Internal components of a computer

How does a computer work? What components are inside it?

Motherboard

It is the 'heart' of the computer to which every other component refers. It is an integrated circuit board that uses software (BIOS) to manage all the various components installed.

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a bit like the legs and arms of the device, it serves to make the computer work. It coordinates the other units that process data, performs calculations and the instructions of the various software installed on the machine. It is located in the motherboard with a heat sink on top to cool the CPU and prevent overheating.

Power supply

The power supply enables the right amount of current to be supplied to run the computer. There are different models, generally the more stable the voltage control provided, the more expensive the power supply.

RAM

The Random Access Memory is a volatile memory that stores and retrieves in a very short time the data you need to run your PC. It is the memory that allows you to keep and work with more software at the same time; the larger the memory, the more powerful the PC will be.

Hard disk

A hard disk is a magnetic-type memory device for storing files. In new generation computers, the new solid-state disks are preferred as they are more durable and faster. A computer can have one or more hard disks, either internal or external.

Video card

The video card enables the visualisation of every tiny dot of light displayed by the computer monitor. Without it, the screen would remain black. There are integrated or external video cards, the former are integrated in the motherboard, the latter are mounted inside the computer.

Peripherals

The essential peripherals are the keyboard and mouse, essential for input within the operating system without which a computer would be useless due to the impossibility of interaction.

Homes

The case called the Chassis is the outer casing of every computer inside which all the components of the central unit are housed. The structures must allow all components to be properly housed, as well as proper ventilation and heat exchange from the inside to the outside.

Monitor

The monitor is the essential peripheral device for displaying any information from the processing of the central unit and the video card. It takes the processed information from the video card and makes it viewable to the user.

Fortunately for the inexperienced, computers are already composed like the Lenovo ThinkStation P620, which we discuss here.