THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

ND IIB
COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ASSIGNMENT

BY

NAME: DUNG PAM DAHWI

REG NO: 21/143239

Question

Explain the following component

1. Mother board
2. Power supply
3. Memory
4. Port
5. Microprocessor

MARCH, 2024
 MOTHER BOARD

The Heart of Your Computer: The motherboard is the main printed circuit board
(PCB) inside your computer. It's like the central nervous system, connecting all the
vital components and allowing them to communicate with each other.
 Key Components of a Motherboard

The Home for Components: The motherboard has sockets and slots for the
following crucial parts:
1. CPU Socket: This is where your CPU firmly sits. Make sure the motherboard you
choose is compatible with the specific CPU you want.
2. RAM Slots: Typically 2-4 slots on modern motherboards for installing your RAM
modules.

RAM Slots on a motherboard

3. PCIe Slots: Used for expansion cards like powerful graphics cards, which require
high-speed connections.
 PCIe Slots on a motherboard
4. SATA Ports: Connects your hard drives and SSDs for data storage.

SATA Ports on a motherboard

5. Chipset: A cluster of chips that controls communication between the CPU, RAM,
storage, and other components. Consider it the traffic controller of the
motherboard.
6. BIOS: Basic Input/Output System. This is firmware that initializes your computer
hardware at startup and helps load your operating system.

BIOS chip on a motherboard

7. I/O Ports: Located on the back panel, providing connections for peripherals like
your monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, USB devices, and more.
 I/O ports on a motherboard
Important of motherboard

 Communication Central: The motherboard acts as the bridge, enabling all these
components to communicate and function in harmony.
 Power Distribution: It distributes power from your power supply unit (PSU) to all
the connected parts.
 Foundation for Upgrades: The motherboard determines what types of
components you can use and how many you can add, making it the base for
expanding your computer's capabilities.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard

 Size (Form Factor): Motherboards come in different sizes like ATX (standard),
Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Choose one that fits your computer case.
 CPU Socket: Make sure it matches your intended CPU type (Intel or AMD).
 Features: Look at the number of RAM slots, expansion slots, storage connections,
and other features you might need for your specific build

POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)

 The Heart of Power: A power supply unit (PSU) is the component in your
computer that converts the alternating current (AC) power from your wall outlet
into the regulated direct current (DC) power that all your other components need to
function.
 Voltage Regulation: It doesn't just change the type of power; it also ensures a
stable and consistent supply of this DC power at the specific voltages required by
your CPU, graphics card, RAM, etc.
Types of Power Supplies

 Non-Modular: All the cables are permanently attached to the PSU. This is the
most basic and often most affordable type.
 Semi-Modular: Essential cables are fixed, but you have the option to connect
additional cables (like extra SATA for storage drives) as needed. This offers a bit
more tidiness.
 Fully Modular: None of the cables are attached, giving you maximum flexibility
in what you connect and improving internal airflow in your case.
Key Things to Consider in a PSU

1. Wattage: Make sure the PSU's total wattage output can handle all your
components with some headroom for upgrades. Online calculators can help
estimate your power needs.
2. Efficiency Rating: Look for 80 Plus ratings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.). Higher
ratings mean less power wasted as heat, which saves you money on electricity.
3. Form Factor: Ensure the PSU size matches your computer case (ATX is the most
common standard).
4. Connectors: Check that the PSU has enough connectors of the right types for your
components (SATA, PCIe, etc.).
5. Brand and Reliability: Reputable brands invest more in quality components and
protection features, crucial for the wellbeing of your entire system.
Why a Good Power Supply Matters

 System Stability: A faulty or underpowered PSU can lead to crashes, freezes, and
even damage your components.
 Efficiency: A better PSU means less energy wasted, saving you on electricity bills
in the long run.
 Lifespan: High-quality PSUs are built to last longer, giving you peace of mind.
 MEMORY
Temporary and Permanent Storage: Computer memory is the collection of
various components that store data and instructions, either temporarily or
permanently. It's like your computer's workspace and filing cabinet rolled into one.
Types of Computer Memory

Broadly, computer memory falls into two main categories:

1. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

o RAM (Random Access Memory): This is your computer's short-term memory.
It's fast and volatile, meaning it loses data when the power goes off. Think of it as
your desk where you're working with the files (programs and data) you currently
need.

RAM module
o ROM (Read-Only Memory): This is non-volatile memory that stores permanent
instructions for your computer, like the BIOS. It's like the reference book on your
desk with the rules on how to operate.
 ROM chip
2. Secondary Memory (Storage)
o Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Traditional mechanical drives with spinning platters,
they offer large capacities but are slower than SSDs. Think of these as long-term
filing cabinets.

Hard Disk Drive

o Solid State Drives (SSD): Newer, faster storage based on flash memory with no
moving parts. These significantly improve computer speeds. It's a more efficient,
quick-access filing cabinet.
 Solid State Drive
o Optical Storage (CD, DVD, Blu-ray): Uses lasers to read and write data. Less
common now for primary storage, but still used for backups and software.

Memory Hierarchy

Think of computer memory as a pyramid:

 Top Tier (Fastest, smallest capacity): Registers (inside the CPU itself)
 Middle Tier:
o Cache Memory (small, high-speed memory within the CPU)
o RAM
 Bottom Tier (Slowest, largest capacity): Secondary Storage (HDDs, SSDs, etc.)
How Memory Works

 Data and instructions are stored in binary format (0s and 1s).
 Each memory location has a unique address.
 The CPU interacts with memory using a controller and a series of buses (data
pathways).
Important Factors when Considering Memory

 Capacity: How much data can it hold? (RAM is typically in gigabytes [GB],
storage in terabytes [TB])
 Speed: How fast does it transfer data? (Measured in clock speeds, transfer rates)
 Type: RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
 Compatibility: Does it fit your computer and work with your other components
 PORTS
Types of Ports

1. Physical Ports
o These are the physical connectors you see on your computer, laptop, or other
devices. They provide an interface for plugging in various peripherals and
accessories. Examples include:
 USB ports: Versatile ports for keyboards, mice, flash drives, cameras, etc.
 HDMI ports: Transmit high-definition video and audio.
 DisplayPort: Similar to HDMI, used for displays.
 Ethernet ports: Connect your computer to wired networks.
 3.5mm audio jacks: For headphones and microphones.

various physical ports on a compute

2. Network Ports (Logical Ports)
o These are not physical but rather virtual communication endpoints within your
computer's operating system. They identify specific programs or services running
on your machine and manage how data is routed.
o How It Works:
 Each network port is assigned a unique number (0 to 65535).
 When you use an application that communicates over the internet (like browsing
the web), a port is assigned to differentiate the traffic from other programs running
at the same time.
 Think of ports as apartment numbers in a building: The building is your computer's
IP address, the apartment number is the port, and the residents are the applications
receiving or sending data.
o Common Port Examples:
 Port 80: HTTP (Web browsing)
 Port 443: HTTPS (Secure web browsing)
 Port 25: SMTP (Sending email)
 Port 20/21: FTP (File transfer)
Why Do Ports Matter?

 Organization: Ports allow your computer to manage different types of traffic

simultaneously without everything getting jumbled. Imagine trying to watch
streaming video and download a file at the same time without ports – it would
cause chaos!
 Security: Firewalls use information about ports to block or allow specific types of
traffic, protecting your system from potential threats.

MICROPROCESSOR
What is a Microprocessor

 The Brain of Your Computer: A microprocessor is like the heart of your

computer. It's a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that handles all the essential
calculations and decision-making for your computer. It’s essentially the Central
Processing Unit (CPU) on a very small scale.
 A Tiny Powerhouse: Microprocessors contain millions, even billions of
microscopic transistors that process instructions and data, enabling your computer
to function.
Key Functions of a Microprocessor

1. Fetching Instructions: The microprocessor pulls instructions from your

computer's memory (RAM).
2. Decoding Instructions: It translates those instructions into actions it understands.
3. Executing Instructions: The microprocessor performs the calculations and logical
operations required by the instructions. This could involve things like adding
numbers, comparing data, or moving files.
4. Writing Back Results: Once the task is completed, the microprocessor sends the
results back to memory.
Components Inside a Microprocessor
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs the mathematical and logical operations
at lightning speed.
 Control Unit (CU): The manager that tells other components what to do and
when, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
 Registers: Super-fast, tiny memory units directly within the microprocessor that
store data it's currently working with.
Factors Affecting Microprocessor Performance

 Clock speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz), this is how many instruction cycles
the microprocessor can complete per second. Faster clock speed generally means
faster processing.
 Number of Cores: Modern microprocessors have multiple cores, like miniature
processors within a processor. More cores allow for multitasking and heavier
workloads.
 Cache: A type of fast memory within the microprocessor that stores frequently
used data, improving efficiency.
Common Microprocessor Manufacturers:

 Intel: Known for their Core i-series processors.

 AMD: Offers the popular Ryzen processors.
 References
 Lifewire: What Are Motherboard Ports and How Do They Work?: https://www.build-your-own-
computer.net/computer-wiring.html
 PC Magazine: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Motherboard
Components: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/categories/motherboards
 Techopedia: Central Processing Unit
(CPU): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit
 Intel: Processors: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/processors.html
 AMD: Processors: https://shop-us-en.amd.com/
 Tom's Hardware: How to Choose a Power Supply Unit
(PSU): https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/psu-buying-guide,2916.html
 GamersNexus: How to Choose a Power Supply Unit (PSU) - 2023
Edition: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zG71dQ9qRbc
 Memory): https://www.computerhope.com/help/memory.htm
 Crucial: The Ultimate RAM Guide: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/memory-buying-
guide,6347.html