freeCodeCamp/guide/english/computer-hardware/index.md

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Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware

In this section, we explore the various hardware components of modern computers.

Parts of a Personal Computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.

Expansion Cards (eg. GPU)

An expansion card is an embedded circuit card that can be added to the motherboard to augument a computer's capability. It can either add capabilities, ex allow for a new type of I/O port, or upgrade existing ones, ex. faster ethernet connection. The most common type of expansion card is a GPU, or a graphical processing unit.

Storage (SSD or HDD)

The Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) are used to store information on the computer. It retains the memory even after loss of power.

Memory (RAM)

Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage which stores data and machine code currently being used. A random-access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory.

Case

A case is used to house all the components of a computer.

Power Supply

A power supply is an electronic device that supplies electric energy to an electrical load. A computer power supply supplies electrical energy to all the components of the computer including: the motherboard, disk drives, and fans. Power supplies vary in the amount of output they provide and power supplies must be matched to the number of components needing power so they are not overloaded.

Motherboard

Motherboard holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors for other peripherals.

Input and Output devices (eg. Keyboard and Mouse)

Input/Output device is any hardware used by a human operator or other systems to communicate with a computer.

Monitor

A computer monitor is an output device which displays information in pictorial form.