What are the different

types of hardware devices

that we had discussed
before?
 5 most important
components of your
computer
Regular servicing and timely upgrades are necessary to
maintain your PC in its prime condition, so you can keep
enjoying it without interruption. Electrical items break
down eventually after constant use, and this is also true for
computer hardware.
PCs can slow down for many different reasons, and most
of the time, you can
solve it without touching delicate computer components.
That said, for more critical issues, an upgrade often is the
best solution. These are the 5 major components of a
computer that you need to know about:
1. Motherboard - The main printed
circuit board in a computer is known
as the motherboard. Other names for
this central computer unit are system
board, mainboard, or printed wired
board (PWB). The motherboard is
sometimes shortened to Mobo.
Numerous major components crucial
for the functioning of the computer are
attached to the motherboard. These
include the processor, memory, and
expansion slots. The motherboard
connects directly or indirectly to every
part of the PC.
Motherboards offer different form factors (general specs encompassing
circuitry arrangement, overall size, number of ports, etc.), and only
specific motherboard models can fit into certain computer cases/chassis,
especially for customisable desktops.
For laptops, specialised motherboards are used instead, with much of
their built-in hardware already soldered onto their respective circuits
permanently. This is done due to the laptop’s smaller frame and lighter
build, with only certain parts like the RAM and storage that can be
upgraded.
When a motherboard is damaged, PCs cease to function fully. Noting the
complexity of the circuitry and wiring in place, a faulty motherboard can
instantly stop your computer from working and potentially harm other
parts. While motherboards are easily replaced for desktops, the same
can’t be said for laptops, forcing you to buy a brand new one.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - The central
processing unit (CPU) - commonly referred to as the
processor - is the ‘brain’ of your computer. The CPU
solves all the sophisticated algorithms and programming
your computer does while running programs or
applications.
Nowadays, almost all processors possess multiple CPUs to
achieve quicker processing speeds, ensuring faster
response times when using software or browsing the web.
These special processors are called multi-core
processors, with each CPU designated as 1 processing
For example, the high-end Intel® Core™ i7-12850HX
processor has 16 independent cores that work together to
handle computing tasks, allowing you to do program-
intensive work without stressing your computer too much.
You can squeeze more power from your CPUs to get slight
performance boosts by overclocking them. However, this
comes with risks that might damage your processor, so
keep that in mind. Remember, a PC cannot work properly
with an impaired processor, even if other components
function normally.
3. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) - When
handling graphical operations and advanced
imagery, the graphical processing unit
(GPU) is the computer hardware responsible for
it. A GPU is required for your computer to read
and reproduce graphical representations and
effects, which are almost present in every form
of media today.
Certain top-spec CPUs can also have basic GPUs
embedded in them, especially premium laptops that focus
on lightweight mobility and use. However, the finest
GPUs are primarily used for video gaming, capable of
handling immense 3D-graphics loads to maintain smooth
frame rates and lag-free experiences.
When gaming, the CPU and GPU work in tandem. The
GPU manages the heavy lifting in terms of the on-screen
graphics and fidelity, while the CPU runs the
programming that works behind the scenes, such as data
and in-game statistics.
A broken-down GPU can lead to many
problems, including the feared
black screen of death. The current crisis of
GPU chips shortages causes another
headache, making losing your GPU a
nightmare.
4. Random Access Memory (RAM) -
Computers have different forms of memory that
store information and data, and the more
prominently discussed is random-access
memory (RAM). A RAM device keeps
important currently-used data and codes on
standby, loading them instantly when respective
programs or apps are opened.
RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning all stored
memory is refreshed after turning off the PC. This allows
the device to quickly absorb new data immediately during
the next session, prompting quicker loading processes.
Almost all mainstream computers can be upgraded with
more RAM by buying a better RAM device - or RAM
stick - that offers bigger storage capacity, including mini
laptops. Nevertheless, depending on your computing
activities, you might not use all RAM, so you need to
understand how much RAM is ideal for your PC according
to its primary use (work, gaming, etc.).
Although a damaged RAM stick might not
necessarily disrupt your computer from
working properly, it will hinder its
performance over time, resulting in
program crashes, unexpected decrease in
RAM, and failure to boot, among others.
5. Storage device - A storage device provides
the memory for installing programs and saving
files. Unlike RAM, a storage device’s content
is secured in non-volatile memory, meaning
that data is saved permanently inside its
memory bank, preserving them even after you
turn off the PC (unless manually deleted or
uninstalled).
PCs use 2 common types of internal storage devices: hard disk
drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SDDs). HDDs are the
cheaper option but suffer from slower transfer speeds, while
SDDs are their superior counterparts but are more expensive.
These devices are attached to your computer using dedicated
SATA cables, replaced by SAS cables for big servers and
workstations.
Other secondary storage devices exist, such as USB flash drives
and portable HDDs. However, these peripherals are not installed
inside computers. Instead, they are connected to the PC via
alternative channels like USB ports or external disk drives,
depending on the specs.
Even though storage devices do not impact your
computer’s boot-up process, start-up programs like
Google Chrome or Microsoft Word are loaded
directly from your HDD or SDD. So a damaged
storage device can interrupt the whole process,
potentially corrupting your files. If so, you will need
to replace your hard drive immediately, sometimes
requiring a complete system reformat or Windows
reinstall, which is a hassle.