Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Study Notes

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)

Description

Test your knowledge of computer hardware components, including CPUs, graphics cards, motherboards, RAM, and storage devices. Learn about the key factors to consider when choosing each component and how they work together to form a functioning computer system.