Houston, TX
The globalization of computers diffusing across the world causes many countries to become a more mechanized society. Many believe that these heavy-powered machines, such as everyday home portable computers, are extremely complicated to build, manufacture, or even use. With a tremendous increase in technological booms, computers aren’t all that complicated in terms of using, or even building yourself!
The CPU: The CPU, otherwise known as the Central processing unit, guides the computer after the input from the human to solve an issue and perform a specific task. The CPU is a square-shaped component often manufactured by either Intel or AMD-Ryzen. CPUs are essential and come at various price points depending on the number of cores and threads based on your needs. For example, watching Youtube and using Netflix will require a low-mid range CPU whereas someone who does video editing needs a high-end CPU for high-performance demands.
The GPU: The GPU, or Graphics processing unit, processes data and inputs it onto your monitor screen for viewing. Usually, those that perform everyday tasks have integrated graphics inside their CPU. Yet for more performance, dedicated GPUs offer extreme performance along with a hefty price tag. Premium GPUs can run for $800+ USD in current markets!
Power Supply: A computer’s power must come from somewhere! The motherboard, GPU, Fans, as well as case lighting all need power and are all connected to a box near the edge of the computer at the rear. This box provides power to all systems and then connects to a wall outlet or power surge to provide power. Depending on your system’s needs of power, different supplies come with different power ratings and various price points.
The motherboard: Think of the motherboard as the main structure for your computer. The motherboard holds your CPU, GPU, SSD/HDD drives, and connects to the power supply for power. It connects all components together to form your computer and proceeds to run on a specific operating system of your choosing. Most common are MAC-OS, Windows, and Linux. These are platforms/layouts for your computer to operate on.
The Storage Devices: Storage devices come in two forms: SSD and HDD. The SSD or Solid State Drive is usually smaller and more compact offering higher speeds such as faster load time, ease of access to opening files, etc. The HDD has higher storage capacity and is larger yet offers slower speeds compared to the SSD. HDD’s or hard disk drives often come in most computers yet SSD drives are in more premium ones usually.
RAM: RAM or random access memory helps the computer to multi-task different things all at one time. For example, those that need multiple google chrome tabs, youtube, video editing, or a game need excessive amounts of ram to keep the computer from overloading. Those that usually focus on one task keep to low or regular amounts of ram. All in all, most modern computers can multi-task extremely well-however, those that need that extra performance will need to go for high-performance or gaming computers in the long run.
Whether you're using your computer for gaming or multitasking, modern computers can handle mostly anything thrown at them for everyday tasks. Knowing the components of your computer can help you save money or troubleshoot problems you may be having. It helps you use your computer to its fullest abilities without putting too much stress on it.
Keep Calm and Computer ON- Like this blog? Check out more of STEM-E's Projects! STEM Innovations Podcast
Comments