Computer Hardware Overview PDF

COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 Notebook, Desktop, Laptop, Subnotebook, COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW Handheld, Palmtop, PDA. What is a Computer?...

COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 Notebook, Desktop, Laptop, Subnotebook, COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW Handheld, Palmtop, PDA. What is a Computer? Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that work together A computer is an electronic device that to perform various computing tasks. The main manipulates information or data. It can input, categories of computer hardware include the central process, retrieve, and store data. processing unit (CPU), motherboard, memory The machine operates through calculations, (RAM), storage devices, power supply unit (PSU), logic gates, and integration, performing tasks expansion cards, and peripherals like monitors, like differentiation and arithmetic. keyboards, and mice. Computers are made up of electronic components, such as integrated circuits, resistors, and transistors. 1. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) Characteristics of a Computer 1. Machine: Needs human interaction to work. The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the 2. Electronic: Made of electronic components computer. It performs the majority of the processing powered by electricity. inside a computer system. It executes instructions, 3. Automatic: Executes instructions without manages data, and handles operations required by human intervention once initiated. various software programs. 4. Data Manipulation: Can process input data Clock Speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz), into output. this defines how many cycles per second the 5. Memory: Can store and retrieve information. CPU can process. A higher clock speed means the CPU can perform tasks faster. Types of Computers Cores and Threads: Modern CPUs contain multiple cores (e.g., quad-core or octa-core), 1. Personal Computers (PCs): Multi-purpose, allowing them to handle multiple tasks affordable for individual use. simultaneously. Each core can manage 2. Mini Computers: Smaller than mainframes, several threads, which are individual cheaper, and used for specific tasks. sequences of instructions. 3. Mainframe Computers: Large, used for Cache: A small, ultra-fast memory located core business functions and research. inside the CPU that stores frequently 4. Supercomputers: High-performance accessed data for faster retrieval. computers for scientific calculations. Architecture: The design and structure of a 5. Workstations: Designed for professional CPU determine its performance, including tasks, often with high computational or whether it’s a 32-bit or 64-bit processor. graphical needs. Two main types of CPU sockets (slots): Types of Personal Computers 1 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 LGA (Land Grid Array): The pins are on 2. Input/Output Ports: I/O ports are located the motherboard, and the CPU has flat pads on the back of the motherboard and are color- that touch the pins when you install it. Intel coded for easy identification. These include processors use LGA sockets, like the LGA ports for microphones, speakers, monitors, 1151 or LGA 1200. Ethernet, keyboard/mouse, and USB devices. PGA (Pin Grid Array): The pins are on the Modern motherboards may also include CPU, and the motherboard socket has holes USB-C connections. where the CPU pins go. AMD processors use 3. IDE and SATA Connectors (Storage PGA sockets, like the AM4. Device Connectors): These connectors link storage devices (like HDDs and SSDs) to the 2. MOTHERBOARD motherboard. IDE (older, 40-pin connector) was used for hard drives and floppy disks, The motherboard is the main circuit board that while the more modern SATA (7-pin connects and allows communication between the connector) is faster and now the standard for various components of the computer. It includes connecting storage devices. connectors for CPU, RAM, storage devices, 4. Power Connector: The ATX connector, a graphics cards, and other peripherals. large 20 or 24-pin connector, draws power from the power supply to the motherboard, Form Factor: The size and shape of the ensuring it functions properly. motherboard (e.g., ATX, microATX, Mini- 5. Front I/O Connectors: These connectors ITX), which determines the number of allow the connection of the Power Switch, components it can support. Reset Switch, LED power indicator, HDD Chipset: Manages data flow between the LED, and front audio/USB ports. They are processor, memory, and peripheral devices. It typically located at the bottom of the determines compatibility with other motherboard. components like CPU, RAM, and storage 6. CPU Socket: The CPU socket is where the devices. processor (CPU) is installed. It is crucial for Expansion Slots: These include PCIe slots data processing and transfer. The that allow additional components such as motherboard must be compatible with the graphics cards, network cards, and sound CPU to ensure proper functionality. cards to be connected to the motherboard. (Included from the ppt) 1. BIOS and CMOS Battery: The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) stores important motherboard settings, and it can be accessed or updated in BIOS mode. The CMOS battery retains these settings when the system is powered off. It can be removed to reset the BIOS if needed, such as after a failed update or an overclocking issue. 2 of 8 COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 (From the 1 to 6 that were included in the ppt:) 3. MEMORY (RAM) Random Access Memory (RAM) is temporary memory that stores data and instructions that the CPU needs while executing tasks. It is fast but volatile, meaning that once the computer is powered off, the data in RAM is lost. The notches on RAM modules prevent incorrect installation by ensuring that the RAM fits only into its corresponding motherboard slot. They also distinguish between different types of RAM (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4), preventing compatibility issues. Capacity: The amount of RAM in a computer is often measured in gigabytes (GB). More RAM allows for better multitasking and the ability to run memory- intensive applications. Speed: The speed of RAM, measured in MHz, determines how quickly data can be read from or written to it. 3 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 Dual/Quad Channel: Some motherboards ▫ Frequency: 800–1600 MHz allow for dual or quad-channel o DDR5: configurations, which can improve memory ▫ Data Rate: 4800–8400 bandwidth and overall system performance. MT/s (and potentially higher) Types of RAM ▫ Frequency: 2400–4200 MHz DRAM (Dynamic RAM): DRAM is the SRAM (Static RAM): SRAM is faster and most common type of memory used in more reliable than DRAM because it doesn't computers. It stores each bit of data in a need to be refreshed. It is used for cache separate capacitor, which needs to be memory in processors and as temporary refreshed periodically to retain the storage for frequently accessed data. information. It is slower compared to other However, it is more expensive and consumes types of RAM but more cost-effective. more power than DRAM. SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): SDRAM LRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM): is synchronized with the system clock, LRDIMM is a type of memory designed for allowing it to transfer data at faster speeds servers and workstations. It uses a buffer to than regular DRAM. It is the standard type of reduce the load on the memory controller, memory used in modern computers. allowing more modules to be installed and DDR RAM (Double Data Rate RAM): improving performance in multi-channel DDR RAM is an advanced version of setups. SDRAM. It can transfer data on both the ECC RAM (Error-Correcting Code rising and falling edges of the clock cycle, RAM): ECC RAM is designed to detect and effectively doubling its data transfer rate. correct memory errors automatically. It is There are several generations of DDR RAM: commonly used in servers and systems where o DDR1 (DDR): data integrity is critical. ECC RAM is slower ▫ Data Rate: 200–400 than non-ECC RAM but is crucial for MT/s (million transfers preventing errors in mission-critical systems. per second) VRAM (Video RAM): VRAM is specialized ▫ Frequency: 100–200 RAM used in graphics cards to store image MHz data and textures for quick access by the GPU. o DDR2: It helps improve the performance of 3D ▫ Data Rate: 400–1066 applications and games. MT/s ▫ Frequency: 200–533 MHz o DDR3: 4. STORAGE DEVICES (ROM) ▫ Data Rate: 800–2133 MT/s Storage devices are used to store data permanently ▫ Frequency: 400–1066 (until deleted). There are two main types of storage: MHz o DDR4: Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Traditional ▫ Data Rate: 1600–3200 MT/s storage devices that use magnetic disks to 4 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 store data. They are slower but offer larger file are scattered across different areas of the disk. storage capacities at lower prices. This fragmentation can cause the drive's read/write heads to move around more than necessary, which can slow down performance. What Does It Do? Defragmentation works by rearranging fragmented files so that they are stored in contiguous blocks on the disk. It also consolidates free space, which reduces the time it takes for the disk to locate and retrieve data. Solid-State Drive (SSD): Uses flash memory to store data, offering much faster read and Importance of Disk Defragmentation: write speeds than HDDs. While more 1. Improved Performance: expensive per gigabyte, SSDs are becoming the standard for most modern computers. 2. Fragmentation causes the disk to work harder to access data, leading to slower performance. By reorganizing fragmented files, defragmentation helps the system access files more quickly, improving overall performance. 3. Faster Data Access: With fragmented files scattered in different places, the read/write head has to move more to access data, Hybrid Drives (SSHD): A combination of leading to delays. Defragmentation places files in a HDD and SSD technology, offering the large contiguous manner, reducing the head's movement capacity of an HDD with the speed of an SSD and speeding up access times. for frequently used files. 4. Extended Hard Drive Life: External Storage: Includes USB flash drives, external hard drives, and network-attached While defragmentation primarily improves storage (NAS) systems. These are often used performance, it can also reduce wear and tear on the for additional storage or backup. hard drive. Less head movement means less mechanical stress, which can prolong the life of the What is Disk Defragmentation? drive. Disk defragmentation is the process of reorganizing 5. Efficient Space Utilization: the data on a hard disk drive (HDD) to improve its efficiency. When files are saved, modified, or deleted, By consolidating fragmented files and free space, they can become fragmented, meaning parts of the defragmentation can optimize the disk's storage 5 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 capacity, ensuring the system uses the available Wattage: PSU wattage refers to how much space more effectively. power it can provide. A higher wattage PSU is needed for systems with high power Why It's Less Important for SSDs: demands, such as gaming PCs or workstations with powerful GPUs. Solid-State Drives (SSDs) don’t have mechanical Efficiency Rating: A PSU's efficiency rating read/write heads like HDDs, so fragmentation (e.g., 80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold) indicates doesn't impact their performance in the same way. In how much power is wasted as heat. Higher fact, defragmenting an SSD can shorten its lifespan efficiency units consume less power and due to the limited number of write cycles. Therefore, generate less heat. defragmentation is generally not recommended for Modular vs. Non-Modular: Modular PSUs SSDs. allow cables to be attached and detached as needed, helping to reduce clutter. Non- modular PSUs come with fixed cables. Other Types of ROM mentioned in the ppt: Efficiency Rating in the PSU (Power Ultraviolet-erasable ROM (UV-ROM): Supply Unit) ROM whose contents can be erased using ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed. The efficiency rating of a PSU (Power Supply Unit) EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): refers to how effectively the power supply converts ROM that can be programmed using high the AC (alternating current) from your wall outlet voltages and exposed to ultraviolet light to into DC (direct current) power that the computer erase its contents, allowing for components need. reprogramming. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable How Efficiency is Measured: Programmable ROM): ROM that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed Efficiency is measured as the ratio of output power multiple times, often used in older computer (DC power used by the computer) to input power chips and BIOS. (AC power drawn from the wall). It is expressed as a Flash Memory: An updated version of percentage. EEPROM, allowing multiple memory Efficiency = (Output Energy / Input Energy) locations to be erased and rewritten × 100% simultaneously, commonly used in modern storage devices. Importance of Efficiency Rating: 1. Energy Savings: A more efficient PSU 5. POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU) consumes less power to deliver the same amount of output, reducing electricity The power supply unit (PSU) converts electrical consumption and lowering energy bills. power from an outlet into the power needed by the 2. Reduced Heat Generation: Inefficient computer’s internal components. PSUs convert more energy into heat. Higher 6 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 efficiency means less wasted energy, which indicates more power capacity. The wattage rating is translates into lower heat output, helping to crucial for ensuring that the PSU can provide enough keep your system cooler and more stable. power to support all the components in your system. 3. Longer Component Lifespan: A more efficient PSU generates less heat, which can Low Wattage PSUs (250W to 400W): contribute to better overall longevity of o These are typically found in budget or internal components like the PSU itself and entry-level PCs with fewer other sensitive hardware. components (e.g., integrated 4. Environmental Benefits: Higher efficiency graphics). PSUs waste less energy and thus reduce the o They are suitable for basic tasks like overall carbon footprint of your system, web browsing, office work, and making them more environmentally friendly. media consumption. Mid-range Wattage PSUs (400W to 650W): Efficiency Rating Standards: o Commonly used in mainstream systems with dedicated graphics PSUs are rated for efficiency using certification cards and additional peripherals. standards, such as: o These PSUs support a balance of power for typical gaming or office 80 PLUS: This is the most common computers. efficiency certification. It ensures that a PSU High Wattage PSUs (650W to 1000W+): operates at at least 80% efficiency at 20%, o Needed for high-performance gaming 50%, and 100% of rated load. PCs, workstations, or systems with multiple GPUs, a lot of storage drives, The 80 PLUS standard has several levels of or high-performance processors. certification, each indicating a higher level of o These provide more headroom to efficiency: ensure stable power delivery under o 80 PLUS Bronze: 82% efficiency at load. 20%, 50%, and 100% load Extreme Wattage PSUs (1000W and o 80 PLUS Silver: 85% efficiency at above): 20%, 50%, and 100% load o These are used in systems with o 80 PLUS Gold: 87% efficiency at multiple graphics cards 20%, 50%, and 100% load (SLI/Crossfire), extreme o 80 PLUS Platinum: 90% efficiency overclocking, or servers requiring at 20%, 50%, and 100% load massive amounts of power. o 80 PLUS Titanium: 94% efficiency o They ensure that even under heavy at 20%, 50%, and 100% load load, all components have adequate power. Wattage of the PSU The wattage of a PSU indicates the maximum amount of power it can provide to your system. It is usually measured in watts (W), and higher wattage 7 of 8  COMPUTER HARDWARE OVERVIEW - Kyle Q. Zoleta - INF247 6. EXPANSION CARDS ratios and colors compared to traditional LCDs. Expansion cards are additional components that can Refresh Rate: Refers to how many times per be added to the motherboard to expand the second the screen refreshes the image. A functionality of the computer. Common types of higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz) expansion cards include: makes the display smoother, particularly for gaming. Graphics Card (GPU): A dedicated GPU provides enhanced graphics performance, especially important for gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing. 8. PERIPHERAL DEVICES Sound Card: A sound card improves the quality of audio output, providing better Peripheral devices are external devices connected to sound clarity and supporting multi-channel the computer to enhance functionality. These audio. include: Network Interface Card (NIC): A NIC Input Devices: Devices that allow the user to allows the computer to connect to networks interact with the computer. Examples include (wired or wireless) for internet access. keyboards, mice, touchpads, microphones, Storage Expansion Cards: These cards and scanners. provide additional storage options, such as Output Devices: Devices that display or faster SSD storage or additional hard drives produce the results of the computer’s via PCIe slots. processing. Examples include monitors, printers, speakers, and headphones. Storage Devices: External devices for 7. MONITORS AND DISPLAY additional storage, such as USB drives, TECHNOLOGIES external hard drives, and optical drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray). Monitors are external devices that display the computer’s output. Resolution: Determines how detailed the display is. Common resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (Quad HD), and 4K (Ultra HD). Display Types: o LCD: Uses liquid crystals for display, often backlit by LEDs for better brightness. o OLED: Uses organic materials that emit light, offering better contrast 8 of 8