Front

This is a large circuit board that contains many of the important internal components of a computer.

Back

Motherboard

Front

This is called the "brains of the computer" because it receives and executes instructions.

Back

CPU

Front

This part supplies circuits with the power needed to run. In laptops this can also take the form of a built in battery.

Back

Power Supply

Front

The long-term storage component of a computer where software can be installed.

Back

Hard Drive

Front

The short-term memory of a computer that stores temporary data while the computer is being used.

Back

RAM

Front

This circulates air and draws heat away from the CPU to cool the entire computer system.

Back

Fan and Heat Sink

Front

These are on the motherboard to connect upgrades, such as sound cards, video cards, or network cards.

Back

Expansion Slots

Front

RAM stands for

Back

random-access memory

Front

CPU stands for

Back

central processing unit