1.

Motherboard
 Definition: The motherboard is the primary circuit board that houses the
computer’s central components, like the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. It
also connects and allows communication between the system's peripherals
and components.
 Use:
o Houses essential hardware like the CPU, memory, and expansion slots.

o Contains various ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet) and connectors for

peripherals (mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc.).
o Manages power distribution and thermal management.

o Often contains a chipset that controls the communication between the

CPU, RAM, and other devices.
2. Processor (CPU - Central Processing Unit)
 Definition: The CPU, often called the computer's brain, executes program
instructions and performs calculations. It’s one of the most critical
components for determining your computer’s performance.
 Use:
o Execution of instructions: Processes program instructions and
handles complex calculations.
o Multitasking: Manages multiple operations by allocating resources to
processes.
o Clock speed & cores: The clock speed (GHz) determines how fast it
performs tasks. A multi-core processor can handle multiple processes
simultaneously, improving multitasking.
3. Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory)
 Definition: RAM is temporary, high-speed memory that stores data the CPU
needs to access quickly. It is volatile memory, meaning it loses all stored data
when the computer is turned off.
 Use:
o Fast access to data: The CPU can access data at high speeds,
enabling quick task switching and efficient program execution.
o Multitasking performance: More RAM allows better performance
when multiple applications run simultaneously.
o Temporary storage: It temporarily holds data actively being used or
processed (e.g., documents, browser tabs).
 o

4. Storage Devices
 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
o Definition: A mechanical storage device that uses spinning magnetic
platters to read and write data. It’s been a staple of computer storage
for decades.
o Use:

 Used for long-term data storage.

 Provides large storage capacities at relatively lower prices.
 Slower data access speeds compared to SSDs can be a
bottleneck when accessing or writing large amounts of data.
 SSD (Solid State Drive)
o Definition: An SSD is a newer, faster storage device that uses flash
memory to store data.
o Use:

 Faster read/write speeds: SSDs can access data faster than

HDDs, leading to quicker boot times and faster program load
times.
 Durability: No moving parts, so they are less susceptible to
damage from physical impact or vibrations.
 Higher efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs,
leading to better battery life in laptops and quieter operation.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
 Definition: The PSU converts electrical energy from a wall outlet into a
usable form of power for the computer’s components. It ensures that each
component gets the correct voltage.
 Use:
o Power regulation: It distributes power to the motherboard, CPU,
GPU, storage devices, and cooling system.
o Protection: Good PSUs include protections against power surges and
other electrical problems to protect components from damage.
o Efficiency: Higher efficiency PSUs waste less energy and generate less
heat.
6. Graphics Card (GPU - Graphics Processing Unit)
  Integrated GPU
o Definition: An integrated GPU is built into the CPU or motherboard. It
doesn’t have a dedicated memory.
o Use:

 Handles basic graphics tasks such as rendering the operating

system’s graphical interface and playing videos.
 More energy-efficient but less powerful compared to dedicated
GPUs.
 Suitable for casual gaming, office work, and media consumption.
 Dedicated GPU
o Definition: A dedicated GPU is a standalone card with its memory
(VRAM) and processing power designed to handle graphically intense
tasks.
o Use:

 High-end gaming & video editing: Essential for tasks like 3D

rendering, gaming at high resolutions, and professional video
editing.
 AI & machine learning: Specialized GPUs like Nvidia's Tensor
cores are used for deep learning applications.
 Graphics-heavy workloads: Necessary for high-definition
graphics, visual effects, and accelerated computing tasks.
7. Cooling System
 CPU Cooler
o Definition: The CPU cooler is a component that cools the processor to
prevent it from overheating, which can degrade performance or
damage the processor.
o Use:

 Active cooling: Includes fans or liquid cooling systems to keep

the CPU cool.
 Heat dissipation: The cooler transfers heat away from the CPU
using either heat pipes or liquid coolant.
 Overclocking support: Better cooling allows for higher CPU
performance, particularly during overclocking.
 Case Fans
 o Definition: These are the fans mounted inside the computer case to
improve airflow and help cool the internal components.
o Use:

 Prevent overheating: Maintain airflow through the case,

removing warm air and bringing in cooler air.
 Improve system stability: Keeping components like the GPU
and CPU cool can extend their lifespan and maintain optimal
performance.
8. PC Case (Chassis)
 Definition: The computer case, or chassis, is the enclosure that houses all of
the computer's internal components.
 Use:
o Protection: Protects internal components from dust, debris, and
physical damage.
o Airflow management: Designed to allow proper airflow to cool
components.
o Aesthetic choices: Cases come in various sizes and designs, often
incorporating features like cable management and RGB lighting for a
customized look.
9. Monitor
 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
o Definition: LCD is the most common flat-panel display technology,
using liquid crystals that align to either block or pass light to create
images.
o Use:

 Office work & media consumption: Perfect for everyday use

like browsing, office work, and watching videos.
 Energy-efficient: Less power-consuming compared to older
CRT displays.
 LED (Light Emitting Diode)
o Definition: LED displays are technically a type of LCD, but the
difference is that the backlighting is provided by LED lights rather than
traditional fluorescent lights.
o Use:
  Brighter display & better contrast: LED monitors offer better
brightness, sharper images, and improved contrast ratios.
 More energy-efficient: LEDs consume less power and produce
less heat.
 OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
o Definition: OLED displays use organic compounds that emit light
when an electric current passes through them, allowing each pixel to
emit its own light.
o Use:

 Superb image quality: OLED displays have deeper blacks,

more vibrant colors, and faster refresh rates.
 Ideal for professional content creators: Used in
photography, video editing, and graphics design due to their
color accuracy.
10. Keyboard & Mouse
 Definition: The keyboard and mouse are essential input devices that allow
users to interact with the computer.
 Use:
o Typing & navigation: The keyboard is used for text input and
shortcut commands, while the mouse allows for precise navigation on
screen.
o Customization: Mechanical keyboards and high-DPI mice are
preferred by gamers and professionals for their precision and tactile
feedback.
11. Speakers & Headphones
 Definition: Audio output devices that allow the user to hear sound from the
computer.
 Use:
o Speakers: Suitable for general listening, multimedia consumption,
and audio output in an open space.
o Headphones: Personal audio devices for private listening, especially
useful in noisy environments or for high-quality audio.
12. Expansion & Connectivity Components
 Network Adapter
o Ethernet Card
  Definition: A physical card installed in the computer that allows
it to connect to a network via a wired Ethernet connection.
 Use: Provides stable and high-speed internet access.
o Wi-Fi Card

 Definition: A card that enables wireless network connectivity.

 Use: Ideal for connecting to Wi-Fi networks, mainly when a wired
connection isn’t available.
 Sound Card
o Definition: A dedicated piece of hardware responsible for processing
audio signals.
o Use: Used to enhance sound quality, support multiple speakers or
microphones, and allow advanced audio functions (e.g., surround
sound).

 Expansion Cards
o Definition: Additional cards can be inserted into the motherboard’s
PCI slots to provide extra functionality like additional USB ports,
storage, or sound processing.
o Use: Helps expand the computer's capabilities, such as adding new
input/output interfaces or improving existing ones.
13. Optional & Peripheral Components
 External Storage
o Definition: External drives, either HDDs or SSDs, used to increase
storage capacity or back up data.
o Use: Store large files or backup essential data. Portable and
convenient for transferring data between computers.
 Webcam
o Definition: A small camera that captures video input for the computer.

o Use: Commonly used for video conferencing, live streaming, or

personal video recording.
 Printer & Scanner
o Printer: A device that produces hard copies of digital documents.

o Scanner: A device that converts physical documents into digital

format.
 o Use: Essential in offices and homes for creating and digitizing physical
documents.
 RGB Lighting & Aesthetic Upgrades
o Definition: Lighting and visual enhancements that add a custom
aesthetic to the PC.
o Use: Used by gamers and PC enthusiasts for a visually dynamic setup.