Computing Components: CPU, Memory, Storage, Motherboard, and Power Supply

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Match the following computing components with their primary functions:

CPU = Executes commands from the computer's hardware and software Memory = Stores data permanently Storage = Temporarily stores data during calculations Motherboard = Provides power to the computer system

Match the CPU socket architectures with their descriptions:

PGA = Has pins on the underside of the processor package LGA = Has pins in the socket instead of on the processor itself CPU = Type of dynamic RAM (DRAM) Memory = Brain of the computer

Match the following computing components with their characteristics:

CPU = Usually measures about the size of a thumbnail Memory = Type of synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) Storage = Has a microprocessor fabricated on a MOS IC chip Power Supply = Has pins on the underside of the processor package

Match the computing components with their purposes:

Memory = Short-term memory of the computer Storage = Long-term memory of the computer Motherboard = Provides a connection point for peripherals Power Supply = Executes commands from the computer's hardware and software Signup and view all the answers

Match the following CPU components with their descriptions:

Microprocessor = Fabricated on a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) IC chip MOSFETs = Type of synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) MOS capacitors = Stores data on memory cells Memory cells = Part of the CPU's microprocessor Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their functions:

CPU = Executes instructions Memory = Stores data temporarily Storage = Provides long-term data storage Power Supply = Converts power from the wall outlet Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computing components with their relationships:

CPU = Inserted into the motherboard CPU socket Memory = Connected to the CPU through the motherboard Storage = Powered by the power supply Motherboard = Provides a connection point for the CPU Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their characteristics:

HDD = Has moving parts and is slower SSD = Has no moving parts and is faster Memory = Stores data temporarily Motherboard = Connects components and facilitates communication Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their roles in the computer system:

CPU = Executes instructions and performs calculations Memory = Provides temporary storage for data Motherboard = Acts as a communication highway between components Power Supply = Provides power to the computer system Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their components:

Motherboard = CPU, memory, and connectors Power Supply = Cables and converters Storage = Hard disk drives and solid-state drives Memory = RAM and ROM Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their purposes:

Storage = Provides long-term data storage Memory = Provides temporary storage for data Power Supply = Provides power to the computer system CPU = Performs calculations and executes instructions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer components with their relationships:

Motherboard = Connects to the CPU, memory, and storage Power Supply = Sends power to the motherboard and components Storage = Stores data for the CPU and memory CPU = Executes instructions from the memory and storage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computing Components: CPU, Memory, Storage, Motherboard, and Power Supply

Computing components are the physical parts that make up a computer system. These parts work together to execute instructions and store data. In this article, we will delve into the details of five essential computing components: CPU, memory, storage, motherboard, and power supply.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, also known as the processor, is the brain of the computer. It interprets and executes commands from the computer's hardware and software. CPUs are made up of a microprocessor, which is fabricated on a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit (IC) chip. They come in various sizes, with the chip usually measuring about the size of a thumbnail.

There are two common types of CPU socket architectures: Pin Grid Array (PGA) and Land Grid Array (LGA). PGA has pins on the underside of the processor package and is inserted into the motherboard CPU socket using zero insertion force (ZIF). LGA, on the other hand, has pins in the socket instead of on the processor itself.

Memory (RAM)

RAM, or random-access memory, is the computer's short-term memory. Whenever the computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed. RAM is typically a type of dynamic RAM (DRAM), such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), where MOS memory chips store data on memory cells consisting of MOSFETs and MOS capacitors.

Storage (Hard Drive and SSD)

Storage devices store data permanently or retrieve data from a media disk. Hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD) are computers' primary storage drives. HDDs have moving parts and are slower than SSDs, while SSDs have no moving parts and are faster.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to the computer's ports, such as USB ports.

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components.

Conclusion

These five computing components work together to make a computer function. The CPU executes instructions, memory stores data, storage provides long-term data storage, the motherboard connects components and facilitates communication, and the power supply provides the necessary power to keep the computer running.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the essential components of a computer system, including the CPU, memory, storage, motherboard, and power supply. Learn how these components work together to execute instructions and store data.