Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer, such as a case, motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc. Most people only think of the computer case as the “hardware,” but all of the internal components are also considered hardware.
It’s important to have a good understanding of computer hardware because it can help you troubleshoot problems and make informed upgrade decisions. For example, if your computer is running slowly, you might need to upgrade the RAM or install a solid-state drive.
The term “hardware” is derived from the fact that these parts are generally hard or difficult to change. This is in contrast to software, which is much easier to change. It is important to note that a computer system cannot function without both hardware and software.
Computer Hardware (Motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, HDD, SSD)
What is Motherboard
A motherboard is one of the most important parts of a computer. It is the main circuit board of a computer and it is where all the other components of the computer connect to. The motherboard is responsible for all the communication between the different parts of the computer.
The motherboard is usually a large, flat piece of circuitry with many different connectors for all the different components. The most important part of the motherboard is the central processing unit (CPU) which is responsible for all the calculations and processing that the computer does. The motherboard also has slots for memory, expansion cards, and other peripherals.
Most motherboards also have built-in audio, video, and networking capabilities. Some motherboards even have extra features like integrated overclocking and water cooling. Choosing the right motherboard is very important when building a computer because it can determine what other components you can use and how fast your computer will be.
What is GPU?
GPUs, or graphics processing units, are specialized processors that are designed specifically for handling graphics-related tasks. In the early days of computing, GPUs were used primarily for rendering images and videos on screens. However, GPUs have become increasingly powerful in recent years, and they are now used for a variety of tasks beyond simply displaying graphics.
Some of the most common uses for GPUs today include:
- Graphics and video editing: GPUs can speed up the process of rendering images and videos by orders of magnitude. This is why GPUs are commonly used in professional video editing and graphics design applications.
- 3D modeling and animation: GPUs can be used to create and manipulate 3D models and animations. This is why GPUs are commonly used in applications like AutoCAD and 3ds Max.
- Scientific computing: GPUs can be used to accelerate scientific calculations. This is why GPUs are commonly used in fields like astrophysics, climate modeling, and oil exploration.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is hardware found in the memory slots of the motherboard. The role of RAM is to temporarily store on-the-fly information created by programs and to do so in a way that makes this data immediately accessible. The tasks that require random memory could be; rendering images for graphic design, editing videos or photographs, and multi-tasking with multiple apps open (for example, running a game on one screen and chatting via Discord on the other).
How much RAM you require depends on the programs that you’ll be running. Medium intensity gaming generally uses 8GB of memory when performed alongside other programs, but video/graphic design can use upwards of 16GB of RAM.
What is a CPU?
The CPU (Central Processing Unit or processor) is responsible for processing all information from programs run by your computer. The ‘clock speed’, or the speed at which the processor processes information, is measured in gigahertz (GHz). This means that a processor advertising a high GHz rating will likely perform faster than a similarly specified processor of the same brand and age.
