Components
A computer case is also known as a "computer chassis", "tower", "system unit", "base unit" or simply "case". It is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer. Cases are often categorized as mini-tower, mid-tower or full-tower. Full-tower cases are typically 22 inches or more in height. Mid-tower cases are smaller about 18 inches and a mini-tower case will typically be 14 inches in height.
A power supply unit (PSU) converts main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. The desktop computer power supply changes alternating current from a wall socket to low-voltage direct current to operate the processor and peripheral devices. Several direct-current voltages are required, and they must be regulated with some accuracy to provide stable operation of the computer.
- Motherboard
A motherboard is also known as “mainboard”, “system board”, a mobo. It is the main printed circuit board found in computers and other technological systems. A motherboard provides the electrical connections by which the other components of the system communicate. A typical desktop computer has its microprocessor, main memory, and other essential components connected to the motherboard. Other components such as external storage, controllers for video display and sound, and peripheral devices may be attached to the motherboard as plug-in cards or via cables. In modern computers it is increasingly common to integrate some of these peripherals into the motherboard itself.
- CPU
A central processing unit (CPU) is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s.
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. A random-access device allows stored data to be accessed directly in any random order. In contrast, other data storage media such as hard disks, CDs, DVDs that can be read and write data only in a predetermined order, consecutively RAM is often associated with volatile types of memory (such as DRAM memory modules), where its stored information is lost if the power is removed.
A video card is also called a video adapter, display card, graphics card, display adapter or graphics adapter is an expansion card which generates a feed of output images to a display. Most video cards offer various functions such as accelerated rendering of 3D scenes and 2D graphics, TV output, or the ability to connect multiple monitors (multi-monitor).
Storage, is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media used to retain digital data.
In computing, an optical disc drive (ODD) is a disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs. Some drives can only read from discs, but recent drives are commonly both readers and recorders, also called burners or writers. Compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are common types of optical media which can be read and recorded by such drives. Optical drive is the generic name; drives are usually described as "CD" "DVD", or "Blu-ray", followed by "drive", "writer", etc.
Peripherals
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Speaker
- Printer/Scanner
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