PC Hardware Explained: From Storage to Graphics Cards

Posted on Nov 11, 2024 in Computers

Features of a Hard Drive

Transfer Mode:

  • PIO (Programmed Input/Output): The system uses a microprocessor as an intermediary for data exchange. Speeds include PIO Mode 1 (5.2 MB/s), PIO Mode 2 (8.3 MB/s), PIO Mode 3 (11.1 MB/s), and PIO Mode 4 (16.6 MB/s).
  • DMA (Direct Memory Access): This system transfers data between RAM and the hard drive without microprocessor intervention, freeing up the CPU. Ultra DMA systems are commonly used, with speeds like UDMA 16 (16.6 MB/s), UDMA 33 (33.3 MB/s), UDMA 66 (66.6 MB/s), UDMA 100 (100 MB/s), and UDMA 133 (133 MB/s).

Other Important Metrics:

  • Access Time: The time it takes to read/write data to a specific sector.
  • Search Time: The time it takes for the drive heads to move between tracks.
  • Rotation Speed: Measured in RPM (revolutions per minute), typical values range from 5400 RPM to 7200 RPM for laptops and desktops. SCSI and some newer drives can achieve higher speeds (10,000 RPM or even 15,000 RPM), but may generate more noise.
  • Latency: The delay while waiting for the desired sector to rotate under the read/write head.

SATA Hard Drives: Serial ATA is the current standard for connecting hard drives. SATA drives use different connectors than IDE drives and do not use jumpers.

Optical Storage Devices

CD-ROM Formats:

  • CD-DA: Audio format.
  • CD-ROM: Data storage format.
  • CD-I: Interactive CD format.
  • CD-ROM XA: Enhanced audio and video capabilities.
  • CD-R (Multisession): Recordable CD format supporting multiple recording sessions.
  • CD-RW (Multisession): Rewritable CD format supporting multiple recording sessions.
  • Video CD (VCD): Original video format using MPEG-1 compression.
  • Super Video CD (SVCD): Updated video format using MPEG-2 compression.

DVD Formats:

  • DVD-ROM: Read-only data storage.
  • DVD-VIDEO: Digital video storage.
  • DVD-AUDIO: Digital audio storage.
  • DVD-R: Write-once format with up to 4.7GB capacity.
  • DVD-R DL (Dual Layer): Write-once format with two 4.7GB layers.
  • DVD-RW: Rewritable format.
  • DVD+R: Write-once format.
  • DVD+RW: Rewritable format.
  • DVD+R DL (Dual Layer): Write-once format with two 4.7GB layers.

Blu-ray Disc Formats:

  • BD-ROM: Read-only format for high-definition video and data.
  • BD-R: Write-once format.
  • BD-RE: Rewritable format.

Flash Memory Cards

Common formats include CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Card (MMC), and xD-Picture Card.

Graphics Cards

Graphics cards are essential for displaying images and text. Modern graphics cards primarily use the PCI Express x16 interface, with older interfaces like PCI and AGP becoming obsolete.

Key Components:

  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Dedicated processor for handling graphics operations, reducing the load on the CPU.
  • RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog Converter): Converts digital video data to analog signals for display on a monitor.

Connectors:

  • SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array): Older standard for connecting monitors.
  • DVI (Digital Visual Interface): Designed for high-quality digital displays like LCDs and projectors.
  • S-Video (Separate Video): Also known as S/C, transmits video signals separately.
  • HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Transmits high-definition video and audio signals.

Parallel Processing (SLI/Crossfire): Connecting multiple graphics cards to increase processing power (NVIDIA SLI or AMD Crossfire).

Network Cards

Network cards connect computers to share resources.

LAN Cards: Used in Local Area Networks (LANs), typically connected via RJ45 connectors (formerly BNC).

MAC Address (Media Access Control Address): A unique 48-bit identifier for each network interface card.

Speeds: Ethernet (10 Mb/s), Fast Ethernet (100 Mb/s), Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mb/s).

TV Tuner Cards: Available in analog, digital, satellite, and hybrid formats.