Components of a PC/Desktop
A typical desktop computer (aka personal computer) consists of several key components. Here's a simple list:
1. System Unit (within a Case / Cabinet)
- SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply) [with a fan]
- Main Board (Motherboard)
- Real Time Clock (RTC)
- MicroProcessor (µP) or simply Processor [with a heat sink and a fan]
- NorthBridge - connects µP and main memory
- Main Memory
- ROM (Read Only Memory) - Permanent and cannot be changed. Contains BIOS (Basic Input Output System) with POST (Power On Self Test).
- RAM (Random Access Memory) - Volatile but rewritable memory.
- Small battery to power RTC and keep user settings when PC is turned off.
- SouthBridge - connects NorthBridge with I/O components.
- Expansion Slots - for Add-On Cards like a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), NIC (network interface card), a sound card, etc.
- Secondary Storage
- SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
- Optical Disk Drive
- Speaker with weak magnets (for beeps)
- Connectors/Ports/SD-card-reader
USB ports, HDMI ports, audio jacks, etc., for connecting following external devices.
2. Input Device(s)
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
3. Output Device(s)
- Display / Monitor / Screen
- Printer
- Speaker
Nowadays, the Northbridge is usually within the µP.
The Southbridge is now called [Platform] Controller Hub.
Please enter your email and click 'Recommend It' to receive the address of this page and related pages in your inbox. You can then send this page to your friend(s).
Why to tell others about this page?
Leading search engines don't rank 'independent' sites properly.