Components of a Computer
Sebin Philip
SO/E
ED, BARC
CPU: Central Processing Unit
• The CPU is the brain of the computer responsible
for executing instructions.
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic
and logical operations.
• Control Unit: Directs operations of the processor.
• Registers: Small, fast storage locations inside the
CPU.
• Clock speed and core count determine CPU
performance.
CPU specification
1. Cores
• Cores: A core is like a small processor inside the
CPU. More cores = better multitasking.
• Performance (P) cores: High-speed cores. Handle
heavy tasks like gaming, video editing,
programming. Designed for maximum
performance
• Efficiency (E) cores : Low-power [Link]
background tasks (updates, downloading, light
apps).Designed for power saving
CPU specification
2. Threads
Threads are like virtual cores created by the
CPU.
More threads = better at:
• Multitasking
• Video rendering
• Coding/compiling
• Running multiple heavy apps
CPU specification
• Base Clock: This is the minimum guaranteed
speed of the, CPU during normal operation.
• Boost Clock: This is the maximum speed the
CPU can reach when needed.
• Cache:
– L1 Cache → Fastest, smallest
– L2 Cache → Slower than L1, faster than L3
– L3 Cache → Slowest among caches, largest
CPU specification
• TDP (Thermal Design Power)
It tells how much heat the CPU produces under
full load.
RAM: Random Access Memory
• RAM is temporary memory used by the CPU for
fast data access.
• Higher RAM improves multitasking and
performance.
• Speed measured in MHz or MT/s.
• CAS Latency defines delay in data retrieval.
• Single/Dual/Quad Channel affects bandwidth.
• Volatile memory: data is lost when power is off.
RAM Specifications
• Type
– This tells the generation of RAM.
– Newer generations are faster, more efficient, and
support higher speeds.
– Eg: DDR3, DDR4, DDR5
• Capacity
– Total amount of memory available.
– More capacity = better multitasking and smoother
performance.
– Eg: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
RAM Specifications
• Speed/Frequency
– Measured in MHz or MT/s (Mega Transfers per
second).
– Higher speed → faster data transfer → be er
performance.
• CAS Latency (CL)
– Represents the delay (in clock cycles) before the
RAM can respond to the CPU.
– Lower CL = faster responsiveness.
– Eg: CL16, CL18, CL36
RAM Specifications
• Voltage
– Lower voltage = better efficiency and less heat.
• DDR4: 1.2V
• DDR5: 1.1V
• Over clocked versions: 1.35V, 1.4V
• Form Factor
• DIMM → Desktop RAM
• SO-DIMM → Laptop RAM
RAM Specifications
• ECC vs Non-ECC
– ECC RAM
– Has error correction
– Used in servers and mission-critical systems
– Non ECC RAM
– Used in normal PCs and laptops
– Faster and cheaper
ROM: Read Only Memory
• Permanent memory used to store firmware
instructions.
• Stores BIOS/UEFI required for system startup.
• Non-volatile memory: data remains even
without power.
• Used for embedded system programs and
low-level software.
HDD: Hard Disk Drive
• Traditional storage device using spinning
magnetic disks.
• Affordable for large storage needs (up to
multiple TB).
• Slower read/write speeds due to mechanical
parts.
• Available in 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM variants.
• Better suited for long-term archival storage.
SSD: Solid State Drive
• Uses NAND flash memory for high-speed storage.
• No moving parts → more durable and faster than
HDD.
• SATA SSDs reach ~500 MB/s and are suitable for
older PCs.
• NVMe SSDs use PCIe lanes and can reach 7000
MB/s or higher.
• Great for operating systems, gaming, and
applications.
SSD Types
• SATA SSD – slower, uses SATA III interface
• NVMe SSD (M.2) – very fast, uses PCIe lanes
• PCIe Add-in-Card SSD – high-performance
expansion card
Form Factors
• 2.5-inch SATA SSD – traditional SSD for older
devices
• M.2 2280 – most common modern SSD form
factor
• PCIe AIC – full-size SSD expansion card
Interface
• SATA III – 6 Gbps bandwidth limit
• PCIe Gen 3 ×4 – up to ~3500 MB/s
• PCIe Gen 4 ×4 – up to ~7000 MB/s
• PCIe Gen 5 ×4 – up to ~12000 MB/s
Protocol
• AHCI – older protocol designed for HDDs, used
by SATA SSDs
• NVMe – modern high-speed protocol
optimized for SSD performance
Capacity Options
• 120GB – Basic OS drive
• 240GB / 250GB – Light usage
• 500GB – Standard requirement
• 1TB / 2TB – Heavy multitasking
• 4TB and above – High-capacity needs
Read & Write Speeds
• SATA SSD: ~500–550 MB/s
• NVMe Gen 3 SSD: ~3500 MB/s
• NVMe Gen 4 SSD: ~7000 MB/s
• NVMe Gen 5 SSD: ~10000–12000 MB/s
Endurance Ratings
• TBW (Terabytes Written) – total data SSD can
write before failure
• DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) – enterprise
endurance metric
• Higher endurance means longer SSD lifespan
DRAM vs DRAM-less SSD
• DRAM SSD: Includes dedicated DRAM chip,
faster performance
• DRAM-less SSD: Slower under heavy
workloads, cheaper
• HMB (Host Memory Buffer) used by some
DRAM-less NVMe SSDs
Example SSD Specification
• Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD (1TB)
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: PCIe 4.0 ×4
• Protocol: NVMe 1.3c
• Read Speed: 7000 MB/s, Write Speed: 5000 MB/s
• DRAM: Yes
• Endurance: 600 TBW
Motherboard
• The main circuit board connecting all
components of a computer.
• Houses CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots,
storage connectors, and chipset.
• Controls communication between CPU,
memory, and peripherals.
• Form factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
Importance of Chipset
• The chipset decides system capabilities and CPU
compatibility.
• Controls number of PCIe lanes and expansion slot
configurations.
• Determines RAM type, maximum speed, and
capacity.
• Manages SATA ports, NVMe SSD connectivity, and
USB support.
• Influences overclocking, networking, and overall
motherboard features.
PCIe Slots (x4, x8, x16)
• PCIe slots are high-speed expansion interfaces.
• PCIe x4: Suitable for NVMe SSD cards and
network cards.
• PCIe x8: Used for RAID controllers and some
GPUs.
• PCIe x16: Used for graphics cards and high-
performance expansion cards.
• More lanes = higher bandwidth and faster data
transfer.
M.2 Slot
• Compact slot for SSDs and wireless modules.
• Supports SATA or NVMe depending on
motherboard design.
• NVMe over M.2 uses PCIe x4 lanes for
extreme speed.
• Common sizes: 2280, 2260, 2242 (length ×
width).
Ports & Connectivity
• USB ports: Connect external devices and
transfer data.
• HDMI: Digital video and audio output.
• DisplayPort: Supports high refresh rates and
multiple monitors.
• Ethernet: Wired network connection.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Wireless communication.
Video Port Differences
• VGA: Analog video, older technology, no
audio.
• HDMI: Digital video + audio, used in TVs and
monitors.
• DisplayPort: Higher bandwidth, supports
daisy-chaining and high refresh rates.
Expansion Cards
• Enhance computer capabilities by adding
specialized hardware.
• Graphics Card: Renders images and videos.
• Network Card: Provides wired/wireless
connectivity.
• Sound Card: Enhances audio processing.
• Capture Card: Records external video sources.
Conclusion
• Computer components work together to
process, store, and communicate information.
• Understanding each component is important
for upgrades and performance enhancements.
• Modern systems rely on fast storage, strong
CPU performance, and efficient connectivity.