COMPUTER HARDWAR

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CPU – Central Processing Unit

Carries out instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical control, and input/output (I/O) operations.

CPU CoolerStock vs. Aftermarket vs. LiquidRequired to remove the waste heat produced by the CPU to keep it within operating temperatures.

Liquid Cooled CPU

MOBO - MotherboardMain printed circuit board (PCB) found in computers. It holds and allows communication between many of the cruical components and peripherals.

MOBO - Motherboard

MOBO - Motherboard

GPU – Graphics Processing Unit

Specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display.

RAM – Random Access Memory

A form of computer data storage, where data is accessed (read or written) in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory.

PSU – Power Supply UnitConverts AC power to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer.

PSU – Power Supply Unit

ODD – Optical Disk DriveA disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves to read or write data to or from optical disks.

ODD – Optical Disk Drive

HDD – Hard Disk Drive

Data storage device used for storing and retreiving digital information using one or more rigid (“hard”) rapidly rotating disks (“platters”) coated with magnetic material.

HDD – Hard Disk Drive

SSD – Solid StateDrive

Contains NO actual disk and NO motor to spin a disk. Uses integrated circuits as memory to store data persistently. NO moving parts, making them more resistant to shock, quieter, and faster than HDDs.

Peripherals

A device that is used to put information into or get information out of the computer.

INPUT:Mouse, Keyboard, Microphones, Web Cams, Scanner, Game Controllers.

OUTPUT:Monitor, Printer, Projector, Speakers,

Headphones.

Expansion Cards / Networking

A printed circuit board (PCB) that can be inserted into an electrical connector, or expansion slots, on a motherboard and add functionality to the computer system.

Examples: Sound Card, Wireless Card, Bluetooth Capability, More USB ports,

more Ethernet ports.

Expansion Cards / Networking

PCI-Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

Case / Tower / CabinetThe enclosure that contains the components of a computer.