Parts of a computer
In any computer today, there are many parts. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit of a computer is like the brains of the computer. The GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, controls graphics. RAM and storage each help the computer run tasks and store files respectively. There is also a cooling system built in every computer in order to prevent the machine from overheating. A power source/battery is important to providing a constant source of electricity for the computer to use and an OS, or Operating System, is a software that allows people to communicate with the computer and it manages all the computer's internal processes. Computer peripherals are also needed to be able to control and use/manipulate computer data. Without any one of these parts, a computer will not run.
All of these parts are placed on a motherboard, which helps all the computer parts communicate with each other effectively. Motherboards have many built in functions, like audio and wifi that help with building a computer.
CPU(Central Processing Unit)
The CPU provides the computer with instructions and processing power the computer needs in order to do its work. A faster CPU provides the instructions and processing power faster, while a slow CPU provides instructions at a slow rate. A faster processor helps the computer think faster and work faster, which can help boost productivity in a computer. Processors can be found in all sorts of computers from smartphones to desktops. The two leading producers of desktop processors are Intel and AMD, while the leading producers of smartphone processors are Qualcomm and MediaTek, although companies like Apple and Samsung do make their own processors.
An AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU
GPU(Graphics Processing Unit)
You might think that a GPU is just designed to help with graphics, but it is not just a graphics processor. Around the twenty-first century, we have realized that the GPU can solve some of the world's biggest computing problems. GPUs are also designed as a parallel processor, working alongside the CPU to help with tasks. GPUs have a wide range of uses in other forms of science, like Artificial Intelligence(AI) and deep learning.
There are two types of GPU, discrete GPUs and iGPUs. iGPUs, which are integrated GPUs, are built alongside the CPU while a discrete GPU is built outside the motherboard and requires its own cooling system. The leading producers of graphics cards are Nvidia and AMD, however some companies do make their own integrated graphics cards, like Intel.
An Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU
Random Access Memory(RAM)
RAM is used as an easy place for a computer to store data. RAM for a computer corresponds to the short-term memory of a brain. More RAM on a computer helps the computer run more tasks simultaneously. However, every motherboard has a maximum capacity of RAM. Processing power also is important for RAM usage as a slow processor will not take full advantage of the amount of RAM on the computer. Many companies create RAM sticks like Corsair and G.SKILL and computer companies also make their own RAM.
2 sticks of RAM
Storage
Storage on a computer helps the computer store files and other data. Storage on a computer is like the long-term memory in human brains. Files and other data is permanently stored in the hard drive and can be accessed at any time. There are two types of hard drives: Hard Disk Drive(HDD) and Solid-State Drive(SSD). HDDs are much slower at opening files from hard drives and downloading files onto the hard drives, but they are very cheap to buy. SSDs, on the other hand are very fast at downloading files and opening files but they cost a lot more than HDDs. Some companies, like Apple create a combination between a HDD and an SSD by making some storage from a SSD and the remaining storage from a HDD.
a HDD drive
Cooling System of a computer
When a computer runs, the components of a computer generate copious amounts of heat. Heat can slow down the computer and the components and can potentially damage some of the components. To make sure this does not happen, computer are equipped with a cooling system. This cooling system uses air or water to cool the internals so that the computer can keep running for longer periods of time. An air cooler uses fans to push away heat and to keep the internals cool while a water cooler uses water to cool down the components. While water cooling is superior to air cooling, they tend to cost a lot more than air coolers.
Water Cooling System(the 2 black wires running past the fan tells people that this is a water cooling system and not air)
Power Supply/Battery
A computer will always need some sort of power source in order to keep working for longer periods of time. If that computer is a laptop, smartphone, or any portable device, that power source will be in the form of a Lithium-Ion battery. The power supply of a desktop has a specific wattage it can deliver. CPUs are able to run at a specific wattage, and more powerful CPUs generally need more power. If a power supply has less wattage than how much a CPU needs, the CPU will not be able to reach its potential. Most power supplies have between 550 Watts and 850 Watts, but they can be lower or higher than those amounts.
The power supply is located at the top left corner of this PC.
Operating System(OS)
The operating system is an important piece of software that helps people communicate with their computer. Operating systems feature a graphical user interface, or GUI, that lets you use your mouse and other peripherals to click, type, and more. The two most common desktop operating systems are Windows and MacOS, however Linux OS is gaining popularity among users. The most common smartphone operating systems are iOS and Android OS.
The laptop's OS is Windows 10
Computer Peripherals
In order to be able to use the computer, you will need computer peripherals. Peripherals include monitors/displays, keyboards, mouses, and speakers, just to name some common ones. These peripherals allow people to effectively use their computer; monitors and displays display content, keyboards allow you to type and communicate to the computer through code, mouses allow users to interact with the OS, and speakers allow people to listen to audio from the motherboard. Peripherals can be plugged in though the computer ports found within the motherboard.
Computer Peripherals(mouse and keyboard)