Parts of Computer Hardware
Unlike a microwave or a television, a computer is made up of many components that can be swapped out if you want to upgrade or replace something that is faulty or damaged. While some parts have become integrated into others over the years, new types of devices have been developed that need to be plugged into something else. If you are putting together a new computer or just want to know more about them, there are several key areas to understand.
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The Case
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The most obvious one is the computer case. Some, such as the iMac, are actually integrated into the monitor screen. As such, replacing components would be much more difficult. The advantage of this "all-in-one" computer is that it's easy to transport and it cuts down on the number of cables lying around.
The Power Supply
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Most of us, however, have a case that the monitor plugs into. Most cases that you buy off-the-shelf include a power supply unit. This PSU has a power rating measured in watts. For modern computers, a PSU with at least 500 watts is strongly recommended -- 650W just to be on the safe side. This gives your computer room to grow. The common theme is that a more powerful component, while more expensive, will not need to be replaced as often. However, the price of the most powerful component of that type is usually much more expensive than the second-most powerful component.
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Storage Devices
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Your PSU supplies electricity to all the components in the case. Inside this case, you are probably going to have an optical drive to read and write CDs and DVDs. You will also have a storage device referred to as a "hard drive." Both an optical drive and hard drive are connected to the motherboard with data cables, in addition to being attached to the PSU.
Key Components
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You may also have a video card that sends all the visual data to your monitor screen. Sometimes this video card is integrated into the motherboard. If it is not, you may have to connect a PSU cable to it. Sometimes you will have a sound card and a network card, but these are more commonly integrated as well. If all of these components are integrated, their external connectors will be in the back of the motherboard (on the rear of the case).
CPU and RAM
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The central processing unit (CPU) plugs into the motherboard. This processor will have a heatsink and fan on it to keep it cool. Sometimes you can purchase a CPU without a heatsink/fan combo, which is called an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) purchase. This option is not typically found at a retail store, which will instead supply a heatsink/fan combo already attached to the CPU.
RAM (Random Access Memory), which your computer uses to rapidly store and retrieve temporary data, comes in "sticks" and plugs into long slots on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual to find out what CPUs and RAM is compatible with it.
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