PC Hardware Basics

In my experience working with all kinds of people I more often than not I found myself having to explain basics of computers. I understand that not everyone is going to know these things but I do think with how ingrained PCs are into our lives that everyone should know at least the basics of their hardware and what they do.

Motherboard

The name alone should tell you that the motherboard is the central hub where all other components connect to make the PC work. It holds all the pieces together and allows them to talk to eachother.

Phones, tablets and other small devices have motherboards too. If you have heard the term “logic board” used that is referring to a board for smaller devices like phones. Same thing really. Their components are usually soldered directly onto the board to save space, which means there aren't expansion slots for upgrades like you see in desktop computers.

CPU

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. This is the component that's responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's other hardware and software.

All sorts of devices use a CPU, including desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, and smartphones. Modern TVs also have CPUs.

Intel and AMD are the two most popular CPU manufacturers for desktops, laptops, and servers, while Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm are big smartphone and tablet CPU makers.

You may see many different names used to describe the CPU, including processor, computer processor, microprocessor, central processor, and "the brains of the computer."

I have heard many times the entire PC referred to as the “CPU.” The CPU is an important part but not the entire thing.

RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is the piece that temporarily stores data, serving as the computer's "working" memory. This is different than your hard drive or solid state drive and only temporarily stores data while the PC is on. So RAM handles programs and applications you have open and work in.

In desktop computers RAM can be expanded very easily and the more RAM you have the more things you can have open at once and more powerful pieces of software you can run more smoothly.

HDD and SSD

The hard disk drive or HDD is the main, and usually most substantial, data storage hardware device in a computer. The operating system, software titles, and most other files are stored on the hard disk drive.

SSD or sold state drive is a newer, faster type of storage that serves the same purpose as an HDD but is much faster and has no moving parts.

The hard drive is often referred to as the “C Drive" because by default, Windows designates the "C" drive letter to the primary partition on the primary hard drive in a computer.

While this isn't a technically correct term to use, it is still prevalent. For example, some computers have multiple drive letters (e.g., C, D, and E) representing areas across one or more hard drives. The hard disk drive also goes by the name HDD, hard drive, hard disk, and mechanical hard drive.

Example of an SSD

Example of an HDD

GPU/ Integrated Graphics

This is a simple one, The graphics processing unit or also referred to as GPU, graphics card, or video card is the piece of hardware that handles the display elements to your PC. It’s how you see when using your PC, they connect to monitors, TVs, and projectors.

Additionally, some PCs do not have a dedicated graphics card and instead use what’s referred to as “onboard video” to display. Onboard video is basic graphics drivers built directly into the motherboard. Also, there can be what’s called “integrated graphics” built into a CPU that functions the same.

PSU

Lastly is the PSU or Power Supply Unit. The power supply unit is the piece of hardware that converts the power provided from a wall outlet into usable power for all the components inside your PC.

It converts the alternating current from your wall outlet into a continuous form of power called direct current that the computer components require. It also regulates overheating by controlling voltage, which might change automatically or manually depending on the power supply.

The power supply is a crucial piece because, without it, the rest of the internal hardware can't function. Motherboards, cases, and power supplies all come in different sizes called form factors. All three must be compatible to work properly together.

There are 2 kinds of PSUs, modular and non-modular. Modular power supply’s are have modules where cables can be plugged in as needed. Non-modular versions just simply have all the cabling needed and they cannot be removed.

Example of a non-modular power supply.

Example of a modular power supply.

Those are the basics. Aside from a case to house all these parts this is it. I hope you learned something and can no refer to computer parts correctly!

Thanks for reading - M