Parts of the Computer & Their Functions

Computers are assembled from several key components that make the computer functional. While most computer users are primarily familiar with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories, these components are not critical to computer functionality. The most important parts of a computer exist inside the case.


CPU

The central processing unit (CPU) processes all of the data that is accessed by the machine. It is a small internal piece that is located beneath the fan. Essentially, the purpose of a CPU is to process instructions through a four-part sequence of fetching, decoding, execution and writeback.

Most new computers are sold with dual-core CPUs, which integrate two processors into one unit. However, CPUs can have many cores. Intel has built an 80-core processor that can handle a trillion operations per second.

RAM

Random access memory provides a buffer between the hard drive and central processing unit. When files are requested for processing, they transfer from the hard drive to the memory. The CPU then processes the file and replaces it in the memory.

The memory provides a temporary storage that will be eliminated if power is removed from the machine. It is important to save modified files to the hard drive so that they will be retained if the power turns off.

Hard Drive

A hard drive provides permanent storage for the operating system, programs and files on a machine. When files are saved to the hard drive, they are retained through power outages.

New computers are usually equipped with SATA drives, which have replaced the older IDE drive technology. These drives use slimmer cables, smaller power connections, and have numerous performance benefits over the older hard drive types. SATA hard drives do not get as hot and can transfer data faster.

Optical Drive

An optical drive is any drive that reads the data through optic technology, such as a laser. These drives can read data from discs. Common types of optical drives include CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Blu-ray drives. Some of these drives can read and write data using lasers.

Optical media are cheap, making CDs the most economical method for computer software distribution. While a computer can function without a CD drive, it will be extremely difficult to use a computer without it.

Motherboard

The motherboard is an underlying circuit board that holds all the computer components together. Computer components, including the CPU, RAM, hard drive and optical drives, plug into the motherboard. This allows the separate components to interact with each other to create a fully functional machine. While each computer part has a unique function, they would be utterly useless without the unifying motherboard.