What is responsible for what on the computer? Why are all its main components needed? This is the main topic of today's article. Computers have penetrated deeply into all spheres of human life. In this regard, an increasing number of people are interested in how the PC works. The functioning of modern electronic devices is too complex a topic for its full description, however, general information is also available to non-specialists.
CPU
The central processor is often called the brain of a PC. What is the processor in the computer responsible for? He performs most of the mathematical calculations, and also controls all processes and operations. A processor is the most expensive part of a computer. The price of the most "sophisticated" and modern CPU can exceed the mark of 50,000 rubles. True, not everyone needs such devices.
Today, the market for processors for home computers includes devices from two companies - Intel and AMD. It is believed that “intellects” are less energy consuming, which means that they do not require a scrupulous selection of a cooling system. AMD is better suited for operations related to processing computer graphics. It is difficult to say which processor is the best company, for this it is necessary to conduct many tests among specific instances.
The main characteristic of the CPU is the number of cores and frequency (measured in gigahertz). Also, professionals recommend paying attention to the amount of cache memory. The more it is, the better.
What is the motherboard in the computer responsible for
A motherboard is the biggest element of any computer. It acts as a link between all devices. To connect the units on the motherboard there are many connectors and slots.
There are a lot of manufacturers of motherboards. It is difficult to distinguish someone separately from the general background. The main characteristics of the component are socket (it affects the type of processors that can be installed on a PC), the number and type of connectors for RAM, the form factor (or size).
What is the RAM in the computer responsible for?
RAM is a device that stores data necessary for programs to work. It is volatile. That is, after turning off the PC, all information from it is deleted. However, do not worry about this. User data is entered into it only when its processing is necessary.
RAM modules look like flat rectangular strips on which microcircuits are soldered. The main characteristics of RAM are volume, timings, frequency. Timing is the time required to receive, record and other data operations in RAM. The frequency determines the number of possible memory accesses per second.
HDD and SSD
Answering the question: “What is responsible for what on the computer?”, You cannot ignore the hard drive. It is used to store user files. Applications are installed on it, movies are downloaded, the OS is installed. This memory is non-volatile, which means that after turning off the energy, all information remains on the disk.
Today, such devices are divided into SSD and HDD. Using the name "hard drive" in relation to the former is incorrect. This is a solid state drive that records data using transistors. Such devices work much faster and quieter than classic ones. They are also more energy efficient. It is worth saying that, unlike hard drives, SSDs are less durable. After a certain number of rewrite cycles, the transistors stop working normally, and the device requires replacement.
Also, the disadvantages of SSDs include high cost. Typically, a solid state drive is used in conjunction with a standard HDD. At first, they install the system and software to increase the speed of downloading applications. The second store documents and files. The main characteristics of drives are volume, read and write speed .
Video card
The video adapter is the second most expensive device, and it can’t be crossed out in any way, describing what the computer is responsible for. It displays the image on a monitor or similar connected device (such as a projector). It may already be built into the motherboard, but most users do not give preference to such solutions, because they almost always lose performance to discrete cards.
The main characteristics of the video card are GPU frequency, GDDR memory frequency, bus width, size. It is worth saying that chasing the parameters is necessary only if the computer is used for computer games, 3D-modeling. Any modern video adapter will cope with playing movies, surfing and most other everyday tasks.
Sound card
Telling what the computer is responsible for, one cannot do without information about the sound card. As the name implies, the sound card is responsible for processing and outputting audio information to speakers or headphones. This component is by default integrated into any motherboard. Moreover, embedded solutions are often not complemented by anything.
Discrete devices are indispensable only for those who are engaged in professional sound recording and mastering. Also, a similar component is necessary for people who want to connect a computer to a multi-channel audio playback device, but do not have a sufficient number of connectors on the motherboard.