Inside a computer

Inside a computer

By Ben Chen

Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer.

Inside a computer

Multiple Choice

What is inside a computer?

• Tiny, magic people

• Many small parts

• Lego pieces

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

Motherboard

Multiple Choice

What does a motherboard do?

• Holds other parts

• Connects to every part of the computer

• Holds other parts and connects to every part of the computer

• Nothing

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

CPU

Multiple Select

What are 2 other names for the CPU?

• central processing unit

• comply please unless

• nose of the computer

• brain of the computer

The CPU is usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip is usually about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

CPU design and location

Multiple Choice

What physical size was a CPU compared to?

• Fingernail

• Toenail

• Thumbnail

• Hammer nail

A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of instructions per second; and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions per second. A faster processor can execute instructions more quickly. However, the actual speed of the computer depends on the speed of many different components—not just the processor.

CPU speed

Multiple Select

What 2 speeds are processors currently measured in?

• kilohertz (KHz)

• megahertz (MHz)

• gigahertz (GHz)

• petahertz (PHz)

RAM (random access memory) is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.

RAM​

Multiple Choice

What is RAM like?

• short-term memory

• long-term memory

• bad memory

• hairy with big horns

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you're working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts as long-term storage.

What RAM does

Multiple Choice

What happens to the files in RAM when the computer is turned off?

• It reappears

• It turns into a pear

• It disses a pear

• It disappears

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time. If you don't have enough RAM, you may notice that your computer is sluggish when you have several programs open. Because of this, many people add extra RAM to their computers to improve performance.

RAM size

Multiple Select

What 2 sizes are RAM currently measured in?

• megabytes (MB)

• gigabytes (GB)

• petabytes (PB)

• exabytes (EB)

The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.​

Hard drive

Multiple Choice

What is the hard drive like?

• short-term memory

• long-term memory

• bad memory

• hairy with big horns

When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from the hard drive onto the RAM. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive. The faster the hard drive, the faster your computer can start up and load programs.

Hard drive

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components.

Power supply unit

Multiple Choice

What does the power supply unit do?

• creates energy

• eats power

• converts power

• destroys energy

If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, make sure to unplug the computer first. Before touching the inside of the computer, you should touch a grounded metal object—or a metal part of the computer casing—to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted through the computer circuits, which can seriously damage your machine.

Power supply unit

Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards. You may never need to add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other capabilities.

What expansion cards do

However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types of expansion cards.

Upgrade expansion cards

The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead of having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance.

Video card

Multiple Choice

What are video cards responsible for?

• what you see

• what you do

• what you feel

• what you hear

The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.

Sound card

Multiple Choice

What are sound cards responsible for?

• what you see

• what you do

• what you feel

• what you hear

The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot.

Network card

Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's commonly built into the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB adapter, often called a dongle.​

Bluetooth adapter

Open Ended

In your own words, what is inside a computer? Name as many parts as you can.