Top 17 essential parts of the computer and their functions

Internal and external parts of the computer and their functions

Commonly seen desktop computers are mainly composed of an internal computer and external devices. The internal computer has components such as motherboard, hard disk, CPU, Memory, graphics card, sound card, ATX power supply, etc.

And external devices include a keyboard, mouse, monitor, microphone, and speakers, etc. The host (Internal) connects to external devices through multiple interfaces. These components are combined and work together to complete various functions of the computer.

List of computer parts to build a computer

9 Internal parts of the computer

1. Motherboard

The motherboard is a platform for the work of various components in the information processing system unit. It connects the different functions of the computer closely, and each piece transmits data through the mainboard.

The mainboard is not only the carrier of the entire computer technique. But also the center of various information exchanges in the system. It is responsible for ensuring the stable performance of the system.

It is generally a rectangular circuit board, and the central circuit system installed on the computer. Generally, there are south/Northbridge chips (or single chipsets), I/O control chips, BIOS chips, CPU sockets, memory slots, and power supply connections.

Expansion slots and input/output connections such as a keyboard, mouse, graphics card, sound card, network card, and USB. The performance and stability of the main board affect the performance and stability of the entire computer system.

2. Central Processing Unit – CPU

The processor is an electronic circuit whose primary function is to execute instructions for computer programs. The functioning of the processor can be separate into four basic processes for the core of information:

1. Go
2. Decode
3. Run
4. To rewrite

During the go stage, the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in memory. Then in the decoding stage, it interprets or decodes each instruction. In the execution part, it operates on the command of the program. Where finally, in the rewrite period, and write the execution results back to RAM.

3. Random Access Memory – RAM

RAM is the main internal memory in the computer, mainly used to store the running programs, and data is the communication bridge between external equipment and CPU. The performance of the memory is directly related to whether the computer can run normally and stably.

 It is an electronic storage device. It is composed of a circuit board and a chip. It is sharp by small size, high speed, and can be stored with electricity, but is clear without electrical power. Additionally, computers require non-volatile primary storage known as ROM or read-only memory. 

4. Storage – HDD & SSD

• Hard Disk Drive

Hard Disk Drive is one of the chief storage media of the computer. With a large storage capacity, the operating system typically needs to be installed on the hard disk to be used usually. 

The most common ones are ordinary hard drives, consisting of one or more aluminum or glass discs. These disks are magnetic materials, and data is recorded and stored through the magnetization of the magnetic layer by covered. The platters of most hard disks are permanently sealed and fixed in the hard disk cavity.

• Solid State Drive

Solid State Drive is smaller, healthier, and faster than Hard Disk. SSD data transfer speed 4 Gbps.

They can store 120, 250, 500 GB, or up to 4 TB of information on desktop computers.

Laptops generally have smaller drives that have lower storage capacity.

5. Graphics Processing Unit Card – GPU

The graphics card is the product display adapter (Display Card), whose communication bridge between the host and the display. The primary function of the graphics accelerator card is to process the image data sent by the CPU. Then it sends it to the monitor for display output. The critical component of “Man-machine dialogue” is one of the vital equipment. Graphics Processing Unit helps with high-resolution graphic design and gaming (video card).

6. Sound Card

The audio card realizes the mutual conversion of sound and the number of 7 signals. And it is one of the essential components in multimedia technology.

An audio adapter can convert voice, music, and other sounds. It takes from microphones, radios, CD players, and other devices into digital signals for computer processing. And can save them in file form. It can recover a digital hint at the actual sound output.

There are two main types of sound cards: PCI and PCI-E. Among them, PCI-E is a 1X (1 speed) interface type. At present, many mainstream motherboards have integrated sound cards that can meet the requirements of regular use. There is no need to use an extra sound card.

7. Network Card – LAN

The network card is also called the network adapter (Network Interface Card, NIC). The network card is one of the most fundamental parts of the local area network, and it is the hardware device that connects the user’s computer and the system.

It has a MAC address; it belongs to the second layer of the OSI model. It enables users to connect via cable or wirelessly. Each network card has a unique 48-bit serial number called the MAC address, written in a ROM on the drives.

Every computing device on the network must have an unparalleled MAC address. No two network cards produced have the same address because the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE ) is responsible for assigning unique MAC addresses to vendors of network interface controllers.

The popular network cards on the market are mainly part of wired network cards, wireless network, and wireless internet access. Wired systems are two types: an integrated wired network card and an independent wired network.

8. DVD Writer / CD-ROM

The drives are also called Optical Disk drivers, which are mostly applied to read data on CDs. With the development of CD-ROM technology, the types of CD-ROMs are also increasing. Many shared optical drives include CD-ROM drives, CD-RW burners, DVD-ROM drives, DVD-RW burners, COMBO (combo), and emerging Blu-ray drives (including Blu-ray read-only drives, COMBO, and burners). CD-ROM and CD-RW burners have been done away with among them.

It is a machine used by computers to read and write the contents of CD-ROMs. It is also a common component in desktop and laptop computers.

9. Cooling FAN System

The heat dissipation system is mainly to cool some high-temperature components of the computer, such as CPU, graphics card, power supply, etc. This hardware will generate high temperatures of up to several hundred degrees Celsius when working. If the thermal is too high, the computer will not work correctly, causing crashes, Blue screen, and other faults.

8 External parts of the computer

10. Power Supply 

The power supply provides power to various parts of the computer so that it can function work naturally. It is the source of energy to ensure the regular operation of the computer. The power, voltage, and current stability of the power supply will directly affect the operating performance.

The power supply is an indispensable power supply device on a computer. Its function is to convert 220V alternating current into 5V, 12V, 3.3V direct current on the computer. Its performance directly affects the stability of other equipment. It will affect the strength of the whole machine.

11. Computer Case

The case structure mainly has four points to be considered: 

• Motherboard compatible specifications – There are primarily four categories, E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, ITX. E-ATX is the largest, mainly the top platform motherboards, which are relatively rare. ATX and M-ATX are highly repeatedly in use in households, and ITX is a mini motherboard.
• The limited height of radiator – The current air cooling is this kind of side blowing heat dissipation. The air duct is better, but the disadvantage is that it will be very high when it is inserted vertically on the circuit board.
• Graphics card limit length – The graphics card is usually plugged horizontally on the motherboard like this. And can place some cases vertically with the help of PCI-E extension cables. Still, whether you hit it horizontally or vertically, the graphics card is quite a long thing, so you need it when you buy the case. Consider how long a graphics card can fit in your case.
• The number of Installable Hard Disks – The hard disks with the M.2 interface and PCI-E interface to right away connect to the motherboard. So there is no requirement to fill the position of the case. 2. 5-inch hard disks, such as most solid-state and 3. 5-inch hard disks, such as most mechanical hard disks and the solid-state of the U.2 interface, all components fixed on the case.

12. Monitor

Computer monitors are also commonly referred to as computer monitors or computer screens. It is an essential computer component besides the CPU, motherboard, memory, power supply, keyboard, and mouse. Its name suggests it should be a display tool that displays a particular electronic file on the screen through a specific transmission device and reflects it to the human eye.

From the first black and white world to the color world, computer monitors have gone through a long and arduous journey. With the continuous improvement of display technology, the classification of displays is becoming more detailed.

• CRT – Cathode-ray tube display
• LCD – Liquid-crystal display
• LED display
• Plasma display

13. Keyboard

The keyboard is an instruction and data input device used to operate the equipment. It also refers to a group of function keys (such as a typewriter, computer keyboard) ordered to operate a machine or equipment through the system. The keyboard is also a part of the keyboard instrument, and it can also refer to the device that uses the keyboard, such as piano, digital piano, or electronic organ. The keyboard helps practice typing.

The keyboard is the most common and primary input device. The keyboard may be in English letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and the like inputted into the computer, whereby the computer issues a command, the input data, and the like. There are also keyboards with various shortcut keys. With time, independent products with different shortcut functions are gradually sold separately on the market.

14. Mouse

A mouse, a computer externally connected to the input device, is a computer display system of vertical and horizontal coordinates of the location indicator because of the shape mouse named. The standard should be called ” mouse, “the English name ” Mouse “is to make use of the mouse of a computer operating quicker and easier, instead of a keyboard that complicated the instructions. Types of the mouse:

• Rolling ball mouse
• Optical mouse
• Wireless mouse

20 Input and output devices parts of the computer

15. Input Devices

The input device is an essential part of the computer. The input device and the output device are combined as external devices, referred to as peripherals. The input device’s function is to input information such as programs, raw data, text, characters, control commands, or data collected on the site computer. Standard input devices include keyboards, mice, photoelectric input machines, tape drives, disk drives, optical disc drives, etc.

• Webcam
• Scanner
• Microphone
• Joy Stick
• Graphic Tablet / Game controller
• Track Ball
• Touchpad driver
• Light pen
• Bar Code Reader
• Optical Character Reader(OCR)
• Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
• Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)

16. Output Devices

The output device and the input device are also an essential part of the computer. It outputs the external computer’s intermediate or final results, various data symbols, and characters in the computer, different control signals. Commonly used output devices for microcomputers include display terminals, CRTS, printers, laser printers, plotters, tapes, and CD players.

• Printer
• Projector
• Speaker
• Headphones
• Computer Speakers
• GPS – data collection
• Speech-Generating Device
• Braille Reader

17. Backup Storage

• External Hard Drives
• USB Pen drives
• Flash Memory Card
• Floppy Disk

Computer software system

People usually divide computer software into “system software” and “application software.”

Application

Generally, it refers to all kinds of software that can directly help individuals or units complete specific tasks, such as word processing software, computer-aided design software, information management software for enterprises and institutions, and game software. Application software generally cannot run independently on a computer and must be supported by system software. The most basic kind of system software that supports the operation of application software is the operating system. Application software, especially various specialized software packages, are often provided by specialized software vendors.

System software

System software refers to software that manages, controls, maintains computers and peripheral equipment, and provides the interface between users and computers. Compared with the application software, the system software is relatively close to the computer system’s hardware. It is farther away from the problems that users care about software. It does not explicitly address specific application problems.