Computer Parts and Functions
Computer Parts and Functions
Motherboard- The main circuit board connects and facilitates communication between the CPU,
memory, storage, and other hardware components.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)- Often referred to as the brain of the computer, the CPU performs
calculations and executes instructions from computer programs.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)- providing fast access speed for running applications, enabling
multitasking, loading and executing software, supporting the functionality of the operating system,
acting as a cache for frequently accessed data, and contributing to system stability.
4. ROM (Read Only Memory)- provides the necessary instructions for communication between various
hardware components. As mentioned before, it is essential for the storage and operation of the BIOS,
but it can also be used for basic data management, to hold software for basic processes of utilities and to
read and write to peripheral devices.
5. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - is a standard interface in computers, facilitating high-
speed data transfer and connecting peripherals like graphics cards and network cards. It serves as
expansion slots on motherboards, allowing users to customize and upgrade their systems
6. PSU (Power Supply Unit)- is a hardware device that converts AC electricity into DC electricity and then
distributes it to the rest of the computer.
7. BIOS- plays a central role in the boot-up process of a computer. It initializes the hardware, loads the
operating system, handles interrupts, stores system configuration, and provides a bridge between the
hardware and software layers of the computer system.
8. CMOS Battery- plays a crucial role in preserving essential system information when the computer is
powered off. It maintains the date and time, retains BIOS/UEFI settings, stores hardware configuration
details, and ensures the integrity of various system parameters.
9. South Bridge- for managing various peripheral devices connected to the computer, such as universal
serial bus (USB) ports, audio ports, serial ports, and more.
10. Operating System- manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. It performs basic
tasks such as file, memory and process management, handling input and output, and controlling
peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
11. Input Devices- Allows users to input data and control the computer. Keyboards are used for typing,
and mice or touchpads are used for navigation.
12. Output Devices- Displays the output of the computer and produces tangible results. Monitors show
visual information, while printers create hard copies.
13. Cooling fan or Computer fan - used for active cooling. Fans are used to draw cooler air into the case
from the outside, expel warm air from inside and move air across a heat sink to cool a particular
component.
14. Heatsink - a device used to transfer heat from a heat source to the surrounding environment. Heat
transfer is achieved through a combination of conduction, convection, and to a lesser extent, radiation
15. SATA Port - are essential connections on a computer motherboard that link storage devices, like hard
drives and SSDs, to the system. They enable high-speed data transfer, provide power to the connected
devices, and support features like hot swapping. SATA has replaced older interfaces due to its faster
speeds, slim cables, and improved overall efficiency. The ports are backward compatible, supporting
different SATA versions, but the transfer speed is limited by the slowest device in use.
16. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - is the hardware component that stores all of your digital content. Your
documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, application preferences, and operating system represent
digital content stored on a hard drive.