Curiosity is inherent not only to children, but also to adults. No doubt, every owner of a personal computer system has repeatedly tried to look inside the system unit to see the computer device.
For some, this is the secret “behind seven seals”, and for others (for example, service center employees) it is an opportunity to make money out of ignorance of the former. So, understanding the computer’s device, you can independently clean the cooling systems and some other components from dust, while not doubting the quality of the work done and not worrying about the safety of personal data.
What is inside a noisy metal box called a system unit? We list the main devices of the computer and their functions.
- Switching power supply unit. Responsible for converting 220 V AC voltage into a series of constant - 5, 12, 3.3. The quality of this node to a large extent affects the performance of the entire system as a whole. So, there were cases when a budget power supply unit of a little-known manufacturer did not give the required values, because of which the computer constantly crashed, and applications were periodically closed with an error message.
- Main (motherboard) board. It is the basis for combining all components into a single system. It contains connectors for connecting components, internal buses,
voltage converters , etc. A very important element without which a computer device cannot be considered. Although budget models can cope with the main tasks quite successfully, all manufacturers offer more advanced solutions that are distinguished by an enhanced power supply circuit, additional cooling, etc.
- Modules of RAM. Their difference from the hard drive is that the data in the cells is stored until the power is turned off or rebooted. They are a series of chips on a textolite basis, connected to the corresponding connector on the motherboard. Memory modules are characterized by volume, delays in accessing the banks of microchips, standard (DDR2, 3, etc.).
- The
central processor. Physically represented by a fairly large microcircuit, which includes many transistors. Performs all mathematical calculations. Considering
the internal devices of the computer in the
assembled system unit , you will not be able to see the processor, since it is closed by a cooling system - a fan (cooler) and a heat sink radiating heat. The most important parameter is the
clock frequency, which indirectly indicates performance. There are single-core (almost discontinued) and multi-core models.
Considering the computer device, it should be noted that the four above components are necessary for the functioning of the computer. So, if you can turn on the system unit without a monitor, then it is impossible to work without a processor.
To store all user data, including system applications, a hard disk or hard drive is used. Externally, it is a small metal box of a rectangular shape, inside which special magnetic disks are placed. There is also a newer technology - SSD, which is based on solid state memory cells.
The video card is responsible for displaying the image. It can be discrete (included in the connector of the motherboard), as well as built-in.
The capabilities of a computer are greatly enhanced by an audio adapter, a CD-ROM drive, and peripherals.