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Computer Components- Unit 1 LO1 - Coggle Diagram
Computer Components- Unit 1 LO1
Processors
A processor is also known as a
CPU
or
Central Processing Unit
. It is the brain of the computer system. All instructions are carried out in the
CPU
and without this component, the computer would do nothing. Processors come in a range of speeds, but they commonly run at over over 3
Ghz
.
Ghz
is an abbreviation for
Gigahertz
.
1
Gigahertz
= 1 billion
instructions per second.
Modern processors contain multiple "
cores
".
These cores can each be treated as if they are separate CPU's in themselves. It's common for modern CPU's to have between 2 and 32 cores.
Expansion Card
An expansion card is a slot on a motherboard where additional functionality can be added to the computer system by adding "cards".. for example, a high quality sound card may allow your computer system to run Dolby Surround sound. A better graphics card may allow you to run the latest game at a far higher resolution and frame rate - giving you smoother play and an advantage over those who play on older hardware. A network card will allow you to connect your computer system to a network (if one is present and you have permission to do so).
Memory
Computer systems require memory to hold the results of calculations as well as the current instructions that are being executed (run). For example, if you double click on an icon on the desktop for Google Chrome, then those instructions are transferred from storage to memory. The Processor can only access instructions that are stored in memory. The more memory a computer system has, the greater the number of pieces of software that can be run at the same time.
Increasing memory is often the cheapest way of improving a computers performance. Additional memory sticks are relatively inexpensive compared to other components.
Computer memory is subdivided into 3 main types:
RAM - Random Access Memory
As above, this is short term memory.
Temporary. It's contents are lost when the computer is switched off.
The contents of RAM can be changed at any point when the computer is running.
Data and instructions have to be loaded into RAM for the CPU to access them. RAM is far faster to access than secondary storage (Such as a Hard Drive).
ROM - Read Only Memory
The instructions on this type of memory cannot be changed by the computer system - at all.
ROM traditionally holds a small program called the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). This program is run when the computer is turned on and gets the computer components communicated with each other - allowing the Operating System (Windows) to load up.
Cache
A very small, but incredibly fast memory space. There is always a small amount of cache memory within the CPU. There is usually also a small amount of cache outside of it.
Instructions and data that are used particularly often may be moved from RAM into Cache to speed up the computer.
Storage
Computer systems have (broadly) 2 types of storage. Long term and short term. Short term storage is also known as memory. Its contents is lost when the power is switched off. Long term storage is kept even when power is switched off.
Long term storage contains the Application Software, Operating System and other essential files and data that must be available beyond the end of that day.
Long term storage comes in a range of types. For example: Flash memory & Magnetic Storage. Both these types have different properties and the decision to use one over the other will be based on the needs of the user.
A traditional Hard Drive is known as a HDD - Hard Disk Drive. It stores data magnetically on platters. Data is written to and retrieved via a series of mechanical read/write heads which move around the platters.
A more modern Hard Drive is a SSD - Solid State Drive. These store data using tiny electronic gates. Data retrieval is hugely faster. This drive can be significantly smaller than HDD but also comes with some drawbacks.
Magnetic vs SSD
Magnetic Storage (Traditional HDD) Solid State Storage (Flash - SSD)
Very large storage space A large amount of storage capacity, but usually not quite as large as the traditional HDD option.
Contains moving parts Much more expensive than HDD option.
Cheapest option per unit of storage Very rugged storage option. No moving parts, so responds much more positively to being moved around as well as drops.
Usually internal to the computer system since it doesn't respond well to movement Much faster than HDD option
. The nature of this storage option means that data can be accessed almost immediately.
Stores data magnetically on "platters" inside the sealed unit.
A limited life span. These devices have a limited (but large) number of changes possible. After that number has been reached, the drive will cease working.
Motherboards
A motherboard is the piece of computer hardware through which all other components are connected. Motherboards vary hugely in features and price. The socket types on a motherboard can determine what types of CPU it can connect to as well as the amount of possible memory that the computer system can make use of.
Ports
Ports are connections which allow additional devices to be connected to the computer system. There are a few common types of ports available now, but the most common type is USB - Universal Serial Bus.
Previous to the existence of USB, each manufacturer had varying ways of connecting devices to computer, which led to a very large and complex set of connectors at the backs of computers. With USB, came the era of "Plug and Play". At this stage, it became the norm for users to be able to expect any new device to "just work" in a way that was previously unimaginable.
Other common ports include the "Thunderbolt" which is commonly found on Mac computers.
Power Supplies
PSU
Power Supply Unit
a component which delivers electrical current to a computer system.
These units come with varying capacities. It's essential that when building a computer, the correct power rating is selected to match up with the needs of the computer. Too little and the system may not run at all if it's too much and it could damage the other components.
converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-mode power supplies.
