Understanding PC Components: Motherboard, RAM, CPU, PSU
Understanding PC Components
Motherboard
The motherboard is a printed circuit card central to the computer that contains the microprocessor, RAM, support circuitry, the ROM, and special slots that allow the connection of additional card adapters.
Chipset
The chipset is responsible for controlling determined functions of a computer. It controls data, instructions, and control signals between the CPU, memory, and bus. It manages data transfer between the CPU, memory, and peripherals and also supports the expansion sockets.
Northbridge
The Northbridge chipset mainly controls: the type of microprocessor that the board supports, the number of microprocessors, the microprocessor and the FSB speed, RAM type, maximum amount of RAM, and supported RAM technology. The Northbridge is the bridge between the CPU and memory functions and controls access between the microprocessor, RAM, graphics, and communications port with the Southbridge.
Southbridge
The Southbridge processor is responsible for communicating with the rest of the components. It controls the characteristics of serial ports, USB, Firewire, Infrared, supports the ISA bus, IDE disk controller, floppy, SATA RAID, power management, and PS2 controllers.
Form Factor
The form factor is the physical size standard. It indicates the shape of the board, the size, distribution of components, electrical connections, and the physical connector.
BIOS
The BIOS is a small program, usually stored on a ROM chip (PROM, EPROM, CMOS, or Flash). It controls the start of the computer and checks device detection. Its main function is to ensure that any OS can run peripherals connected to the computer. You can make changes to the BIOS boot manager by changing jumper sites. The stack is responsible for storing the system configuration or BIOS.
Microprocessor
The microprocessor is the brain of the computer, and therefore, this component will determine the performance of our computer. The most important factor is whether the microprocessor has a good clock speed frequency.
Cooling Systems
The minimum size of fans should be 12mm. They can be connected to the motherboard with 3-pin cables. Consider the noise level and revolutions per minute (RPM). Higher revolutions will not necessarily lower noise. Also, ensure that all wires are connected and organized. The room temperature must be correct, neither too hot nor too cold. There are active fans and passive heatsinks.
Power Supply
The power supply is a system that transforms alternating current into continuous current and is given in 125 or 220V. There are two main formats:
- AT: Uses P8 and P9 connectors, and black cables must be in the middle.
- ATX: Supplies 3.3V and typically feeds the processor and graphics card, and a 5V line that feeds the board. It comprises a fan, switch, voltage selector switch, and input supply.
RAM
RAM is volatile memory, meaning that data are not stored permanently. When we turn off the computer and switch it back on, the data are no longer there. RAM is responsible for saving instructions for a short period so you can run software that demands instructions from the processor. Types of RAM include DDR, DDR2, and DDR3.
Hard Disk
A hard disk stores data on ferromagnetic materials for magnetic direction. It is a nonvolatile storage device. The main features of a hard drive are its storage capacity, transfer speed, and access times.
Safety
There are different case formats; the best known are:
- ATX: Defines the style, shape, size, internal organization, and compatible components.
- AT: Defines the motherboard, power source, location of ports and connectors.
The size and shape of a case are determined by the form factor, which only specifies internal values. A case must have a power source and some bays that can be external and internal.