Introduction
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations, and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It can accept data (input), process it, and produce outputs. PC stands for “personal computer”.
A computer operates with hardware (physical components) that runs software (which feeds the computer with data to process).
A computer can also come as a desktop (with the hardware as a separate piece) or a laptop (where all the computing essentials such as the hardware, display, keyboard, and trackpad come together in one small-sized machine). While the desktop can perform more demanding tasks due to its larger form factor, the laptop is much more convenient as a daily carry. Still, both desktops and laptops have similar components.
This article will focus on identifying and describing the main components of conventional modern-day computer hardware.
Components Overview
There are nine main components of computer hardware:
The “body”: motherboard, case, cooler, wires, and power supply (PSU).
The “brain”: central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), wireless card, random access memory (RAM), and hard drive.
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It is a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer. As mentioned, the motherboard holds smaller components, such as the CPU and RAM. The motherboard also contains expansion slots to add graphics and wireless cards.
The CPU, also known as the processor, is a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip. It processes all the data given to the computer and carries out commands. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU. If the hardware is the brain of the PC, the CPU would be the brain of the brain.
RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until you shut your computer.
In the long term, your files are stored in the hard drive, which is a drive outside of your motherboard. It stores everything when your computer is turned off. Both SSDs and HDDs work as a hard drive. An SSD is simply a newer and improved version of the HDD.
The GPU, also known as the video card, is responsible for managing your display with the processed data from the rest of the PC. Most computers have GPUs built in the CPU. Nevertheless, if you use your computer to perform graphics-demanding tasks, you can include a separate GPU, which would be more powerful. If your PC comes with WiFi connectivity, you may also need a wireless card, which allows you to connect with your local WiFi network.
All of those components work together and are connected by wires. Each component is also wired separately to the PSU, which transfers energy from your outlet (the plug on your wall) to give your components electrical power. Coolers, usually fans, are also added to your PC to cool your computer and ensure it does not overheat (damaging the hardware). All of the abovementioned components fit into a case that serves protection purposes.
The final product would look like the photo on the very right. Not all PCs look that cool and have that many fans. However, the estimated size is around the same. Laptop hardware is a smaller, thinner, and more compressed PC version.
Summary
Read this summary if you want a simple 1-minute version of this article.
A PC has nine components that work together, whether desktop or laptop. To put everything in a human’s perspective, the CPU would be the brain that processes all the data. The GPU is your eyes that produce visual content based on the CPU’s data. RAM is your short-term memory, while hard drive is your long-term memory. The wires would be your vessels and neurons that connect everything. The PSU is your heart, which provides the rest of your body with its needed power to perform. The motherboard is your skeletal system that holds everything together. The cooler would act as your sweat, cooling you down when you heat up. Finally, all your organs are stored under the layer of your skin, which would be the PC case.
For a desktop, you also need a monitor (display), keyboard, mouse, and software (MacOS, Windows) to compute as a user. The laptop has all of these accessories built into one.
Watch this video if you want more visuals on this topic.
Citations
Burgess, B. (2019). How to Find Your Windows 10 PC Hardware and System Specs. [online] groovyPost. Available at: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/find-your-windows-10-computers-hardware-and-system-specs/.
Crucial. (2023). What is Computer Hardware? [online] Available at: https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-builders/what-is-computer-hardware.
GCFGlobal.org. (2014). Computer Basics. [online] Available at: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/inside-a-computer/1/.
Penn Today. (2021). The world’s first general-purpose computer turns 75 | Penn Today. [online] Available at: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/worlds-first-general-purpose-computer-turns-75#:~:text=ENIAC%20weighed%2030%20tons%2C%20took,five%20million%20hand%2Dsoldered%20joints.
Pinterest. (2023). White Theme Gaming PC’s in UAE. [online] Available at: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/675540012860817933/.
Rouse, M. (2020). Computer. [online] Techopedia. Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4607/computer#:~:text=A%20computer%20is%20a%20machine,it%2C%20and%20then%20produce%20outputs.
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