Computer Internals
From IT Jalakam - Unofficial IT syllabus for grade 10 students
Contents |
Computer Parts
A Computer System is basically a set of many components which together work with cooperation to do the job . these all components are placed on Casing . Most of the people commonly refer casing as CPU . but it is wrong , Casing is just a Aluminum box which holds all parts together .
A casing consist of a following parts -
- Central Processing unit (CPU)aka The Processor
- Random access Memory (RAM)
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) aka Display Adapter
- Hard Disk (HDD)
- Optical Drive
- Motherboard
- Power Supply Unit(PSU)
- Fans/Lights etc.
CPU - This usually does all the calculations and processing work . that is why it is called the brain of the computer.
RAM - This remembers the most recent information to give to the CPU . This is very fast form of memory .
GPU - A GPU is a dedicated processor optimized for accelerating graphics. These are mostly used in videogames .
HDD - Hard Disk Stores all information like games , Movies , MP3 etc . These have very high capecity but are very slow .
Optical Drive - These load DVDs or CDs from the tray . These Can Burn/Write CD/DVDs on Blank Media too. The latest addition to the Optical drive family is the Blu-Ray disk, these hold tremendous amounts of Data (25-50gb), they are usually used to store high-definition movies and PS3 games.
Motherboard - This acts as a Link Between All Parts . We can add Additional Parts on the Expansion Slots (will tell more about this later)
PSU (power supply unit) - Also known as the "SMPS (switched mode power supply" Supplies Power to all parts via various cables .
Cosmetics - Used by some people to do makeup of computer internally , basically done on Rigs (Hi Performance Gaming Machines ) by adding Fans , Lights .
Connecting Parts
To connect Internal Parts to External Parts,Ports are used ; here is a information for connecting external parts to computer on a normal PC :
Opening the Computer Box
Before You open make sure you have the following Items - 1.A T7 Star Shape Screwdriver normally opens up basic Screws . 2.A set of different sized screws in spares. you may need , just in case 3.rough Cloth , duster , because computer is really dusty when opened the first time or in 3 months . 4.optional - vacuum Cleaner . like the one used for cleaning laptop keyboards.
OK, Lets start . gG there will be two Screws you have to take out first located in the back, then slide the cover. Generally we open the left side as it reveals all parts . Unless you are changing DVD drive or hard disk you will not need to open the other side .
and then when you are finished , close the box the same way .
Ports and Slots
A computer has standards so that it could work with the hardware easily, not all processors can be put in any motherboard. Same applies to graphics card and RAM. They should be matched to operate in the specified slot or frequency.
1. Processor Socket -
This Section is divided by 2 sub-categories of different manufacturers, AMD and Intel.
Intel Sockets and processors
| Socket Name | Supported Processors |
|---|---|
| Socket 370 | Intel Pentium III , Intel Celeron |
| socket 423 | Intel Pentium 4 |
| Socket N/478 | Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium M, Pentium 4 |
| Socket 495 | Intel Celeron |
| Socket 603 | Intel Xeon |
| Socket 479 | Intel Pentium M, Intel Celeron M,Intel Core Duo,Intel Core Solo |
| Socket T/LGA 775 | Intel Pentium 4,Intel Pentium D,Intel Celeron,Intel Celeron D,Intel Pentium XE,Intel Core 2 Duo,Intel Core 2 Extreme |
| Socket M | Core Solo,core Duo, Core 2 Duo |
| Socket B/LGA 1366 | Intel Core i7 |
AMD sockets and processors
| Socket Name | Supported Processors |
|---|---|
| Socket A | AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, AMD Athalon XP, AMD Sempron |
| Socket 754 | AMD Athlon 64, AMD Sempron,AMD Tuiron 64 |
| Socket 940 | AMD Opteron Athlon 64 FX |
| Socket 939, | Athlon 64, Athlon 64FX, Athlon 64 X2, AMD Optron |
| Socket AM2, | AMD Athlon 64 X2 , AMD Optron |
| Socket AM2+ | AMD Athlon 64, Athalon 64 X2, AMD Phenom |
| Socket AM3 | AMD Phenom II, AMD Athlon II |
Slot Processor System is very old and not used nowadays.
2. RAM Slots
There are 3 types of RAM slots nowadays that is DDR,DDR2 and DDR3.
DDR stands for Double Data Rate. It achieves nearly twice the bandwidth of the preceding single data rate (SDR) SDRAM.
RAM comes in Frequencies like 333 MHz , 667 MHz , 1066 MHz and so on .
3. Video Card /Expansion Slots
There are 5 types of Expansion slots mainly. They are:
IGP , PCI , AGP , PCIe , PCIe2.0
PCIe2.0 is the fastest and IGP is the slowest .
Points to mention:
Get an old PC to show different parts of the computer.
Motherboard
CPU
Memory - RAM - SD, DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, Laptop memory
Power supply
Hard disk - ATA, SATA, Laptop HDD
Graphics Card - AGP, PCI Express (1,2), mention of Nvidia and ATi as the two main competitors.
PCI expansion slots for wireless adapters, sound cards etc.
Sound Card
Removable media devices - CD drive, CD burner, DVD burner - Blue-ray disk, HD DVD (discontinued)
USB port, Firewire port, eSATA port
Keyboards - Different types, foldable, illuminated, on screen keyboard
Mouse, trackball
Scanner, Printer
Monitor - CRT, LCD
Headset, Speakers
Assembling a computer
Take apart an existing computer sans peripherals and put it all together again
Emphasize on the various components and how they are connected to build a computer
Show various slots, sockets and connectors
