CPU
Central Processing Unit (also called microprocessor amd CPU) performs all of the calculations and computing actions of the PC.
Clock Speed is the top rated speed of the CPU.
It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
1000 MHz = 1 GHz.
They come in different packages.
The two most common are Pin Grid Array (PGA)(socket) and Single Edge Cartridge (also called Single Edge Contact)(SEC)(slot).
Motherboard
Motherboard is main PCB housing CPU support chips and plugs, slots or sockets for everthing that connects to it. Such as CPU, RAM, keyboard, mouse, and expansion cards.
Traces are tiny wires running all through the motherboard. They connect all the different components that connect to the motherboard.
Expansion cards go into expansion slots enabling the PC to have optional components added.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) stores program instructions and data being used by CPU.
RAM is measured in bytes or megabytes (MB).
The two types of RAM in use today are Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) and Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM).
Two most common types of SIMM are 30 and 72 pin. The 72 pin is newer, bigger, and faster.
Four most common types of DIMM are:
168 pin SDRAM
184 pin DDR SDRAM
72 and 144 pin SO DIMM for laptops.
Hard Drive
Hard Drive is a data storage device. Data not being accessed by CPU are stored here.
Hard drives are measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).
1024 MB = 1 GB
FLOPPY DRIVE
3 ½ and 5 ¼ inch diameters
Uses 34-pin ribbon cable.
Ribbon cable connection on motherboard is called floppy controller.
It is not a controller since it is not a card now, but it is still called a controller.
Floppy ribbon cables are different from all other ribbon cables.
The two differences are narrowest (slightly over 1 ½ inches wide) and has twist near floppy drive.
PC can support 2 floppy drives. Both must be connected to same ribbon cable.
CD ROM
Retrieve data from CD with CD ROM (compact disc read only memory).
DVD (Digital Video Disc)
Connect to motherboard using same type of EIDE or SCSI controllers and ribbon cables as the hard drive.
Power Supply
Converts 110 VAC to +12, -12, +5, -5, and 3.3 VDC.
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