PARTS OF THE COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Lesson 2.1 November 16 - 17, 2015
Specific Objectives
◻ Describe a computer system
◻ Identify and label the different parts of the
computer system.
◻ Identify and label the different
components of the system unit.
◻ Identify and label the different parts of the
motherboard.
Components of the
Computer System
Basic Personal Computer
System
▪ A computer system consists of hardware and software
components.
▪ Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case,
storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers,
and printers.
▪ Software is the operating
system and programs.
▪ The operating system
instructs the computer how
to operate.
▪ Programs or applications
perform different functions.
Parts of the Computer
System
Parts of the System Unit
Parts of the System Unit (without
Casing)
Computer Cases and Power
Supplies
Computer case
◻ Provides protection and support for internal
components
◻ Should be durable, easy to service, and
have enough room for expansion
Power supply
◻ Converts AC power from the
wall socket into DC
◻ Must provide enough power
for the installed components
and future additions
Computer Cases
◻ Contain the framework
to support and enclose
internal components of
the computer
◻ Typically made of
plastic, steel, and
aluminum
◻ Available in a variety
of styles
◻ The size and layout of
a case is called a form
factor
◻ Designed to keep
internal components
cool
Case Selection
Factor Rationale
Two main case models (one for desktop PCs and the other for
Model Type tower PCs). The type of motherboard determines the type of
case. Size and shape must match exactly.
If a computer has many components, it will need more room for
Size airflow to keep the system cool.
Desktop cases allow space conservation in tight areas because
Available the monitor can be placed on top of the unit. The case design
Space may limit the number and size of the components that can be
added.
Match the power rating and connection type of the power supply
Power Supply to the type of motherboard chosen.
There are many case designs to choose from if it is necessary
Appearance to have a case that is attractive.
LED indicators that are mounted on the front of the case can tell
Status Display you if the system is receiving power, when the hard drive is
being used, and when the computer is on standby or sleeping.
All cases have a vent on the power supply. Some cases have
Vents more vents to dissipate an unusual amount of heat.
Power Supplies
◻ The power supply converts alternating-
current (AC) power coming from a wall
outlet into direct-current (DC) power,
which is a lower voltage.
◻ DC power is required for all of the
components inside the computer.
◻ Cables, connectors, and
components are designed
to fit together snugly.
Never force any connector
or component.
Parts of the Motherboard
Motherboards
◻ The main printed circuit board.
◻ Contains the buses, or electrical
pathways found in a computer.
Buses allow data to travel
among the various components.
◻ Also known as the system board,
the backplane, or the main board.
◻ Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots,
heat sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip, chip
set, sockets, internal and external
connectors, various ports, and the
embedded wires that interconnect the
motherboard components.
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
◻ Known as the brain of the computer.
Also
referred to as the processor.
◻ Most important element of a computer
system. Executes a program, which is a
sequence of stored instructions.
Cooling Systems
◻ Electronic components
generate heat. Too much
heat can damage
components.
◻ A case fan makes the
Case Fan cooling process more
efficient.
CPU Fan ◻ A heat sink draws heat
away from the core of
the CPU. A fan on top of
the heat sink moves the
heat away from the CPU.
◻ Fans are dedicated to
