most common): standard size and layout
  • Micro-ATX: smaller than ATX, limited expansion options
  • Mini-ITX: smallest, limited expansion options

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Temporary storage for data and applications, lost when power is turned off
• Types:
  • DDR (Double Data Rate): most common type, data transferred on both rising and falling edges of clock signal
  • SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory): synchronized with the CPU's clock speed
• Key factors to consider when choosing RAM:
  • Capacity: total amount of RAM (measured in GB)
  • Speed: measured in MHz, should match or exceed CPU speed
  • Type: ensure compatibility with motherboard

Storage Devices

• Types:
  • HDD (Hard Disk Drive): uses spinning disks and mechanical heads to read/write data
  • SSD (Solid-State Drive): uses flash memory to store data, faster and more reliable than HDD
  • Hybrid: combines HDD and SSD for balanced performance and capacity
• Key factors to consider when choosing a storage device:
  • Capacity: total amount of storage space (measured in GB or TB)
  • Interface: type of connection to the motherboard (e.g. SATA, PCIe)
  • Speed: measured in RPM (HDD) or read/write speeds (SSD)