In today’s Magpie Mail, we will be looking into the range of computers parts and demystifying all the acronyms that make them so confusing! All modern devices contain at least a few of these whether it is a phone, computer, car or even modern washing machines!
CPU – Central Processing Unit
Arguably the most important component within a device, the CPU is responsible for executing instructions of a given program. Often given the title of ‘The Brain of the computer’ it lies at the heart of all a computer does – from taking inputs from peripherals such as keyboards and mice or scheduling tasks – the CPU is in charge of all of this.
GPU – Graphics Processing Unit
A GPU is something that may be more well known to gamers, standing for Graphics Processing Unit, its job is to create the graphics that output to a viewable device. While a lot of modern CPUs contain an integrated GPU, a dedicated GPU is required to reach high resolutions.
RAM – Random Access Memory
RAM is used to store temporarily files while a computer is in use for quick access by a computer. Think when you are working on a document, you minimise it to work on something else, the document is stored and can be called up at a notice. RAM is volatile meaning that it is cleared when a device is switched off.
ROM – Read Only Memory
Less commonly known but still very important, ROM is used to store a device’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It is read-only meaning that you cannot add data to it – it remains as it is.
Storage Devices
Storage now comes in several different forms such as SSD & HDD and is used to store large files within a device. SSDs are now more common due to them being much quicker due to a lack of moving parts.
Motherboard
The home to most devices on a PC, the motherboard acts a link to devices – they are all connected via the motherboard to allow quick communication and data transfer.
PSU – Power Supply Unit
The device responsible for powering all components within a device, the PSU is connected to a power source which then supplys power to all other computer devices.