Computer Components and Key Terms
CPU - Central Processing Unit (simply processor)
A processor can execute a collection of instructions from different programs.
1. The CPU consists of the
a. control unit (CU)
b. arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
c. registers.
2. The CU controls the activities of the CPU by sending out control signals.
3. The ALU carries out arithmetic and logical operations.
4. The registers are memory stores within the CPU - a storage location
that is inside the CPU itself. Registers store instructions and data that are currently
been used in the fetch-execute cycle.
Components of the central processing unit (CPU):
ALU (arithmetic and logic unit) performs arithmetic and logical operations.
CU - control unit coordinates the actions of the computer and controls the fetch-
execute cycle by sending out control signals to the other parts of the CPU such as the
ALU and registers. It also sends signals to other components of the computer system
such as the input and output devices. The decoder - part of the control unit -
decodes the program instructions (works out what they mean) that have been
brought from the memory and decides what actions should be taken. It then sends
control signals to the other components to carry them out.
The timing is controlled by a vibrating quartz crystal.
One instruction can be carried out with each pulse of the clock, and therefore the
higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU will be able to carry out the program
instructions.
The clock speed is measured in cycles per second. 1 cycle per second is a rate
of 1 Hertz.
Cycle - the basic unit the measures a CPU’s speed
Clock pulses drive CPU
1 megahertz (MHz) equals 1 million cycles per second and
1 gigahertz (GHz) is 1,000,000,000 cycles per second.
Registers
Registers are storage locations within the CPU itself. They can be accessed even
more quickly than the random access memory. The function of these registers is
to store instructions and data that are currently being used in the fetch-execute
cycle.
Some of the registers serve specific functions, but some of them are general purpose
registers used for the quick storage of data items.
The CPU processes data by carrying out these steps:
1. Fetch: an instruction is transferred from the memory to the CPU.
a. The program counter supplies the address of the instruction to be fetched.
b. The program counter is a register (also referred to as memory location) in
the CPU.
2. Decode: the CPU works out what the instructions mean.
3. Execute the instruction.
The control unit carries out the instructions using the ALU for instructions involving
logical or mathematical operations.
Number of cores
A multi-core processor has more than one CPU. The following diagram
illustrates the structure of a dual-core processor.
CPU Cache - area of fast memory located on the processor
Most CPUs have independent instruction and data caches. The data caches have to
be read and written to but the instruction caches just have to be read by the CPU.
The use of caches allows the CPU to check the fast cache for the data it needs.
It does not have to wait for it to be fetched from the much slower DRAM.
The caches are located on the processor chip. The fastest is the Level 1 cache and is
smaller than the Level 2 and Level 3 caches.
Bus - a collection of wires that carry signals or communications between the various
components of the computer system.
The control bus connects the control unit (CU) with the other components of the
CPU and devices in the computer system. The control unit uses it to send
instructions to other components of the computer. The components use a bus to
send information back to the CPU as well.
The data bus is used for the transfer of data between the CPU and the RAM and
the address bus for the CPU to access memory locations in the main memory.
Motherboard
The motherboard it’s the primary circuit board which holds together almost all parts
of a computer except input and output devices. It allocates power to all hardware
located on it and enables them to communicate with each other. The motherboard
hold the computer's microprocessor chip and let other components connect to it.
RAM - Random Access Memory (Volatile Memory). Much faster to read from and
write to compared with non-volatile.
Stores data in current use, it’s a short term memory.
If there in your computer is higher RAM memory capacity than the CPU can
complete its work more quickly.
ROM - Read Only Memory (Non-Volatile memory)
Stores a permanent software - firmware
Data usually stored in ROM is the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
The ROM chip is located on the motherboard.
HDD - Hard Disk Drive
Non-Volatile Memory
Store the OS (operating System), Application Programs, your personal files
Has components inside (circular magnetic disks - platters) which are spinning.The
data is stored on platters.
SSD - Solid State Drive
Non-Volatile Memory
No moving parts, contains flash memory cells.
Implements integrated circuits.
Store the OS (operating System), Application Programs, your personal files.
PSU - Power Supply Unit
Supplies power to all the components in the computer
GPU - Graphics Processing Unit
Render images processed by CPU.
Designed to accelerate computer graphics workloads.
There are dedicated GPU which can be connected to the motherboard, also
integrated graphics card inbuilt into motherboard or processor.
BIOS - Basic Input Output System
Controls the computer booting-up process.
When computer started, the BIOS is the very first software to run.
You can configure also the hardware components such as HDD, SSD, CD/DVD/BD,
boot order, memory settings, system voltages, system/CPU temperatures and other
settings.
The modern motherboards use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) which is
an update of classic BIOS.
Still BIOS is the term used.
Max Memory size - dependent on memory type refers to the maximum memory
capacity supported by the processor.
BD - Blu-Ray Disc
Data storage
Is a high capacity digital optic disk
Used for playback of HD (High Definition) video
Can store also digital audio, computer data
