ICS2O Grade 10 Introduction to Computer Studies
Class Handout
Internal Components of a Typical Computer
PART NAME
DESCRIPTION
MOTHERBOARD
This is the main computer board that all the other parts of the computer “plug” into. The
motherboard provides the means for the parts to “talk” to each other while the computer is
functioning. Important characteristics are the “CPU Socket” number and the “Front Side Bus
(FSB)” Speed. They may also have extra features like a video card, network card, sound card
and modem included as part of the motherboard’s circuitry.
BIOS CHIP
(Basic Input Output System) This is a chip on the motherboard that stores a small program
inside it. When the computer is first turned on, it is the BIOS program that takes control of the
machine. The BIOS program checks to see that the parts connected to the computer are
working and when it finds everything is OK, it calls the operating system program and passes
control of the computer to it.
CPU
(Central Processing Unit) This is the “brain” of the computer. This main processing chip is
where the computer program instructions are executed one at a time. The more powerful the
processor, the faster your computer will run. SOME current CPU chips actually have up to
EIGHT cores on the same chip! CPU’s will have a processor speed, cache memory size and
socket number specified.
RAM
(Random Access Memory) These small “carrot stick” sized circuit boards have memory chips
on them. This is the computer’s memory while it is turned on. It is where programs (including
the operating system) are loaded before they are run. RAM is temporary storage. If the power
is turned off, the contents stored in RAM are lost. A typical PC will have 4 GB of RAM. RAM
will also have a “speed” specified. This is the speed it uses to communicate with the
motherboard “BUS”.
HARD DISK
DRIVE / SOLID
STATE DRIVE
This is the computers permanent memory. This allows you to save information that you want
to use the next time the computer is turned back on. Information saved on the drive will not be
lost when the power is turned off. The drive is NORMALLY fixed inside the computer and not
removed. Drives may be “hard disk” or “solid state”. Information is stored magnetically or by
electric charge. A typical hard drive will hold 250 – 1000 GB. (Note: 1000 GB = 1 TB). A hard
disk drive will also have its “spinning speed” listed in RPM.
OPTICAL DISK
This type of permanent storage can be either ROM (Read Only Memory) or RW (ReWriteable Memory). Optical devices include CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Video Disc)
drives. These devices read (and write) the information on the disks using a laser. Typical
capacities are: CD - 750 MB and DVD 4.7 GB.
VIDEO CARD
This card controls the creation of the images that you see on the screen while the computer is
running. Modern day video cards are actually like a little computer: they have their own RAM
and CPU (and even cooling fans!). Video cards plug into a PCI, PCI-Express or AGP slot on
the motherboard. Video cards will have their RAM size indicated.
NIC
(Network Interface Card) This card allows a computer to be connected to a computer network.
This allows the computer to share devices such as printers, disk drives, Internet connections as
well as information. This might be a WIRELESS connection.
MODEM
(MOdulator DEModulator) This card allows a computer to communicate with other computers
over the telephone lines. It converts signals from digital (computer) to analog (phone lines)
and from analog (phone lines) to digital (computer).
SOUND CARD
This card is responsible for processing and producing digital sounds.
POWER SUPPLY
This supplies the electrical power to the motherboard and all of the devices (hard drive, DVD
drive etc.) inside the computer case. Adding more components inside your computer will require
a more powerful power supply.