Computer Hardward: Components

Component Purpose Properties Picture
Graphics Adapter This is what shows the graphics, text, and GUI on the screen.
  • The amount of RAM.
  • Video memory
 Graphics Adapter
Motherboard/Logic Board It holds together many of the crucial components of a computer, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory and connectors for input and output devices.
  • PCI
  • PCI-X
  • CNR
 Motherboard
CPU The CPU is responsible for executing a sequence of stored instructions called a program.
  • GlitchFilterTime
  • SlowClock
  • SystemClock
CPU
RAM (random access memory) Is the place in a computing device where the operating system (OS), application programs and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the device's processor.
  • Volts
  • CAS latency
  • Pins
  • SDRAM and DDR
 RAM
Monitor The purpose of a computer monitor is to display text and graphics produced by computer programs and to provide a visual interface for computer users.
  • Display device
  • Circuitry
  • Casing
  • Power supply
Monitor
Microphone Computer microphones are used for a variety of purposes, from recording audio, to conferencing and podcasting.
  • Voice coil
  • Cable
 Microphone
Printer The purpose of a printer is to accept typed text and graphic images from a computer and transfer it to paper.
  • Carttridges
  • USB
  • The feed tray
  • Parallel port
 Printer
Flash Drive USB flash drives are often used for storage, data back-up and transfer of computer files.
  • Standard-A USB plug
  • Micro USB
  • Surface-mounted integrated circuits
 Flash Drive
Hard Disk Drive It is a data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material.
  • SATA
  • SAS
  • SCSI
  • PATA
 Hard Disk Drive
SSD Its purpose is nothing mores than a storage area. SSDs store data using flash memory.
  • NAND flash
  • Spinning disk
  • Semiconductor memory
  • IC's
 SSD
VGA port The VGA connector is used for display devices and is used to connect a computer to a monitor, projector, or TV.
  • Analog component RGBHV
  • Video signals
 VGA port
HDMI port HDMI is a proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting video data and cdigital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, or digital television.
  • Digital audio
  • Display controller
  • CEA-861 signals
 HDMI port
Stylus In computing, a stylus (or stylus pen) is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet.
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Color density
  • Circuitry
 Stylus
MIDI controller A MIDI controller is any hardware or software that generates and transmits Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data to electronic or digital MIDI-enabled devices.
  • Notation
  • pitch
  • velocity
  • Audio panning
 MIDI controller
Cat-5 (or Cat-6) Cable It is a twisted pair cable for carrying signals. This type of cable is used in structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet.
  • Twisted pair conductors
  • Data transition
 Cat-5 Cable
USB Port USB ports allow USB devices to be connected to each other with and transfer digital data over USB cables.
  • Storage system
  • Hard drive
 USB Port
Thunderbolt Thunderbolt combines PCI Express and DisplayPort into a single connection, allowing for a combination of up to six peripherals, like storage devices and monitors, to be daisy-chained together. You can also connect USB and FireWire peripherals via Thunderbolt, as long as you have the proper adapter.
  • USB-C technology
  • 5K resolution
  • 40 Gbps
 Thunderbolt
Firewire Port (800) Its a general purpose interface that predates USB and can be used to connect multiple devices to a computer or to enable high-speed transfers between computers.
  • Audio
  • Video
  • 12 Mbit/s
 Firewire Port (800)
DisplayPort DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor, though it can also be used to carry audio, USB, and other forms of data.
  • Ethernet
  • USB
  • PCI Express
 DisplayPort
Lightning Port The Lightning port is used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals.
  • HD-video output
  • photo importing
  • USB input
 Lightning Port