Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer

1. Describe a computer system

Hardware Components

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The heart of the computer and also
known as brain, it does work like calculations beside to executing
instructions.

RAM (Memory): Random Access Memory is a kind of memory used

to store data and instructions that the CPU uses during normal
operation. Volatile: It is typed of memory that loses everything
whenever the computer is off.

Long-Term Storage: Devices such Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid

State Drive's (SDD) and Optical Drives store data permanently as
well as programs.

Motherboard: The primary printed circuit board found in a computer

holding the CPU and RAM as well as other essential components. It
allows for additional peripherals to be connected by way of
connectors

Input Device that allows data to be entered into the computer. For
example: Keyboard, Mouse etc

Output devices: monitors, printers and speakers with which the user
interacts.

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 2. Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and
power supplies

Names Purposes Characteristics

of cases &
power supplies
Advanced Original power AT cases were
Technology (AT) supply for typically larger
legacy and bulkier
computer than modern
system. cases, designed
to
accommodate
full-sized AT
motherboards.

AT power
supplies were
larger and less
efficient
compared to
modern ATX
power
supplies, often
with lower
wattage
outputs
(typically 150-
300W).

AT Extended Updated Cases range from

(ATX) version of the mid-tower (most
AT common) to full-
tower (larger for more
expansion options) to
small form factor
cases (for mATX or
Mini ATX boards).

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 Modern ATX power
supplies are rated by
efficiency using the
80 PLUS certification
system (e.g., 80 PLUS
Bronze, Silver, Gold,
Platinum, Titanium).
Higher efficiency
means less power
wasted as heat,
leading to better
energy savings and
quieter operation.
ATX12V The most ATX12V
common power supplies
power supply are designed to
on the market be compatible
today. with standard
ATX cases, so
the
characteristics
of the cases
themselves
remain largely
the same as
those of
standard ATX
cases.
However, as
the ATX12V
standard
became more
prevalent, case
designs
evolved to
better
accommodate
the specific
requirements
of these power
supplies.
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 The ATX12V
specification
brought several
enhancements
to the original
ATX power
supply design,
focusing on
improved
power delivery
to meet the
demands of
more powerful
CPUs, GPUs,
and other
components.
EPS12V Originally While EPS12V
designed for is primarily a
network power supply
servers but is specification,
now the cases
commonly designed to
used in high- accommodate
end desktop the power
models. supplies.

EPS12V power
supplies are
designed for
systems with
higher power
demands, such
as servers,
workstations,
and high-end
gaming or
professional
rigs.

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 3. 3. Describe cases

The case houses the internal components such as the power supply, motherboard,
central processing unit (CPU), memory, disk drives, and assorted adapter cards.

The term form factor refers to the physical design and look of a case. Common
desktop computers are available in form factors including:

Horizontal case

Full-Size Tower

Compact Tower

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All-in-one

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4. Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal
component

Names purposes characteristics

Motherboard The Contains slots
motherboard for the CPU,
is the main RAM, and
circuit board expansion
that connects cards.
all
components,
Includes the
allowing them
chipset, which
to
manages data
communicate
flow between
with each
the CPU,
other.
memory, and
peripherals.

Features
various ports
and connectors
for external
devices.
Central Processing Unit The CPU, Clock speed
(CPU) often referred (measured in
to as the GHz)
"brain" of the determines how
computer, fast the CPU
executes processes
instructions instructions.
from
programs and
Core count
performs
(e.g., dual-core,
calculations.
quad-core)
impacts
multitasking
ability.
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 Cache memory
(L1, L2, L3)
stores
frequently
accessed data
for quick
retrieval.
Cooling System The cooling Air Cooling: Uses fans
system keeps and heat sinks to
the CPU, dissipate heat.
GPU, and
other Liquid Cooling: Uses
components liquid coolant
from circulated through
overheating. tubes and radiators for
more efficient cooling.

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