What is the system unit used for? What is a computer system unit? Hard drive and solid state drive
Computer device. Composition of the PC system unit.
In this article, experts computer service ITart will tell you from what elements consists of Personal Computer, which devices are situated in systemic block and what functions they do. This information will be useful to those who want assemble it yourself or modernize computer.
IN in a general sense, the concept " Personal Computer"implies system unit, in which everything actually happens computational work, and the input/output devices connected to it (monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer). In this article, we will focus in more detail on system unit and the key elements included in it compound.
IN composition of the system unit includes:
1. Motherboard
This pay is perhaps the most important element systemic block, since it interacts with each other of all nodes computer. On maternal board devices such as CPU, memory, video card and additional PCI boards (LAN card, sound card).
Among the non-removable elements of the motherboard, the most significant is chipset. This is a set of chips that ensure data transfer between all nodes computer. The chipset consists of northern And southern bridge.
South Bridge
South Bridge provides interaction tough disks, various storage devices and all peripheral devices with northern bridge.
North Bridge
Northern bridge provides interaction between the graphics controller and memory with central processor, as well as communication processor with all devices for which he is responsible southern bridge. Also northern bridge defines the type operational memory(DDR, SDRAM and others), its maximum permissible volume and data exchange rate with the processor.
2. Processor
CPU- this is the main “brain” computer. It performs all arithmetic and logical operations. Productivity largely depends on the frequency of its operation. computer generally. Likewise, performance computer depends on number of cores processor, and a command system that determines how many clock cycles a particular operation will take.
3. RAM
Often this element is simply called - memory computer, since it is directly used by the central processor to store data processed during calculations, and therefore its size significantly affects performance computer. Data located in RAM is stored only for as long as computer enabled, and after every reboot operational memory is reset to zero.
4.Hard drive
Responsible for long-term data storage on computer. Accessing information stored on a hard drive takes much longer than with RAM, so the volume hard disk only affects how many programs or files you can store on your computer, and not on productivity and speed computer. However, the hard disk contains swap file, which is used by the operating system to compensate for lack of space operational memory when necessary, and the size of this file may still affect performance computer. And of course, if you fill the section to capacity hard disk, on which is located operating system, this will certainly lead to serious problems in operation, such as freezes, slow work computer And so on.
5. Video card
Responsible for generating a video signal and sending it to the monitor computer. This is a rather complex device, which includes its own CPU And RAM. Often, on board video cards there is an additional cooler, although some models still use passive cooling, which only implies the presence of a radiator that absorbs heat from video cards. good video card, coupled with a large volume operational memory and powerful processor is able to provide maximum performance to yours computer, and allow you to easily launch new video games or create 3D graphics and video processing.
6.Optical drive
This device is designed to read and write information on CD-disks. More functional models have the ability to read and write various disk formats, such as DVD And Blu- Ray. However, due to the widespread popularity of flash memory, optical discs are gradually going out of fashion, and when it comes to office computers, they often lack optic drive unit as unnecessary. Perhaps, after some time, these devices will completely fall out of use, just as floppy disk drives (soft disk drives) once did, but this moment, yet on store shelves all films, music and video games are distributed in the comact format disks.
7. Power supply
In our list this item is located at last place, however, it plays by no means the least role in the work PC, since this device provides food all components computer, and correct choosing a power supply is collateral reliable operation your his computer.
Thus, in this article we examined the standard configuration of the average system unitpersonal computer. Also in composition of the system unit may be additional PCI-devices such as audio card, network card, wifi adapter and etc.
The contents of the system unit largely depend on computing system in general, its tasks, goals and form factor. In case of rational use, system unit more consistent with the needs of the computing system. Depending on the computing system, the system unit may contain various hardware components:
A computing unit in the form of a main/system/motherboard with a processor and RAM installed on it.
Can also be installed with expansion cards (video card, sound card, network card).
Power unit
Compartments for peripheral devices filled with storage devices - hard drive(s), SSD, optical drive, etc.
The front panel can be equipped with power and reset buttons, power and storage indicators, headphone and microphone jacks, data transfer interfaces (USB, FireWire).
Types of cases (chassis) for system units[edit | edit source text] Main article:
Form factor (technique)
Horizontal:
Desktop (533×419×152)
FootPrint (406×406×152)
SlimLine (406×406×101)
Vertical:
MiniTower (152×432×432)
MidiTower (173×432×490)
BigTower (190×482×820)
The case, which protects the internal components of the computer from external influences and mechanical damage, maintains the required temperature conditions inside, and shields the electromagnetic radiation generated by the internal components, can be represented by standard chassis of different shapes and proportions (dimensions are indicated in millimeters):
UltraSlimLine (381×352×75)
SuperFullTower (various sizes)
In this article, specialists from the computer site kompiklava will tell you what elements a personal computer consists of, what devices are located in the system unit and what functions they perform.
This information will be useful to those who want to assemble or upgrade a computer themselves.
In this article, we will dwell in more detail on the system unit and the key elements that make up it.
Computer system unit
The system unit includes:
1. Motherboard
Motherboard This board is perhaps the most important element of the system unit, since it interacts with each other of all computer components. The motherboard contains devices such as a processor, memory, video card and additional PCI cards (network card, sound card).
Among the non-removable elements of the motherboard, the most significant is the chipset. This is a set of chips that ensure data transfer between all computer nodes. The chipset consists of a north and south bridge.
South Bridge
Southbridge provides interoperability hard drives, various drives and all peripheral devices with a north bridge.
North Bridge
The north bridge ensures interaction between the graphics controller and memory with the central processor, as well as communication between the processor and all devices for which it is responsible south bridge. Also north bridge determines the type of RAM (DDR, SDRAM and others), its maximum permissible volume and data exchange rate with the processor.
2. Processor
The processor is the main “brain” of the computer. It performs all arithmetic and logical operations. The performance of the computer as a whole largely depends on the frequency of its operation.
Also, computer performance depends on the number of processor cores and the command system, which determines how many clock cycles a particular operation will take.
3. RAM
Random access memory This element is often simply called computer memory, since it is directly used by the central processor to store data processed during calculations, and therefore its size significantly affects the performance of the computer.
Data located in RAM is stored only while the computer is turned on, and after each reboot the RAM is reset to zero.
4. Hard drive
Hard driveResponsible for long-term storage of data on the computer. Accessing information stored on a hard drive takes much longer than with RAM, so the volume hard drive affects only how many programs or files you can store on your computer, and not the performance and speed of the computer.
However, the hard drive contains a paging file that is used by the operating system to compensate for lack of RAM when needed, and the size of this file can still affect the performance of the computer.
And of course, if you fill it to capacity hard section disk on which it is located operating system, this will certainly lead to serious problems in work, such as freezes, slow computer operation, etc.
5. Video card
The video card is responsible for generating the video signal and sending it to the computer monitor. This is a rather complex device that has its own processor and RAM.
Often, an additional cooler is located on the video card board, although some models still use passive cooling, which only implies the presence of a radiator that absorbs heat from the video card.
A good video card, coupled with a large amount of RAM and powerful processor is able to provide maximum performance to your computer, and allow you to easily launch new video games or create 3D graphics and video processing.
6. Optical drive
Optical drive This device is designed for reading and writing information on CDs. More functional models have read and write capabilities various formats discs such as DVD and Blu-ray.
However, due to the widespread popularity of flash memory, optical discs are gradually going out of fashion, and when it comes to office computers, they often lack optical drive as unnecessary.
Perhaps, after some time, these devices will completely fall out of use, just like floppy disk drives (soft disk drives) once did, but at the moment, all films, music and video games on store shelves are distributed in the CD format.
7. Power supply
The power supply is in last place on our list, but it plays an important role in the operation of the PC, since this device provides power to all components of the computer, and right choice The power supply is the key to reliable operation of your computer.
Thus, in this article we looked at the standard configuration of an average system unit personal computer. Also, the system unit may contain additional PCI devices, such as an audio card, network card, Wi-Fi adapter, etc.
Personal Computer is complex electronic device, designed to perform a wide range of tasks. This could be various calculations, calculations, listening to music, watching videos, various office tasks, games and much more.
Personal Computer can be stationary or mobile. TO mobile computers include laptops, netbooks and tablets.
A desktop computer is also Lately has undergone changes, but in most cases it represents the system unit, monitor, input devices (keyboard and mouse), audio devices (speakers, headphones and microphone), as well as others peripherals(printer, scanner, etc.).
For normal functioning A personal computer requires only a system unit, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.
An operating system is also required, in most cases they use Windows, but you can also download Linux.
Next we will take a closer look at each of these devices.
System unit
Main node personal computer is the system unit. It is a case, most often a metal vertical box, on the front panel of which there are power buttons and disk drives. All the necessary connectors and cables are located on the back wall. The system unit consists of a power supply, motherboard (also known as motherboard or “motherboard”), hard drive (HDD), video card, processor (CPU), random access memory (RAM), disk drives (CD/DVD), sound card and network card. Often network and sound card are carried out integrated into the motherboard, that is, the radio elements of the board are soldered directly onto the motherboard.
power unit
The power supply is made in the form of a separate box, which is located at the top rear of the system unit and has several power cables for all elements of the system unit.
power unit
Motherboard
The motherboard is the largest in the system unit printed circuit board, on which all the main components of the computer are installed (CPU, RAM, video card), it also has connectors for connecting hard disk and drives, as well as cables of USB ports and connectors going to back panel housings. The motherboard coordinates the operation of all computer devices.
Motherboard
CPU
The processor is a chip designed to perform basic computing operations. Processors are produced by two companies: AMD and Intel. Depending on the manufacturer of the processor, the connector (location of its installation) also differs, so when choosing a motherboard you should not forget this. You just won't insert AMD processor into the motherboard for Intel processors.
CPU
Video card
The video card is a separate printed circuit board installed in the connector PCI Express motherboard and is designed to display images on the monitor screen. It processes the received information and converts it into analog and digital video signals, which are supplied to the monitor via a cable connector. A video card usually contains a processor (GPU) and RAM.
Video card
RAM
RAM is one or more small boards, installed in special connectors on the motherboard (DDR). RAM provides temporary storage of intermediate data while the computer is running. RAM is characterized by access speed and memory capacity. To date, the most fast memory has DDR3 standard.
RAM
HDD
A hard drive is a permanent storage of data; it can be user data, system data, or temporary data. The hard drive stores the operating system, without which normal operation computer will be impossible. The operating system can also use the hard drive to save the contents of RAM (for example, in hibernation mode). It is a closed metal parallelepiped hard drive that is connected to the motherboard via a connector (SATA).
HDD
Drive
Drive optical disks It looks like a hard drive, but has a retractable tray on the front panel for installing optical drives. Serves as a drive for reading and writing optical discs.
On system board Others can be installed additional devices, For example Wi-Fi module or TV tuner.
Monitor
The computer monitor is used to graphical representation information that is certainly understandable to the PC user. Recently, exclusively liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have been produced. Monitors can be equipped with digital and/or analog video connectors (DVI, HDMI).
Keyboard
The keyboard is an integral input device of any computer. The keyboard consists of groups of keys for entering symbolic information. Also many modern keyboards are equipped additional keys, for example, to control media players and various programs.
Most main block– systemic. Actually, this is a computer, at least its most important component.
The system unit houses the main devices for receiving, transmitting, processing and storing information. It is to it that all, without exception, computer devices are connected, for example, a monitor, keyboard, printer.
All the main components of the computer that can be replaced, removed or added are either inside the system unit or connected to it externally. Thus, all the strength and power of the computer is located in the system unit.
System unit (also called systems specialist or frame) is a case that houses the various functional components of a computer.
The outer shell, namely the body, is usually made of steel, aluminum and plastic, less often organic glass or wood is used.
The case, as a rule, has a lot of holes and this is not at all accidental. These openings are designed to provide good ventilation, which is essential for the smooth operation of your computer.
Power and Reset buttons
It is necessary to pay attention to two buttons that are located on the front panel of the system unit: the computer power button POWER(large and clearly visible) and usually next to it a small button to restart the computer RESET(in the picture on the left).
Reset and Power buttons
The RESET button, although small, is remote. If the computer is frozen and does not respond in any way to any of your commands, then you can try using a pencil to press this button in order to restart the computer.
However, there is no such miracle RESET button on some system units and it definitely isn’t on the laptop.
Decktop and Tower system units
System units differ in different form factors (sizes) and, accordingly, in their appearance.
Tower system unit
There are following types buildings:
The first to appear was a desktop system unit. Monitors were relatively small back then and they were placed directly on desktops. Then it turned out that many users do not want to clutter their workplace and the towers began to come to the fore. Subsequently they took leading positions.
Towers are divided into four subtypes, which differ in height. In ascending order they are:
- micro(Micro Tower),
- mini(Mini Tower),
- midi(Midi Tower - medium) and
- full(Big Tower).
As practice shows, in most cases Midi Tower and Big Tower cases are purchased. This is due to the fact that the energy consumption and the amount of heat generated by modern components require an appropriate housing size and its internal organization.
Desktops have been preserved either on very old computers, or can sometimes be found on new models. Old CRT monitors (cathode ray tubes) with a large diagonal, when placed on a desktop, could damage it with their weight.
Decktop with LCD monitor
The advent of LCD (liquid crystal) monitors, which weigh significantly less than CRT monitors, gave a second life to desktop cases. Currently, they are used if it is necessary to place the entire computer on the desktop and at the same time save space. This option is used in some educational institutions and offices.
If we talk about saving desktop space when placing the entire computer on it and at the same time have a large budget , then one cannot help but recall another system unit case, which in the future may take a leading position.
A monoblock is a type of computer that houses a monitor and a system unit in one case. At the same time, a bunch of wires and fan noise disappear into oblivion.
So, in order to study the computer structure and see the composition of the system unit, you need to remove the side cover.
1. Body
3. Power supply
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One of the most important components that make up the system unit, as it provides power to all parts of the computer.
Its power and quality affect the condition of all components. A poor quality power supply may be the cause unstable work computer and even cause burnout of expensive parts. Power is selected depending on the purpose and purpose of the computer. For example, for a computer used in offices, 300 W will be enough, but for a gaming machine, 500 W may not be enough. |
3. Central processor
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(CPU). Equipped with a cooling radiator and fan (cooler). The central processing unit is the main data processing device. It is he who performs the actions that make up the sequence of programs.
Computer performance largely depends on the speed of the central processor, which is determined by clock frequency work, bit capacity, architecture and number of cores. Today, the market is dominated by two main manufacturers: Intel and AMD. |
4. Case fan (cooler)
5. RAM modules
6. Video card (video adapter, video processor)
 |
(Video card, video adapter, videoadapter, videocard) is a computer device that is responsible for processing and outputting graphic information to the monitor.
The video adapter has its own GPU, which processes 2D/3D graphic information. This reduces the computational load on CPU(CPU). For office computers Almost any video card will do (even one built into the motherboard), but for gaming machines you will have to buy something more serious. |
7-8. PCI devices
9-10. CD/DVD drives
11. Hard drive
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(Winchester, HDD, harddisk) is a storage device on your computer. The data is not erased when the power is turned off. Speed compared to RAM HDD operation much lower, and the amount of information stored is much greater.
Hard drive capacity is measured in Gigabytes or even Terabytes. Naturally, the larger the hard drive capacity, the more documents, programs, games, movies, music, etc. you can store on your computer. |
12. Motherboard
Before you start choosing and purchasing a new computer or start upgrading and upgrading an old one, you need to know the structure of the computer, i.e. what does the system unit consist of and how is it structured? In other words, we need to know what we are going to buy or upgrade.
