The term CPU, central processing unit, refers to the processor or microchip that you have in your PC. However, this term has also been used to refer to the PC case, tower, or cabinet and all of the devices that you can find in its interior. In this article we will describe the most common elements found in the interior of any CPU.
Motherboard
The motherboard or mainboard is the device on which the various devices found within the PC are mounted upon. Its functions include, anchoring the different devices, communication and connection to external peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse or monitor.
All the circuits and connectors that we find on the motherboard is what we call the chipset. Some motherboard models feature integrated graphics or sound chips. On these models you can choose to not add additional graphics or sound cards if the integrated ones are sufficient for your requirements. For example, in office PC’s where graphic requirements are lower will allow you to save some money by not needing to buy an additional graphics card.
It is very important when choosing a motherboard to know the maximum amount of RAM you can add to it, the number and types of external connections that it has, and which processors are supported.
RAM
The memory system of a PC operates in a hierarchical manner. At the far end lies the hard drive. On this device, programs and data are stored and waiting for when the processor will use them, even when the computer isn’t on. However, hard drives are too slow for continuous access. This is why RAM exists. In this memory, programs and data are stored while they are being executed or accessed, but when you turn off the PC this memory is erased, and therefore cannot be used for storing information permanently. This memory is thousands of times faster than any hard drive, but also of lower retention capacity.
The RAM memory must be compatible with your motherboard and processor. These components incorporate a memory controller that defines the type and maximum speed of the RAM modules that can be used with them.
Processor
This is the brain of the system. It reads the instructions and data that make up programs and files, and executes them accordingly. Therefore, its importance for performance is crucial. If it’s slow, it will drag down the entire PC, delivering an unsmooth performance. The processor not only works with programs and files, but also with all input generated via peripherals such as a mouse or keyboard.
When choosing a processor you determine the types of motherboards that are compatible with it, or vice versa in the case of choosing a motherboard first. For instance an Intel processor won’t function with an AMD chipset motherboard.
The architecture (x86 or x64), the number of cores, the cache, the functioning frequency, and power consumption are features that distinguish processors one from another.
Graphics card
The graphics card aids the processor in carrying out graphic rendering operations that appear on your PC monitor. As mentioned earlier, sometimes the functionality of a graphics card is already integrated onto the motherboard and therefore an additional device is unnecessary.
Any modern graphics card is capable of performing a large number of tasks. Among them are the creation and rendering of three dimensional worlds that you see in modern video games or playing high definition video.
This is a device that has transitioned from being separate to being integrated onto the motherboard and now finally integrated into the processor. Soon it will be a rarity to see a PC without an integrated graphics card or chip.
Hard drive
Its function is obvious and it has efficiently carried it out since the very first PC’s appeared. It’s in charge of storing data when the computer isn’t powered. Therefore its primary features are transfer speeds and storage capacity.
Unless you work intensely with video processing, the transfer speed of a hard drive isn’t that important.
The latest developments in relation to these devices are SSD hard drives. Because they don’t have moving parts, and are composed of solid state memory. They are much faster and also free from some of the inconveniences that normal hard drives present such as noise, fragile endurance to impacts (such as dropping them, or hitting them by accident). Their only downside is their significantly higher cost.
Finally, remember that 911-computer can advise you when purchasing, replacing or upgrading any part of your computer. We are one of the best computer repair and maintenance centers in Houston, TX, y and even better yet, we can provide service at your home. Contact us!
