Internal Computer Parts

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

• CPU

• Fan and Heat Sink

• Motherboard

• Hard Drive

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

• Motherboard

• RAM

• CPU

• Power Supply

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

• Power Supply

• RAM

• Fan and Heat Sink

• Hard Drive

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

• RAM

• CPU

• Hard Drive

• Expansion Slots

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

• Hard Drive

• RAM

• CPU

• Motherboard

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

• Fan and Heat Sink

• Motherboard

• Power Supply

• RAM

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

• Expansion Slots

• Fan and Heat Sink

• RAM

• Hard Drive

RAM stands for

• responsive-action memory

• returned-allowable memory

• retrieved-available memory

• random-access memory

CPU stands for

• central processing unit

• computer portal unit

• central portal unit

• computer processing unit