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Let's talk about the structure of a computer. The topic is simple at first glance. However, probably not all computer users know what is inside and how it works. If you were interested in what each component in a computer is for, but did not have time to figure it out, this publication in the BizUPLab company blog is especially for you.
So, a computer consists of eight main components: case, power supply, motherboard, processor, cooler, RAM, storage (SSD, hard drive) and video card.
So, a computer consists of eight main components: case, power supply, motherboard, processor, cooler, RAM, storage (SSD, hard drive) and video card.
A case is a metal box in which all components are arranged in an orderly manner. Cases are divided by size into:
- Full-Tower – large cases with a height of 50 cm;
- Midi-Tower – the most common size, with a height of 40 to 50 cm;
- Mini and Micro-Tower – for those who need compactness, with an average height of 30-37 cm.
- SFF – the smallest computer cases, which are divided into Desktop, Cube and Sandwich.
What a computer consists of
Power supply
The power supply supplies the entire computer with energy. It is a transformer of alternating current from the socket to direct current. The power of the power supply is measured in watts. The main load falls on the 12V line. Most units are 80 Plus certified - this is a guarantee of 80% efficiency at 100% load.
Power supplies are divided by size into ATX, used for most cases with a height of 86 mm and a width of 150 mm, and SFX, TFX and Flex-ATX for compact cases.
Power supplies are divided by size into ATX, used for most cases with a height of 86 mm and a width of 150 mm, and SFX, TFX and Flex-ATX for compact cases.
The motherboard is the main component of the computer, it unites all the components. Motherboards are divided into:
In the center of the board there is a connector for connecting the processor - socket. There are two types of sockets: PGA and LGA. The socket is surrounded by the processor power supply system - VRM.
- E-ATX - the largest, 305 by 330 mm (for Full-Tower).
- ATX - 305 by 244 mm (for Midi-Tower).
- Micro-ATX - up to 244 by 244 mm (for Mini-cases).
- Mini-ITX - 170 by 170 mm (for SFF cases).
In the center of the board there is a connector for connecting the processor - socket. There are two types of sockets: PGA and LGA. The socket is surrounded by the processor power supply system - VRM.
Motherboard
Processor
A central processor is inserted into the socket - a crystal of transistors covered with a metal cover. The processor is responsible for the execution of all incoming code. Thanks to it, programs work. The processor has its own small storage - cache, for data that requires instant access.
Case
The transistors in the processor have resistance, which causes heating. The processor has an operating temperature, and a cooler is required to maintain it. Between the processor and the cooler is thermal paste, which ensures tight contact and efficient heat transfer.
Cooler
The code that needs to be quickly accessed is stored in the RAM - these are volatile strips with memory chips and gold-plated contacts, their shape is called DIMM, and their type is DDR.
RAM
For storing files that are not needed at the moment, there are non-volatile storage devices - hard drives and SSDs.
Hard drive - spinning plates and magnetic heads that write or read data (in a metal case). SSD - memory chips on the board, the read and write speed of which is regulated by the controller.
Let's summarize the information about storage using the example of a game. All data is stored on a hard drive or SSD. As soon as you start the game, data will start flowing from the storage device to the RAM, and from there to the processor.
Hard drive - spinning plates and magnetic heads that write or read data (in a metal case). SSD - memory chips on the board, the read and write speed of which is regulated by the controller.
Let's summarize the information about storage using the example of a game. All data is stored on a hard drive or SSD. As soon as you start the game, data will start flowing from the storage device to the RAM, and from there to the processor.
Hard drive, SSD
The last main component is the video card. This is a computer inside a computer. The video card has its own graphics processor, video memory and cooler. The task of the video card is to figure out what color each pixel on your monitor should light up. Video cards are divided into those built into the central processor and discrete ones, which are separately connected to the motherboard. Discrete ones differ in size and type of cooling: passive, using only a radiator, and active, additionally using fans.
BizUPLab Budapest specialists have superficially examined the components of the computer. This information will be useful for those who are just starting to get acquainted with the structure of the computer. In future publications, BizUPLab managers plan to talk about its components in more detail.
BizUPLab Budapest specialists have superficially examined the components of the computer. This information will be useful for those who are just starting to get acquainted with the structure of the computer. In future publications, BizUPLab managers plan to talk about its components in more detail.
Video card
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