Kyle Taylor
CPU – (Central Processing Unit)
What is a CPU’s purpose: brains of a computer…. It controls all of the processes… How does
a CPU connect to a computer: through an interface…. It is held by cover and retention arm…
Speed/Capacity: MHz or GHz… Models/Varieties/Types: Intel and AMD. I 3, I 5 and I 7…
Optical Disk Drive
What is its purpose: storage device… uses lasers to read disks… commonly cd and dvd… How does it
connect: Motherboard – SATA cable - SATA slot… Speed/Capacity: Terabytes
Hard Drive
Purpose: non-volatile storage device… stores information and data…How does it connect: through
two cables… SSD - SATA cable… Old HDD – IDE cable… Socket connection also… Speed/Capacity:
Capacity – Gigabytes’s/Terabytes…Speed - SATA – Max 8gb/s IDE- Max 133mb/s… Compatibility
issues: SATA cannot connect to IDE slot – vice versa
Graphics Card
Purpose: produce an image out of codes… output device… How does it connect: PCI-E slots=Modern
PCI=Old … Connection to monitor-DVI or HDMI
Speed/Capacity: S-MHz C-Gb… Brands: AMD, NVIDIA
RAM
Purpose: to store temporarily programs and data = processor - access the data fast… How does it
connect: Housed to motherboard… Into a slot… Speed/Capacity: S-MHz C-GB… Models: Patriot,
Integral, Corsair
PSU
Purpose: powers all components… changes ac to dc (alternating current-direct current)
How does it connect: has different power connectors e.g 24pin for motherboard-4pin for ODD and
HDD
Wattage: Different watts – power consumption
Motherboard
Purpose: Houses all crucial components…
How does it connect: Powered by 24 pin connector… Has a port for all components…
Brands: Gigabyte and ASUS… Certain chip sets
Peripherals
Input/Output… adds functionality… not needed to work
USB from 1-2-3
DVI but now use HDMI-More clear
peripheral interface…port or socket…connects device to computer…most use usb.. can get SATA and
wireless
Backing Storage
USB…Flash card…External hard drive
External hard drive – lot of storage space-cheap… can be bulky