COMPONENTS OF THE
COMPUTER SYSTEM
Computer Hardware
UNIT 2
A typical installation of computer hardware component
includes a monitor, a computer, a keyboard, and mouse.
Input devices
• Input devices allow the user to communicate with
the computer by entering data or commands.
• Keyboard – primary input device used to input
alphanumeric data and commands to the
computer
• Mouse – primary input device used to navigate
and interact with the monitor output
• Scanner – scans documents and converts them
digitally, which can be edited on a computer.
• Webcam – small cameras attached to a monitor
or desk that record or broadcast video
• Joystick – device used to control video games,
aside from the keyboard
Output devices
Output devices enable the computer to show the
processed data and information understandably to
the user.
• Printer – prints paper documents, photographs,
and other outputs called hard copies which are
physical versions of the documents.
• Monitor – acts as the primary display of the unit
where the user interface and programs are
reflected.
• Speakers – sound system device that produce
audio output from the computer
The System Unit
• The System Unit is the overall structure that houses the
computer's processor, memory, and electronic components
that process data. It is where all of the input and output
devices are connected.
• The system unit is protected by a system case, also known as
a computer case. It holds and protects the majority of a
computer's components.
The System Unit
The Computer Case is the framework that supports and encloses the
computer's internal components. It aids in the prevention of static
electricity damage. It is typically made of plastic, steel, and aluminum
and comes in a variety of styles. A form factor is the size and layout of a
case. It is also intended to keep internal components cool through the
use of airflow vents and cooling fans.
Types:
• Tower (Full, Mid, Mini)
• Desktop (Standard, Slimline)
TOWER Type Cases
TOWER Type Cases
[Link]
Desktop Type Cases
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• The power supply unit (PSU)
provides power to the computer.
• Important hardware cables and
buses for transferring power to
various computer components are
attached.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Wire Harness and
Cable Connectors
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The following are the basic connectors found in power supplies:
• The standard motherboard power connector is the ATX 24 pin main power
connector, which is found in almost every computer.
• One of several standard peripheral power connectors is the SATA 15 pin power
supply connector. SATA power connectors are only used to power SATA drives
such as hard drives and optical drives. SATA power connectors are incompatible
with older PATA devices.
• A Molex 4 pin power supply connector is a common peripheral power
connector. Molex power connectors connect to a wide range of internal
peripherals, including PATA hard drives and optical drives, some video cards,
and even some other devices.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The following are the basic connectors found in power supplies:
• The standard floppy drive power connector is a four-pin power supply
connector. Despite the fact that floppy drives are becoming obsolete, the
floppy power connector, also known as a Berg connector or Mini-Molex
connector, is still included in even the most recent power supplies.
• The ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power
connector that is used to supply +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator.
This small connector is usually located near the CPU on the motherboard.
• The ATX 6 pin power supply connector is a motherboard power connector that
provides +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator, but the 4-pin variety is
more commonly used. This small connector is usually located near the CPU on
the motherboard.
The Motherboard
Motherboard is the central printed circuit
board (PCB) in many modern computers
that houses many of the system's critical
components as well as connectors for
other peripherals.
The motherboard is also known as the
mainboard, system board, or logic board.
It is also colloquially abbreviated as mobo.
[Link]
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A microATX motherboard with some
faulty capacitors
The Motherboard
The functions of a computer motherboard are as follows:
• The motherboard serves as the central backbone of a computer, upon
which other modular components such as the CPU, RAM, and hard
disks are installed.
• The motherboard also serves as a platform for the installation of
additional devices and interfaces via the various expansion slots.
• The motherboard is also in charge of distributing power to the
computer's various components.
• They are also used to coordinate the various devices in the computer
[Link]
and to keep an interface between them. with_AMD_Athlon_Processor_2_Digon3.jpg
The Motherboard
The form factor of a motherboard refers to the board's size and shape. It also
describes the physical layout of the motherboard's various components and
devices. Motherboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes:
• AT – Advanced Technology
• ATX – Advanced Technology Extended
• Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
• Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
• LPX – Low-profile Extended
• NLX – New Low-profile Extended [Link]
• BTX – Balanced Technology Extended
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The Motherboard
[Link]
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The Motherboard
[Link]
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The Motherboard
[Link]
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The Motherboard
• AGP, PCI Connectors in the PCChips M925LR Motherboard
Universal AGP slot (brown, top),
2 PCI 2.2 slots (white beige,
middle), and
CNR slot (brown, bottom)
[Link]
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The Motherboard
[Link]
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Motherboard Components And Connectors
A typical motherboard with constituent components is given below:
[Link]
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Motherboard Components And Connectors
1. PCI SLOT (Peripheral Component Interconnect) : PCI slots are used to Insert or install Add-on cards, such
as LAN cards, Sound cards, Capture cards and TV tuner cards. There are usually anywhere from 1 to 6 PCI slots
available on the motherboard(above board has 2 PCI slots. ), they have decreased in number and are being
replaced by the PCI Express 1x slots.
2. PCI-E 16x Slot : the most common slot for Graphics cards, the PCI Express 16x slots provides 16 separate
lanes or data transfer. These are the 16x speed versions, which are currently the fastest. PCI-E16x allows up to 4
GB/s of peak bandwidth per direction, and up to 8 GB/s concurrent bandwidth.
3. PCI-E 1x Slot : Single slot - In the PCIe 1.x generation, each lane (1x) carries 250 MB/s compared to 133
MB/s for the PCI slots. These can be used for expansion cards such as Sound Cards, or Ethernet Cards.
4. Northbridge: This allows communication between the CPU and the system memory and PCI-E slots. It is a
focal Point of Motherboard and It is also called as Memory Controller Hub.
5. ATX 12V 2X and 4 Pin Power Connection : This is one of two power connections that supply power to the
.motherboard This connection will come from your Power Supply.
6. CPU-Fan Connection: This is where the CPU fan will connect. Using this connection over one fof the power
supply will allow the motherboard to control the speed of the fan, based on the CPU temperature.
7. Socket: This is where the CPU will plug in. The orange bracket that is surrounding it is used for high end heat
sinks. It helps to support the weight of the heat sink. [Link]
8. DIMM slots: DIMM's are by far and away the most used memory types in today's computers. They vary in
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speeds and standards however and they need to match up to what your motherboard has been designed to take.
The four standards of DIMM's being used at the moment are SDR (Single Data Rate), DDR (Double Data Rate),
DDR2 and DDR3. The speeds of memory can vary between 66Mhz to 1600Mhz.
Motherboard Components And Connectors
9. ATX Power Connector: This is the second of two power connections. This is the main power connection for
the motherboard, and comes from the Power Supply.
10. IDE connectors or PATA connectors : IDE full form is Integrated Device Electronics. it supports IDE
devices, such as Hard disks and CD and DVD drives. Most drives today come with SATA connections.
11. Southbridge: This is the controller for components such as the PCI slots, onboard audio, and USB
connections.
12. SATA Connections : SATA full form is Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. These are connect with serial
ATA devices, such as Hard disk drives and CD or DVD drives.
13. Front Panel Connections: this is where we will hook in the connections from the case. These are mostly the
different lights on the case, such as power on, hard drive activity etc.
14. FDD Connection: The FDD is the Floppy Disk controller. Floppy Drive Connector is used to connect floppy
drives. It supports two floppy drives.
15. External USB Connections: There are usually a couple of these ports located on each motherboard used for
connecting pen drives and external hard drives, like Ipods or Mp3 players.
16. CMOS battery :This is the motherboard's battery, which is used to power the south bridge and the BIOS to
save the setting, data and time.
[Link]
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Processing devices
• These are the computer’s circuitry in the system unit.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Memory
• Chipset
Processing devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The central processing unit (CPU) is the
computer's brain. It interprets and executes
the basic instructions for operating a
computer.
• The motherboard has a socket for the
processor or CPU.
• Because the CPU generates heat, a fan and
heat sink may be installed on top to keep it
cool.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Multi-core processors are processors that
have multiple cores. This means that the
processor is a single chip with two or more
independent processors. Each processor in a
multi-core processor operates at a slower
clock speed than a single-core processor, but
this efficient process typically improves
performance.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The ability of a central processing unit (CPU)
(or a single core in a multi-core processor) to
provide multiple threads of execution
concurrently, as supported by the operating
system, is referred to as multithreading. This
method is distinct from multiprocessing.
Threads in a multithreaded application share
the resources of a single or multiple cores,
such as computing units, CPU caches, and the
translation lookaside buffer (TLB).
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A multiprocessing system has more than
two processors, whereas multithreading
is a program execution technique that
allows multiple code segments in a single
process. Multiprocessing improves
system reliability, whereas
multithreading allows each thread to run
in parallel.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• There are several kinds of common multi-
core processors today:
• Dual Core Processor – chip that contains
two separate processors
• Quad Core Processor – chip with four
separate processors
• Hexa Core Processor – chip that contains
six separate processors
• Octa Core Processor – chip with eight
separate processors
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
AMD and Intel are the two most popular processor brands on the market today.
RAM(Random Access Memory)
• It's a set of electronic components that
serve as temporary storage for data and
program instructions while the CPU
processes them.
• RAM can be mounted in the form of
memory modules, such as DIMMs or
SODIMMs (SO-DIMMs sodimm).
RAM(Random Access Memory)
1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – This type of
RAM requires the CPU to recharge it. If
not, its contents are lost. DRAM comes
in a variety of forms, including:
• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) – faster than
DRAM because it is synchronized to the system
clock
• Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM – faster than
SDRAM because they transfer data twice for each
clock cycle (DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 are
variations of it)
• Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) – type of DRAM faster
than SDRAM that uses pipelining techniques
RAM(Random Access Memory)
1. Static RAM (SRAM) – This type is faster
and more dependable than any other
type of DRAM. This, unlike DRAM, does
not need to be re-energized. It is,
however, much more expensive and is
only used for specific purposes.
2. Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) – This
type of memory stores data using
magnetic charges rather than electrical
charges. It has more storage capacity,
uses less power, and has faster access
times.
RAM(Random Access Memory)
The RAM chips are contained in a memory module, which is
a small circuit board that is inserted into the motherboard.
Three types of memory modules:
• 1. Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) – this has pins
on opposite sides of the circuit board which connect
together to form a single set of contacts. This houses
SDRAM chips along with DIMMs.
• 2. Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) – the pins on
the opposite sides of the circuit board do not connect and
form two sets of contacts. This houses SDRAM chips along
with SIMMs.
• 3. Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) – this
houses RDRAM chips
RAM(Random Access Memory)
Depending on the types of applications used, the computer will
need a certain amount of memory to manage programs, data, and
information.
A computer's speed is proportional to the amount of RAM it has.
• At least 1GB of RAM is needed to run basic application software
such as Office Suite.
• At least 4GB should be available for programs and multimedia.
• At least 8GB is needed to play modern games or use editing
tools.
RAM is also available in sizes ranging from 4GB to 64GB,
depending on the applications that will be used on the device.
Processing devices
Chipsets
• It is also known as a "Data Flow
Management System," is a group of
electronic components in an integrated
circuit that controls data flow between
• The processor, memory, and peripherals.
The motherboard is normally where you'll
find it.
• Chipsets are usually made to work with a Intel i945GC Northbridge with Intel Pentium Dual-
particular microprocessor family. Core E2220 2.40 GHz on a Intel D945GCCR
motherboard (circa 2007)
Processing devices
Chipsets
A northbridge, also known as a host bridge, is
one of two chips in the core logic chipset
architecture on a PC motherboard that is
directly connected to the CPU via the front-side
bus (FSB) and is thus responsible for high-
performance tasks.
It is normally combined with a southbridge and
is also known as Memory Controller Hub.
A typical north/southbridge layout
Processing devices
Chipsets
A northbridge, also known as a host bridge, is
one of two chips in the core logic chipset
architecture on a PC motherboard that is
directly connected to the CPU via the front-side
bus (FSB) and is thus responsible for high-
performance tasks.
It is normally combined with a southbridge and
is also known as Memory Controller Hub.
A typical north/southbridge layout
Processing devices
Chipsets
Storage Devices
Data and programs are stored
on storage devices. These are
permanent storage devices
for data, documents, and
programs.
A system may contain one or
more hard drives, an optical
drive, a tape drive, or, in the
case of very old systems, a
floppy drive.
Storage Devices
Hard disk drive (HDD)
• By definition, a hard disk is a
mechanical drive that stores data
on magnetic and metallic platters.
Since its data is read magnetically
by read/write heads, it requires a
constant supply of power. Data
loss or drive failure may occur as
a result of a sudden power
outage. For data integrity and a
long lifetime, it must be used
properly.
Storage Devices
Solid state drive (SSD):
• This modern form of hard
drive uses flash memory
chips to store data and is
less prone to erratic
behavior. And in the case of
a power failure, it is quicker
and more efficient.
Processing devices
Flash Drive
highly portable small data
storage devices making use of
flash memory and a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port
connection
Processing devices
CD “compact disc”
this storage device can hold
up to 700 MB; it is read by an
optical drive through a laser
Processing devices
The DVD is a digital optical
disc data storage format
4.7GB (single-sided · single-
layer – common) ·
8.5 GB (single-sided, double-
layer) · 9.4 GB (double-sided,
single-layer)
Extended to: DVD+RW · DVD-
RAM (Fixed-track writable
media) · HD-DVD · Blu-ray
Cooling Technology
Cooling technologies are
essential in avoiding the
computer from overheating and
maintaining a good, well-
ventilated system.
Heat has the potential to cause
the computer to crash. With the
latest processors and video
cards, proper cooling has
become critical for maintaining
a computer's stability.
Cooling Technology
Sources of heat in a system
While all electronics emit some heat, for
many of them it is insignificant and does
not necessitate special care. There are a
few components, however, that produce a
significant amount of heat. Typically, these
are:
• Processor
• GPU
• Voltage regulator modules (VRM), these
are located around the CPU socket
• Chipset
• High-performance RAM
Cooling Technology
The effects of heat
• Over time, high heat accelerates wear and
decreases reliability of the components. The
reliability loss however, affects how stable the part
is at a given performance level. If reliability issues
start cropping up (due to, e.g., overclocking a
processor very high and constantly running heavy
loads), running the part at a lower performance
level may eke out a bit more life before the system
is no longer reliable.
• Thermal stress is another effect of heat on
components. When something gets hot, it
expands; when it cools, it contracts. Mechanical
stress is created by repeated heating/cooling
cycles, which can fatigue the material. The
material eventually cracks and breaks. Thermal
stress becomes much more pronounced when
temperature differences are large.
Cooling Technology
Types of cooling
Cooling down hot components in your
rig can be accomplished in a variety of
ways. Each differs in the type of physics
magic they use to accomplish their
goals.
• Air Cooling
• Liquid Cooling
• Phase Change Cooling
• Peltier Cooling
Cooling Technology
Air Cooling
The primary cooling medium in air cooling is the
air in the case. Cooler air absorbs heat from a
component, and either case fans or natural
convection (as heat rises) transport the hot air
away.
This is the most basic and least expensive
method of cooling. Better air-cooling solutions,
on the other hand, can become bulky and
heavy. To achieve the same operating
temperature as other cooling methods, air
coolers require significantly more airflow, which
translates to significantly more noise.
Cooling Technology
Air Cooling Components
• Heatsink
• Heat spreader:
• Heat pipe/Vapor chamber:
• Fan:
Cooling Technology
Air Cooling Components
Heat pipe/Vapor chamber: These two
components use phase change cooling
(described below). Inside is a working fluid that
boils off from one end of the component and
cools off on the other. This enables a heat sink
that employs it to work more efficiently for the
same amount of space.
Fan: A fan causes forced convection over a
heatsink, pushing more air through it than
natural convection. If a heat sink has a fan, it’s
called active cooling. Otherwise, it’s passive
cooling.
Cooling Technology
Liquid Cooling
The primary cooling medium in liquid
cooling is some kind of coolant, usually
distilled water. Heat is transferred from
the component to a radiator, where air
cooling takes over and cools the liquid.
The fact that liquid cooling has a much
higher heat capacity than air means
that it can hold a lot more heat energy
for a given temperature. For the same
workload, a liquid cooler can keep a
component at a lower temperature
than an air cooler.
Cooling Technology
Liquid Cooling Components
• Heat block
• Radiator
• Pump
• Reservoir
Cooling Technology
Liquid Cooling Components
• Heat block: This attaches to the
component and has liquid-flowing
channels. Inside, heat transfer is aided
by fins similar to those found on a
heat sink.
• Radiator: A radiator is a back-and-
forth loop of pipe with metal fins
connecting the sections. This rapidly
cools the liquid. A fan can be used to
help the liquid cool faster.
Cooling Technology
Liquid Cooling Components
• Pump: is responsible for keeping the
liquid flowing throughout the system.
• Reservoir: This increases the amount
of liquid that the system can hold,
thereby increasing cooling capacity.
They can also be used to aid in the
removal of air from the system.
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
• Closed-loop system (aka all-in-one)
• Open-loop systems
• Submerged
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
Closed-loop system (aka all-in-one)
This is a complete system that includes
the heat block, a pump, and a radiator.
Aside from installation and basic
maintenance, these are not user
serviceable. That is, you cannot expand
the loop by adding more tubing and
parts. examples of a closed loop water cooler unit.
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
Open-loop systems
Because they are built piece by piece,
they are modular and customizable. For
example, you could start with a CPU
cooling loop and then add the video
card later. An open loop typically
consists of the heat block(s), radiator,
pump, and reservoir, with tubes
connecting them all.
examples of a Open-loop system.
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
Submerged
• This involves immersing the majority
of the hardware in a liquid, usually
mineral oil due to its inability to
conduct electricity. The liquid can still
be pumped to a radiator to be cooled.
examples of a submerged system.
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
Phase Change Cooling
• The same way an air conditioner or
refrigerator works, phase change
cooling uses the vaporization (liquid
to gas) action of a working fluid to
draw heat away or pump it elsewhere.
When you tilt a can of compressed air
too far and spray on a surface, you
can see this at work.
examples of a phase change cooling system.
Cooling Technology
Types of Liquid Cooling
Peltier Cooling
• The thermoelectric principle is used in Peltier
cooling. When electricity is applied to a
Peltier cooling module, one side becomes hot
and the other side becomes cold. The
component that requires cooling is subjected
to the cold side. One of the other methods is
used to cool the hot side.
• It has fallen out of favor due to the fact that it
requires another cooling system (usually
liquid) in any case, as the hot side can get hot
enough to burn out the unit. The cool side
can also get colder than the ambient
examples of a peltier system.
temperature, posing a condensation risk.
Cooling Technology
Your PC needs some cleaning once in a while
• If taxes and death are unavoidable, so is dust
accumulating in a typical home PC. Dust will
accumulate as long as air flows through the
computer. Dust is an excellent heat insulator,
causing components to become caked with it and
less efficient at cooling.
• Your PC should be cleaned of dust at least once a
month, and possibly more frequently depending on
how clean your environment is.