Introduction to

Computer
Hardware
Understanding the components that make up a computer is essential for
anyone who wants to use a computer effectively. Hardware refers to the
physical components of a computer system. These components work together
to perform various tasks, from simple calculations to complex multimedia
processing.

DH by Danial Hassan
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU, often called the brain of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It's a complex
integrated circuit that processes data and controls the overall operation of the computer system.

1 Core Count & Clock 2 Cache Memory 3 Heat Dissipation

Speed Cache memory acts as a temporary CPUs generate a significant amount
Modern CPUs typically have storage area for frequently accessed of heat during operation, which can
multiple cores, which allow them to data, allowing the CPU to access be detrimental to performance.
process tasks simultaneously. The data more quickly, improving Cooling solutions, such as heat
clock speed measures how fast the overall performance. sinks and fans, are crucial for
CPU can execute instructions, preventing overheating.
measured in GHz.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is the computer's short-term memory, used for storing data and instructions that the CPU is currently using. It's much faster than
other storage devices, such as hard drives, but it's volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off.

Types of RAM Capacity Performance

Different types of RAM exist, such as The amount of RAM determines how Faster RAM allows the CPU to access
DDR4 and DDR5, each offering varying much data a computer can keep in its data quicker, which leads to faster
speeds and capacities. The type of RAM short-term memory. More RAM allows program loading times, smoother
supported depends on the motherboard. for more programs to run simultaneously multitasking, and overall improved
and improves overall system system performance.
responsiveness.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
An HDD is a magnetic storage device that uses spinning platters to store data.
It's a relatively affordable storage solution, offering large storage capacities,
but it's slower than SSDs due to its mechanical nature.

1 Platters
The platters are coated with a magnetic material where data is
stored in the form of magnetic patterns. They spin at high
speeds, allowing the read/write heads to access data quickly.

2 Read/Write Heads
The read/write heads are positioned over the platters and used
to read and write data by manipulating the magnetic patterns
on the platters.

3 Mechanical Components
HDDs are mechanical devices, meaning they have moving
parts. This makes them susceptible to physical damage and
prone to slower access times compared to SSDs.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
SSDs utilize flash memory chips to store data electronically, making them
much faster than HDDs. They are more durable, consume less power, and
produce less noise due to their lack of moving parts.

Flash Memory
SSDs use flash memory chips, which are made up of transistors
1
that can store data electronically. This allows for much faster
data access times than traditional HDDs.

No Moving Parts
Unlike HDDs, SSDs don't have any moving parts, making them
2
less susceptible to physical damage and more resistant to shock
and vibration.

Lower Power Consumption

SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can improve
3
battery life in laptops and reduce energy consumption in
desktop systems.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer system. It connects
all the other hardware components and allows them to communicate with
each other.

Component Function

CPU Socket Connects the CPU to the

motherboard.

RAM Slots Connects RAM modules to the

motherboard.

Expansion Slots Allows for the addition of

expansion cards, such as graphics
cards and network cards.

Chipset Manages communication between

the CPU, memory, and other
peripherals.

Connectors Provides connections for various

peripherals, such as USB ports,
audio jacks, and Ethernet ports.
Graphics Card
A graphics card is a specialized circuit board that accelerates the processing of
graphics and video data. It's crucial for high-performance gaming, video
editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Processing Power Display Output

Graphics cards have dedicated Graphics cards provide multiple
processing units that handle graphics display outputs, allowing users to
rendering and calculations, enabling connect monitors of various
smoother and faster performance in resolutions and types, including
demanding applications. HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI.

Dedicated Memory Cooling System

Graphics cards have their own Graphics cards generate significant
dedicated memory, known as VRAM, heat during operation, so they are
which stores graphics data and equipped with cooling systems, such
enables faster access times compared as fans and heatsinks, to prevent
to system RAM. overheating.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is the component responsible for converting AC power from the wall
outlet into DC power that can be used by the other components of the
computer system.

Wattage Efficiency
The wattage rating of a PSU PSU efficiency is measured by its
determines how much power it 80 Plus certification, indicating
can deliver. It's important to its ability to convert AC power to
choose a PSU with sufficient DC power with minimal energy
wattage to meet the power loss. Higher efficiency leads to
demands of all the components lower energy consumption and
in the system. less heat generation.

Connectors
PSUs have various connectors for different components, such as the
motherboard, graphics card, hard drives, and fans. Ensure that the PSU
has the necessary connectors for all the components in your system.
Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse)
Input devices allow users to interact with the computer and provide instructions. Keyboards and mice are two essential input devices.

Keyboard Mouse
Keyboards are used to input text and commands into a computer. Mice are used to control the cursor on the computer screen and
They come in various layouts, such as QWERTY and Dvorak, and interact with graphical elements. They come in various types,
features, such as mechanical switches and backlighting. including wired, wireless, and trackball mice.
Output Devices (Monitor,
Printer)
Output devices allow computers to present information to users. Monitors and
printers are two common output devices.

1 Monitor 2 Printer
Monitors display visual Printers produce hard copies
information on the screen. of documents and images.
They come in various sizes, They come in different types,
resolutions, and technologies, such as inkjet, laser, and 3D
such as LCD, LED, and OLED. printers, each offering unique
features and capabilities.

3 Audio Output
Computers also have audio output devices, such as speakers and
headphones, used for listening to music, watching videos, and
communicating with others.