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Unit 2 Fundamentals of Computer Hardware

Computer hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, motherboard, memory, and storage devices. Key supporting components include input and output devices, expansion cards, and cooling systems, while system buses facilitate data transfer. Proper maintenance and understanding of hardware interactions are essential for performance optimization and upgrades.

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5 views2 pages

Unit 2 Fundamentals of Computer Hardware

Computer hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, motherboard, memory, and storage devices. Key supporting components include input and output devices, expansion cards, and cooling systems, while system buses facilitate data transfer. Proper maintenance and understanding of hardware interactions are essential for performance optimization and upgrades.

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ratnaparkhisuhani517
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Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer – Computer

Hardware

1. Introduction to Computer Hardware


Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These include the
parts you can touch and see, such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals. Hardware works together
with software to perform computing tasks.

2. Core Components
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer. It executes instructions and consists of
the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers.
Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all components. It holds the CPU socket, RAM
slots, expansion slots, and ports.
Memory: RAM (volatile, temporary storage for data while in use) and ROM (non-volatile, stores
firmware).
Storage Devices: Includes Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), optical drives, and
external storage.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts AC power to DC power for components. Includes wattage and
efficiency ratings.

3. Supporting Components & Peripherals


Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, Camera.
Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Headphones.
Expansion Cards & Ports: Graphics Card (GPU), Sound Card, Network Card, USB, HDMI,
Ethernet.
Cooling Systems: Heat sinks, fans, and liquid cooling systems protect components from
overheating.

4. Buses and Interfaces


System buses are pathways for data transfer between components. They include the Data Bus,
Address Bus, and Control Bus. Interface standards like USB, SATA, and PCIe allow connectivity.

5. Hardware Performance / Metrics


Key metrics include clock speed, number of cores/threads, cache memory, latency, and throughput.

6. Hardware & System Interaction


BIOS/UEFI initializes hardware at startup. Device drivers allow the operating system to use
hardware. The boot process involves POST, loading OS, and driver initialization.

7. Maintenance, Upgrades, Compatibility


Proper maintenance includes dust removal and adequate cooling. Upgrading RAM, storage, and
graphics requires checking compatibility. Handle components carefully to avoid damage from
electrostatic discharge.

8. Summary
Computer hardware consists of interconnected physical components. Understanding them helps in
performance optimization, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

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