Parts of a Computer

Motherboard

A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.

Graphics Card (GPU)

A device inside a computer that creates the image on the screen.

Sound Card

A device inside a computer that produces sound and outputs it through speakers.

Modem

A device that allows computers to communicate over telephone lines; used to connect with the internet

Hard Drive

Attached inside the computer; permanently stores data, known as permanent storage devices

Processing Devices

CPU (Central Processing Unit), Motherboard, Graphics Card

Input device examples

Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner, microphone

Output device examples

Monitor, printer, speakers, projector

Internal Hardware Components

Motherboard, processor, internal memory, video card, sound card, hard disk drive

External Storage

Permanently stores data; easy to disconnect from the computer.

Fan and Heat Sink

Protects the computer from its greatest enemy, heat

Power Supply Unit

Provides electrical power for the PC.

RAM

Random Access Memory; temporary memory, volatile, more RAM faster computer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The internal operating unit or "brain" of a computer.

EXTERNAL STORAGE DEVICE

USB Drive

external hard drive

a separate freestanding storage device that connects with a cable to a USB port or other port on a computer or mobile device

4 Components of a Computer System

input devices, output devices, secondary storage devices & primary storage devices and processor.