Taking Apart a Computer!

BY: Group 4

First, we opened up the computer

Motherboard

Motherboard

• The main part of a computer, which is often found in the system unit.

Lan/Ethernet Port

Lan/Ethernet Port

• Connects you to your local network.• This was the first piece of hardware we took

out, it was connected to the motherboard and had a port on the outside of the computer.

Cooling Fan

The Cooling Fan

• The cooling fan cools down the motherboard.• The cooling fan was on the wall of the

computer, pointed at the harddrive

DIMM

DIMM

• A type of computer memory that is often used in high end computers. Plugs into the motherboard and transmits data to the processor 64-bits at a time.

• The third step, pulling the DIMM out, this computer only had 128 MB

Cpu Socket

CPU Socket

• Holds the CPU and has a place for the heat sink to connect.

• The CPU Socket was underneath the heat sink.

CD Drive

CD Drive

• Reads a compact disk and is connected to the audio drive.

• It is away from the motherboard and is connected to it by cords.

Floppy Drive

Floppy Drive

• A port that allows a ‘floppy’, a small, piece of plastic that can store data, to enter the computer.

• Right underneath the CD Drive

USB port

USB Port

• Allows for communication from devices such as a mouse and keyboard to a host controller such as a personal computer.

• Connected to both the motherboard and has a port on the outside of the computer.

Audio Port

Audio Port

• A connection spot which allows for data to be transferred into sound via headphones or speakers.

• Found on the edge of the motherboard and has ports that show on the outside of the computer.

Mouse and Keyboard Port

Mouse and Keyboard Port

• Allows for the connection of both a mouse and keyboard, which allows data on a computer to become more assesable.

PCI Socket

PCI Socket

• Used to attach hardware such as a video card and sound card.

• Was found right next to the USB port.

Hard Drive

Hard Drive

Hard Drive

• A storage device in the computer that stores all the files and programs.

Power System

Power Supply

• Takes in incoming electrical currents and amplifies it to levels required for various devices.

Chipsets

Chip Set

• A collection of chips that work together to perform a certain function.

Capacitors

Capacitors

• A small, battery shaped device that is meant to hold a charge.

Backup Battery

Backup Battery

• A battery that is meant to supply the computer with power if the main battery fails.

Transistor

Transistor

• A semi-conductor that uses non-moving parts to pass a charge.

Processor

Processor

• The brain of the computer, which tells everything in the computer what it is suppose to do.

Onboard controllers

Onboard Controllers

• A series of ports that allow for the control the output devices attached to a computer.