Computer Internal Components & Power Supply

Internal Components

• Computer hardware includes internal components like the power supply and cooling fan.

Power Supply

• A power supply unit (PSU) is a hardware device.
• It converts AC electricity into DC electricity.
• It distributes DC electricity to the rest of the computer.
• The function of the power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load.

Types of Power Supply

• ATX Advanced Technology is a type of power supply.
• It is one of the most popular power supplies available on the market.
• ITX power supplies are smaller and more compact than the standard ATX, usually measuring 150x40x85 mm.
• SFX power supplies are slightly smaller than an ATX PSU.

Cooling Fan

• A computer fan is any fan inside or attached to a computer case used for active cooling.
• It draws cooler air into the case from the outside.
• It expels warm air from inside.
• It moves air across a heat sink to cool a particular component.
• The function of the computer fan is that it works by spinning its blades, which creates airflow inside the computer case.

Types of Cooling Fan

• CPU Fan
  • Designed to cool the central processing unit (CPU).
• GPU Fan
  • Designed to cool the graphics processing unit (GPU).
• Case Fan
  • It is installed in a computer case to regulate the airflow and maintain optimal temperatures for the internal components.

Data Cables

• A data cable connects two devices for transferring data.
• The function of data cables is establishing connections between multiple computers over a network.

Types of Data Cables

• Twisted Pair Cabling for purposes of improving electromagnetic compatibility
• Coaxial Cabling act as a transmission line for frequency signals.
• Fiber Optic Cabling act as a transmission line for frequency signals.

Bus Cables

• Bus cables facilitate the transfer of data, addresses, and control signals between various components within a computer.
• The function of bus cables is essential for enabling the components of the computer to work together and communicate effectively.

Types of Bus Cables

• System Bus: Transfers data between the CPU and main memory.
• Local Bus: Transfers data between components within a computer (internal or memory bus)
• USB: A Universal Serial Bus that allows many devices to interact with a computer

Power Connectors

• A power connector in a computer is a cable or port that supplies electrical power from the PSU to components like the motherboard, CPU, GPU, and storage devices.
• The power connector supplies electrical power from the power supply unit (PSU) to various components.
• It ensures that the computer receives the proper voltage and current required for operation.

Types of Power Connectors

• Motherboard: the main board that connects and allows communication between all computer components.
• Storage & Peripherals: refer to devices connected to the computer for data storage and additional functionality.
  • Storage includes hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives.
  • Peripherals are external devices like keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on the computer's display.
  • It handles graphics-intensive tasks, especially for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.
• USB, 3/4-pin Fan: A USB fan is powered by a USB port for cooling.
  • A 3-pin fan has power, ground, and speed sensors.
  • A 4-pin fan adds PWM for speed control.
• Front Panel: A computer case contains ports and buttons for easy access to the computer's functions.
  • It typically includes power and reset buttons, USB ports, headphone and microphone jacks, and sometimes LED indicators for power and hard drive activity.
  • It serves as the interface between the user and the computer's hardware.