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Hardware Components of a PC System
Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) converts AC power from the wall outlet into DC power
that the computer components can use. It provides various voltage levels required
by different components.
Cooling System
The cooling system helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for computer
components. It typically includes fans, heat sinks, and sometimes liquid cooling
solutions to dissipate heat generated by the processor, graphics card, and other
components.
System Board
Also known as the motherboard, the system board is the main circuit board that
connects all the computer's components. It provides communication pathways and
power distribution to various parts of the system.
Microprocessor
The microprocessor, or CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the "brain" of the computer.
It performs most of the processing and calculations required for the computer to
function, executing instructions and managing data flow.
Memory
Computer memory, typically in the form of RAM (Random Access Memory), provides
temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly.
It's essential for running programs and multitasking.
Firmware
Firmware is software that's embedded in hardware devices. In a computer, the most
important firmware is the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface), which initializes hardware during the booting
process.
Ports
Ports are connection points on the computer that allow various external devices to
be connected. These include USB ports, HDMI ports, audio jacks, and Ethernet ports,
among others.
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Adapters
Adapters, also known as expansion cards, are additional components that can be
inserted into the motherboard to provide extra functionality. Common examples
include graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
