About Computer Hardware

A RAM chip.

There are several components that perform together to make your computer work. As a whole, these components optimize the functionality of your computer. Upgrading certain parts will enhance your computer's performance, but you have to consider compatibility with your existing hardware first.

RAM

RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is your computer's short-term memory. Every program you open is immediately loaded into the RAM. The more RAM you have, the more programs you can run concurrently. Also, working in multiple programs slows down your computer's speed, so adding more RAM can seem like a "speed boost" for your computer.

Hard Drive

Your computer's hard drive is the main storage center for your programs and files. Hard drive size is important consideration if you store a lot of large files, but so is speed. Hard drive speed is measured in RPMs (rotations per minute), and the faster your hard drive's RPM speed is, the faster your computer will access data.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the key element that brings everything together. Among other things, the motherboard contains the central processing unit, which is your computer's brain. It's also where RAM is housed and your computer ports, such as USB ports, are connected internally.

Video Card

The video card handles your computer's monitor and determines the screen size and resolution your PC can handle. It also affects how quickly your screen refreshes when loading web pages or watching videos. For video gamers, faster video cards with a large amount of built-in memory are an essential upgrade.

Monitor

There are a wide variety of styles and sizes of monitors available for consumers to choose from. Even laptop users can buy an external monitor to connect if they want a larger screen. Larger monitors not only save on eye strain, they're also more productive for users who run programs with a lot of tool bars and cut down on time spent scrolling through long documents or web pages.

References

• Karbo's Guide: PC hardware