components - dwilson2547/wiki_demo GitHub Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the "brain" of the computer. |
| Function | Executes instructions from programs, performs arithmetic/logic operations, and manages data. |
| Key Components | Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), Cache, Registers, and Cores. |
| How It Works | Fetches instructions from RAM, decodes them, executes, and writes results back to memory. |
| Performance | Measured in clock speed (GHz) and core count (single-core, multi-core). |
| Examples | Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9, Apple M2. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | RAM is volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions for the CPU. |
| Function | Allows the CPU to access data quickly, improving system performance. |
| Types | Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), DDR4, DDR5. |
| How It Works | Stores data in cells, each with a unique address, for rapid read/write operations. |
| Capacity | Measured in gigabytes (GB), e.g., 8GB, 16GB, 32GB. |
| Volatility | Data is lost when the computer is powered off. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The main circuit board that connects all components of the computer. |
| Function | Provides electrical connections and communication between the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. |
| Key Components | CPU socket, RAM slots, BIOS/UEFI chip, expansion slots (PCIe), SATA connectors, power connectors. |
| Form Factors | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX. |
| Chipset | Determines compatibility with CPUs, RAM, and peripherals. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Devices that store data persistently, even when the computer is powered off. |
| Types | Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), NVMe, Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray). |
| Function | Stores the operating system, applications, and user files. |
| HDD vs. SSD | HDDs use spinning disks and are slower; SSDs use flash memory and are faster. |
| Capacity | Measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | A specialized processor designed to handle graphics and parallel computations. |
| Function | Renders images, videos, and animations; accelerates tasks like AI and scientific simulations. |
| Types | Integrated (built into CPU), Dedicated (discrete GPUs like NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon). |
| Key Features | CUDA cores (NVIDIA), Stream Processors (AMD), VRAM (Video RAM). |
| Performance | Measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second) and VRAM capacity. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Converts electrical power from the outlet into usable power for the computer. |
| Function | Supplies stable power to all components (CPU, GPU, motherboard, etc.). |
| Wattage | Measured in watts (W), e.g., 500W, 750W, 1000W. |
| Efficiency | Rated as 80 Plus (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium). |
| Connectors | 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, 6+2-pin PCIe, SATA, Molex. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Prevents overheating by dissipating heat generated by components. |
| Types | Air Cooling (fans, heat sinks), Liquid Cooling (AIO, custom loops). |
| Function | Maintains optimal operating temperatures for CPU, GPU, and other components. |
| Key Components | Fans, radiators, heat pipes, thermal paste, water blocks. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Devices that allow users to interact with the computer. |
| Input Devices | Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, scanner. |
| Output Devices | Monitor, printer, speakers, headphones. |
| Function | Facilitates communication between the user and the computer. |