Introduction to Computer Hardware

Introduction toComputer Hardware

Dr. Steve BroskoskeMisericordia University

3 Parts of a PC (As Seen from Outside PC)

Power Supply

Storage Devices

Motherboard(Microprocessor,

cards, RAM memory)

3 Parts of a PC(As Seen from Inside PC)

Motherboard(Microprocessor,

cards, RAM memory)

Power Supply

Storage Devices

Power Supply

Fan on back ofpower supply.

Power plug

Part 1

Notice the powerwires coming fromthe power supply.

Storage Devices

• Hard drive• Floppy drive• Optical drives

– CD-ROM– DVD-ROM

Connected to motherboard by data and power cables.

Part 2

“Ribbon” cables carry

data.

Storage Devices

Inside look at a hard drive.

MotherboardPart 3

What Is on the Motherboard?

• Motherboard holds:–Microprocessor (Pentium, Core 2 Duo).–Memory (RAM).–Cards (audio, video, modem, Ethernet,

wireless).

Items on the Motherboard Microprocessor

Old 486Size of half-dollar

Modern Pentium IVSize of your hand!

Items on the Motherboard Microprocessor

• “Brain” or “engine” of the PC.• Microprocessors:

– Intel Pentium– Intel Core 2 Duo– AMD Athlon

• Cooling fins (radiators). Some have fans.

Items on the Motherboard Microprocessors Run Hot!

Heat sink sits ontop of a microprocessor

to radiate heat out.

Pentium mayhave its own fan

to help keep it cool.

Items on the Motherboard Memory (RAM)

Memory module.

Memory as it lookson the motherboard.

Memory vs. StorageMemory (RAM) is thinking space.

vs.

Data storage.

Items on the Motherboard Memory (RAM)

• 2 or 3 slots on motherboard to hold memory.

• Memory is cheap to buy.• If you have to enter your PC, you are likely

to upgrade memory.

Fact: Most PC’s are sold with insufficient memory.

Benefits ofIncreased Memory (RAM)

1. Increases PC processing speed.2. Allows PC to open more programs and

larger files simultaneously.3. Make games with heavy graphics run

smoother and faster.

Items on the Motherboard Adding Memory to a PC Is Easy!1. Determine what your PC needs:

– How much memory you can add.– What type of memory your PC is designed to

hold.2. Open the PC tower case.3. Add the memory into the slots provided.

Crucial.com

Items on the MotherboardCards

• Video card• Sound card• Modem card• Ethernet

(networking) card• Wireless card

Cards allow the PC to communicate with the outside world.

Items on the Motherboard Cards

Cards inside PC

Back of cards formback of PC.

Purchasing Cables and Accessories

• Cables tend to be very expensive. You can purchase cables and other accessories from this popular online store.

MonoPrice.com

Review

• 3 parts of a computer– Power supply.– Storage devices.– Motherboard.

• Microprocessor.• Memory (RAM).• Cards (audio, video,

modem, Ethernet, wireless).

• 2 types of cables– Power– Data