COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING
NC II
COMPUTER SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
SYSTEM UNIT PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
❑ SYSTEM UNIT PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
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SYSTEM UNIT PARTS AND
THEIR FUNCTIONS
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What is a System Unit?
The system unit is the main body of
a desktop computer. It houses the
core components that process data
and execute instructions. It is often
mistakenly referred to as the "CPU,"
but the CPU is just one part of the
system unit.
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Main Parts of the System Unit and
Their Functions
1. Motherboard
Function: The main circuit board that
connects all components of the
computer.
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Contains:
✓ CPU socket
✓ RAM slots
✓ Expansion slots (PCIe)
✓ Chipset
✓ Power connectors
✓ I/O ports
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2. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
Function: The "brain" of the computer;
executes instructions from programs.
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KEY COMPONENTS:
✓ ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit):
Performs calculations and logic
operations.
✓ CU (Control Unit): Directs operations
of the processor.
✓ Cache: Small memory for quick
data access.
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3. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
✓ Function: Temporary memory that
stores data and instructions
currently in use.
✓ Volatile: Data is lost when the
computer is turned off.
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4. POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)
✓ Function: Converts electricity from
AC to DC and distributes power to
components.
✓ Important Ratings: Wattage,
efficiency (80 Plus certification).
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5. STORAGE DEVICES
❑ Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
➢ Magnetic storage
➢ Large capacity, slower speed
❑ Solid State Drive (SSD):
➢ Flash memory
➢ Faster, more durable, more expensive
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6. OPTICAL DRIVE (OPTIONAL)
✓ Function: Reads/writes data from
CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.
✓ Less common in modern systems.
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7. EXPANSION CARDS
Function: Add extra functionality.
Examples:
✓ Graphics Card (GPU)
✓ Sound Card
✓ Network Interface Card (NIC)
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8. COOLING SYSTEM
Function: Prevents overheating.
Types:
✓ Air cooling (fans, heat sinks)
✓ Liquid cooling (radiators, pumps)
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9. BIOS/UEFI CHIP
✓ Function: Initializes hardware
during boot-up and provides
runtime services for the OS.
✓ Stored in: Non-volatile memory
(ROM or flash).
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PORTS AND CONNECTORS
Function: Interface for external
devices.
Examples:
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1. USB TYPE-A
Function: Connects peripherals like
keyboards, mice, flash drives, and
printers.
Type: Universal Serial Bus (standard
rectangular shape).
Data & Power: Transfers data and
provides power.
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2. USB TYPE-C
Function: Modern, reversible connector
for data, power, and video.
Type: Compact and versatile.
Used For: Charging laptops, connecting
smartphones, external drives, and
displays.
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HDMI (HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA
INTERFACE)
Function: Transmits high-definition
video and audio from a computer to a
monitor, TV, or projector.
Used For: Multimedia output.
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4. VGA (VIDEO GRAPHICS ARRAY)
Function: Analog video output to
monitors and projectors.
Legacy Port: Older technology, largely
replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort.
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5. ETHERNET (RJ-45)
Function: Wired network connection for
internet and LAN.
Speed: Supports fast data transfer (up
to 10 Gbps with modern standards).
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6. AUDIO JACK (3.5MM)
Function: Connects headphones,
microphones, and speakers.
Types: TRS (stereo), TRRS (stereo + mic).
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7. DISPLAYPORT
Function: Digital display interface for
high-resolution monitors.
Supports: Audio, video, and daisy-
chaining multiple monitors.
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8. DVI (DIGITAL VISUAL INTERFACE)
Function: Transmits digital (and
sometimes analog) video signals.
Used For: Connecting monitors to
computers (older systems).
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HOW THESE PARTS WORK TOGETHER
Power On: PSU activates, BIOS/UEFI initializes
hardware.
Boot Process: BIOS loads OS from storage
into RAM.
Execution: CPU processes instructions, RAM
provides quick access, GPU renders visuals.
User Interaction: Input/output devices
communicate via ports and motherboard
buses.
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SUMMARY
Component Function
Motherboard Connects all
components
CPU Executes instructions
RAM Temporary data storage
PSU Powers the system
Storage (HDD/SSD) Long-term data storage
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Expansion Cards Add functionality
(graphics, sound, etc.)
Cooling System Maintains safe
operating temperature
BIOS/UEFI Boot and hardware
initialization
Ports/Connectors Interface with external
devices
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QUIZ
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is a type of
computer?
a) Desktop
b) Laptop
c) Tablet
d) All of the above
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2. What is the main function of the
CPU?
a) Store data
b) Process data
c) Display data
d) None of the above
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Matching Type
Match the computer parts with their functions:
1. CPU a) Stores data permanently
2. RAM b) Supplies power to the compute
3. Motherboard c) Processes data
4. Hard Drive d) Temporary storage for data
5. Power Supply e) Connects all computer
components
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LABELING PARTS
Label the parts of the computer in the diagram below:
2 3
1 2 3
4 5
CPU Power Supply Motherboard
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Hard Drive RAM
ESSAY:
1.Why is RAM considered volatile
memory?
2.How does an SSD improve system
performance compared to an HDD?
3.What would happen if the cooling
system fails?
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