Processor is the central unit in a computer that interprets instructions and carries out the data processing. The CPU is connected directly to the motherboard, and communicates with most of the components, giving it instructions. This is why it’s known as the ‘brain’ of the computer.
PCI Slots
A PCI slot is used to add extension cards to the machine, such as graphics cards, network cards, and soundcards. This could improve your performance. The PCI is connected to the motherboard and you can add other extensions onto this, such as additional graphics cards
Fan
The fan has an important role in the computer. It is used to keep components cool, so they work much more efficiently without being damaged. This kind of fan is usually right next to a PSU as there’s often a lot of current moving inside, heating it up a lot. This requires a fan to keep it cool.
DVD ROM
A DVD-ROM drive simply reads DVDs. DVDs look like CDs, but hold much more data. Having a DVD-ROM drive will also allow you to watch movies you buy or purchase from a store on your computer if you had the right program installed. The DVD-ROM is also connected to the motherboard, onto the DVD–ROM connectors.
Ethernet
The Ethernet is one of the most common types of connections used in a local area network (LAN). It is used to connect computer to computer, a local network,
VGA
The VGA (Video Graphics Array) port is a standard type of output connection for video devices. It is used to connect your computer to a projector or monitor in order to display the screen. This connects to a monitor or a projector so that it can display a video output of what’s on the screen.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board that every component is connected to. It works as a ‘Spine’ and distributes the current amongst all components. The motherboard consists of many crucial components; such as the hard drive, RAM, fans, processor, etc. The motherboard communicates with all the components inside a computer (Fan, DVD-ROM, hard drive, processor, etc.). It’s what connects everything together.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is the same as RAM but for graphical uses. It consists of memory which is used when you launch a graphical program which uses 3D models, and are held onto over here while being in use. The graphics card is connected to the motherboard on the graphics card slot. Certain types of these can go into the PCI slots.
Heat Sink
The heat sink is placed on top of the processor to absorb heat off of it. To do this more efficiently, it has lots of metal plates so that it can absorb heat more efficiently and quickly to keep the processor safe. The heat sink is always on top of the processor, to draw the heat off of it with its metal plates. Its main priority is to keep the processor at a temperature for it to run as efficiently as possible.
Hard Drive
The hard drive consists of several discs which hold on to memory for a long time. The memory consists of files and programs, software, including the operating system. The hard drive only holds long term memory. When it has a memory that needs to be displayed, it heads towards the RAM.
Game Port
A Game Port is an input/output connector to which you attach a Joystick or other game device to your computer. It is typically a 15-pin socket located either on the back of a PC or on the back of a sound card so equipped with one.
USB Port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port allows the user to make transfers of memory at 12mbps, and stand-alone electronic devices to be connected to your computer.The USB
ports are often used to connect external peripheral devices onto the
motherboard (Keyboard, mouse, printers, etc.). It lets a transfer of 12mbps
which is a good speed for data transfer.
RAM
The RAM consists of "Short term memory" which is used when you launch a script, or a program. The files and programs are brought here, in order to be opened. The RAM takes out files from the hard drive when they need to be used and put into here temporarily.
Battery
The battery in the computer doesn’t supply the computer with enough power to run it, though it provides enough to keep the minimal processes running, such as the system date/time. The battery is connected directly onto the motherboard to keep the RTC (Real time clock) running.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is what converts the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and lets the current travel around the mother board, which then distributes it amongst other components. The PSU is connected to the motherboard, and it’s often next to a fan. The power supply heats up a lot quite often. This is because a lot of current flows through it, meaning it need a fan to keep it cool.
Hardware Controllers
Parallel Printer Port
This port is used to connect any peripheral devices to your computer, most likely a printer. Peripheral: an external object that provides input and output for the computer This is so that other devices can be connected to the motherboard as an extension, used on software as an output
HDMI Port
The HDMI port can transfer video output to a monitor, if a HDMI cable is connected. It’s also connected directly to the motherboard with the port visible on the outside to make connecting it simpler.