LeftyGuitar Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 (edited) Hi all, As I'm sure a lot of people in this group probably know, a modern computer is made up of components. I'm going to list the basic components and a simple explaination of what they do. Motherboard - This component is what you attach all your other componenets to CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The brains of the computer, it handles all the calaculations and input from devices such as mice and keyboards. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit; AKA Graphics Card) - Like a CPU, but handles the graphics and resolution for your computer. Also handles raytracing, note that only higher end cards support ray-tracing. RAM - Random Access Memory - Every computer needs RAM to run and boot. The more RAM you have the more you can run (8-16GB of RAM is considered the minimum these days) HDD/SDD - HDD for Harddrive Disk and SSD for Solid State Drive - This where your operating system and programs are stored. SSDs are much faster than HDDs, but they both hold data. Case - The case holds all of your compoenents. You techinally don't need one, but you should have one, its make moving a computer easier and it will protect your components. Sound Card - Generally not needed today as most motherboards have decent onboard sound. However if you're a audiophile you may want to get a soundcard. Power Supply - The power supply box gives power to all your components. Depending on how many componenets and how powerful they are, you will want a power supply with more Wattage. Fans - Most cases come with a couple of intake fans and an exhaust fan. The intake fans take in cool air to cool the components while the exhaust fan will blow out the hot air. Edited May 21 by LeftyGuitar 2
NR_Daddy Posted May 20 Report Posted May 20 A couple of things I would add here, if I may. I would change the minimum requirement of RAM to being 16Gb. It's a general concensus of opinion among IT professionals that a minimum of 16Gb of RAM is needed to run current versions of Windows and run them smoothly. The amount of RAM you have is also directly related as to how fast you can execute tasks. The motherboard is a portal of connection between components. The PSU is more than just a box that gives power to your components. It's a voltage transformer, taking AC voltage and turning it into the required DC voltage your components need to work. I would change the "Fans" part to "cooling" and also discuss liquid cooling briefly. I wouldn't consider discussing ray tracing, as it's only a technlogy of graphics cards that renders light in games in a more realistic way. The vast majority of users won't have a clue what it is. It's more of an advanced subject. I would also add "also known as a graphics card" to the GPU section. This is the more common name most will understand 1
LeftyGuitar Posted May 21 Author Report Posted May 21 (edited) Those are good points you make, @NR_Daddy, however my main point for making this topic was to give a very basic overview of computer parts/components. Explaining things as simple as possible. Everything you said is valid though. I did add in the GPU is also known as a graphics card. Not sure why I didn't add that in, in the first place. Edited May 21 by LeftyGuitar
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