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Components of a PC/Desktop

A typical desktop computer (aka personal computer) consists of several key components. Here's a simple list:

1. System Unit (within a Case / Cabinet)

  • SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply) [with a fan]
  • Main Board (Motherboard)
    • Real Time Clock (RTC)
    • MicroProcessor (µP) or simply Processor [with a heat sink and a fan]
    • NorthBridge - connects µP and main memory
    • Main Memory
      • ROM (Read Only Memory) - Permanent and cannot be changed. Contains BIOS (Basic Input Output System) with POST (Power On Self Test).
      • RAM (Random Access Memory) - Volatile but rewritable memory.
    • Small battery to power RTC and keep user settings when PC is turned off.
    • SouthBridge - connects NorthBridge with I/O components.
    • Expansion Slots - for Add-On Cards like a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), NIC (network interface card), a sound card, etc.
  • Secondary Storage
    • SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
    • Optical Disk Drive
  • Speaker with weak magnets (for beeps)
  • Connectors/Ports/SD-card-reader
    USB ports, HDMI ports, audio jacks, etc., for connecting following external devices.

2. Input Device(s)

  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Scanner

3. Output Device(s)

  • Display / Monitor / Screen
  • Printer
  • Speaker

Nowadays, the Northbridge is usually within the µP.

The Southbridge is now called [Platform] Controller Hub.



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Updated: Jan 24

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