The structure of the PC system unit. What does a computer system unit consist of?

Today everyone is familiar with a computer. Even if he doesn’t spend a lot of time with it, he at least encounters it sometimes.

If you encounter any problems with computers or laptops, you can contact us, our experienced technicians will help you.

Therefore, it will not be superfluous to know the structure of the computer system unit, at least superficially.

After all, a computer (PC) has, for example:

• operating speed
• performance
• data storage

and it would be nice to know what they depend on and how to improve them.

Moreover, since information is stored on a PC, it is very important not to lose it. Knowing some rules, you can significantly improve the security of data storage, because no one would want to lose years of home videos or photographs, collections of films, important work data, and so on.

Therefore, let’s look at the design of the system unit and find out what each component is responsible for and whether it can be improved or updated.

And so, the system unit (system unit, SB) is an iron box under the table in which the main PC parts are located.

It is thanks to them that we see everything that appears on the monitor screen. In order to get into the SB you need to unscrew its side cover.

Inside it (in the standard version) contains:

1. power unit
2. Motherboard
3. CPU
4. RAM
5. Video card
6. Hard drive (hard drive)
7. DVD drive

In general, these are all the parts that are needed for the normal functioning of the PC. It is clear that there are some other details inside (a separate sound card, an additional video card, etc.), but they are not so important for the average user to have a good understanding of the design of the computer system unit.

Computer device. What does computer consist of?

Let's look at each part separately, what it is needed for, whether it can be updated or improved, how to care for them in order to extend their operating time.

Let's start with the power supply unit (PSU). It is usually located at the top left and is an iron box with multi-colored wires.

It is needed to convert the electrical current from the outlet into the required current for the parts inside. It’s worth saying right away that when buying a power supply, you should never skimp on it. It depends on it how stable the system will work and whether breakdowns will occur, including loss of data.

You can read more about choosing a power supply in the article. In order to extend its normal operation time, you should pay attention to a special uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

It is needed so that, when a surge or unstable current comes from the outlet, it can drown out this interference or convert it into normal or turn off the PC altogether.

This is said for a reason; very often, it is because of poor-quality current in the electrical network that PC parts fail.

Plus, she connects them all and organizes joint work. It does not have important characteristics for ordinary users. Therefore, you can buy an inexpensive modern option. Of course, the purchase has its own nuances, so you can see more detailed information about motherboards.

It’s difficult to somehow extend her work from outside. Probably only if there is a good power supply and uninterruptible power supply, as described above.

Processor (percent, stone). This is the brains, so to speak. It carries out various computing and other operations.

For normal work on a PC (movies, small games, music, social networks), the simplest processor model is suitable. But, if you want to play powerful games like GTA 5, then you need a powerful copy.

The processor, due to its high power and impressive performance, generates a lot of heat, which is why the cooling system described above is provided. That is, it heats up, and the radiator takes the heat, and the cooler, in turn, blows on the radiator. Thus, we get cooling of the processor.

Here lie many familiar problems - the fan is noisy, the processor is heating up, you can read more about them at the link Cleaning your computer from dust. Also, normal and long-term operation depends on a high-quality power supply and uninterruptible power supply, plus cleaning from dust and replacing thermal paste.

It is a good knowledge of the design of the computer system unit that allows you to avoid problems with overheating.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is often confused with the computer's permanent memory. Let's figure it out.

RAM comes from the word “operative”, that is, fast, fast. This means that the information is not stored for long. In a PC, RAM is needed to save data about operations while the PC is running. It is while it is working that all our actions, be it copying files, watching movies, playing games and other actions, go through the RAM.

The larger it is, the more data it can miss. As soon as we turn off the computer, all data from the RAM is deleted.

Assembling a computer system unit. Assemble/Build system unit.

That is, we conclude that RAM is needed while the PC is running, all the operations we perform are carried out through it. And it has nothing to do with permanent memory (hard drive), on which information is remembered and stored after the PC is turned off. More about her below.

At the back of the system unit, a cable from the monitor goes to it. Responsible for displaying the image on the monitor (not to be confused with the monitor, it is needed to display the image that has already been created by this card). For undemanding users (movies, music, small games, social networks), the simplest one, even built into the mat, is suitable. fee.

If you need to run powerful modern games on a PC, then the video card must be correspondingly powerful. More details about their characteristics and tips for choosing when purchasing can be found in the article Which is the best video card. You also need a good power supply, plus cleaning from dust.

So, in the question about the design of the computer system unit, we got to the part that, unlike RAM, stores information permanently (at least until it breaks) - the hard drive (hard drive, screw).

Outwardly it looks like a small iron box to which two wires go. One from the power supply to provide the necessary current for operation, and the second from the mat. boards in order to connect it with other devices for common operation.

We repeat, it is needed for constant memorization of information. It does not tolerate shocks, falls, vibrations due to its high-tech device and settings. It is important to avoid any falls, shocks, etc. Plus, as always, a good power supply is important.

A DVD drive is needed to read or write data to magnetic disks. Now the need for this device is constantly decreasing, due to the development of the Internet (everything is there, why, something needs to be written to disks) and flash memory is an order of magnitude more convenient and faster, that is, ordinary flash drives for recording information.

These are the parts that make up the computer system unit. The article provides introductory information on these devices. Read more about them in the links provided next to them. After all, simply by familiarizing yourself with them, you can solve a number of sometimes arising questions, for example, why the PC slows down, how to make powerful games start working, or how to assemble an inexpensive PC for movies, surfing and social networks.

To summarize, I would like to note that for good long-term operation of the system unit, the choice of power supply and, if possible, the purchase of a good uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Of course, all other components should not be from cheap, unknown manufacturers, plus balance is important.

If, for example, you have already decided to take action to purchase or update the configuration, then show the final version to someone else, for an outside perspective. And so, in general, that’s all. We examined the issue of the design of the computer system unit. We hope that the information presented will be useful to you and you will be better prepared in your further actions. Thank you for your attention.

In this article we will look in detail at what elements a personal computer consists of, what it all looks like, and what function it performs. This article is more suitable for novice users, but more experienced users will certainly be able to find something for themselves.

First of all, let's define a computer:

Personal computer, PC (from the English personal computer, PC) or PC (personal electronic computer)- a desktop microcomputer that has the operational characteristics of a household appliance and universal functionality.

The computer was originally created as a computing machine, but the PC is also used for other purposes - as a means of accessing information networks and as a platform for multimedia and computer games.

An ordinary personal computer that is in your home or work consists of the following parts:

• System unit;
• Monitor;
• Information input devices;
• Additional or peripheral devices (printer, scanner, webcam, etc.);

System unit

The main component of any computer is the system unit. System units come in different types, both in design and size. Horizontal and vertical.

The system unit contains all the components of a modern computer, which is what makes the computer work.

Main elements of the system unit:

• Frame;
• Power unit;
• Motherboard;
• CPU;
• RAM;
• Video card;
• Sound card;
• HDD;
• Disk drive (optical drive);
• Cooling system;

All elements are closely connected to each other and work as a whole.

Let's look at each element in more detail.

Frame

The system unit case is the outer shell of the system unit of a personal computer, which protects the internal elements from physical impact. The case is of great importance for the stable operation of the computer. For example, a well-designed cooling system inside the case is the key to stable operation of the computer and a guarantee against overheating.

power unit

In order for all the elements of the system unit to work, we need a power supply. As the name implies, the power supply supplies electricity to all components of the system unit. At the moment, the most popular power supplies in terms of power are: 450, 500 and 600 W. More powerful power supplies are installed on powerful computers, which include gaming ones.

Motherboard

The motherboard is a complex multi-layer printed circuit board and the largest board of the system unit. The main task of the motherboard is to connect all the elements into one computing system.

CPU

The processor, on the motherboard, is responsible for performing all computing operations and processing information. No matter how trivial it may sound, the better and newer (and therefore more expensive) the processor, the faster and more volume of operations it will perform. However, the most powerful processor does not guarantee fast computer operation, while the remaining components of the system unit are very outdated.

RAM

Random access memory or RAM is a random access memory device. It is designed for temporary and quickly accessible data storage for transmission to the processor for processing. For example, running programs in the background or hidden, clipboard, etc. The more RAM installed on your computer, the faster you can expect it to work.

Video card

A video card, just like a motherboard, is a complex multi-layer printed circuit board that is inserted into a connector on the motherboard. The video card can be either built-in (integrated) or external, in the form of a separate board. The main function of a video card is to generate and display an image on a computer screen. The power of an integrated video card is often only enough to use office applications and surf the Internet.

Sound card

Sound card – processing and outputting sound to computer speakers. There are times when the built-in sound card fails or the user is not satisfied with the sound quality of the compositions, then an external sound card is installed.

HDD

A hard drive or hard disk drive is a storage device designed to store information. It is on the hard drive that all your data is stored and the Windows (Linux) operating system is installed. Currently, SSD drives are gaining popularity.

Drive

Nowadays, disks are becoming less and less popular; they have been replaced by USB flash drives. But there are times when a disk drive or, as it is also called, an “optical drive” is simply necessary. When you need to read something from a disk, install Windows or drivers on your computer.

Cooling system

The cooling system is a system of fans that serves to remove warm air from the components of the system unit and supply cool air from the external environment.

Continuation of the article:

Computer device. What does computer consist of. Part 2. Peripherals.

A computer consists of a system unit and peripheral devices (monitor, mouse, keyboard). In this post, I would like to disassemble the computer in detail down to every bolt, consider the structure of the computer as a whole, what it contains and what each part is needed for.

System unit

The system unit is the computer itself. The system unit contains: PSU (power supply), HDD (hard drive), motherboard, RAM, processor, sound card, video card, network card, disk drive and other components that are necessary to expand capabilities. Let's now take a closer look at each device and find out what function it performs.

System unit case

Cases come in different types: compact, transparent, backlit, but its main task is to fit all the computer devices. Of course, you could do without it, hang the motherboard on the wall, and put everything else next to it on the table, but this is stupid, inconvenient and dangerous.

While the system unit is turned on, under no circumstances should you touch its components. High voltage passes inside, which can even kill. This is why the case is always used, it is convenient and safe.

PSU – Power supply

Almost all the wires in the computer come from the power supply. It provides each device in the system unit with electricity, without which nothing will work. The power supply weighs about a kilogram, and is approximately the size of .

The power supply produces: 3.3v, 5v and 12v. Each device has a separate voltage. Also, to prevent the power supply from overheating, it is equipped with a radiator and a cooling fan. This is where the sound of a working computer comes from.

Motherboard

The main task of the motherboard is to connect ALL devices of the computer. It literally combines everything: mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB drives, HDD, processor, video card and everything else. You can see the holes/connectors and ports of the motherboard in more detail in the picture above.

CPU - computer's central processing unit

The processor powers and calculates all operations on the computer. When compared to human organs, a computer processor can be compared to the brain. The more powerful the chip (CPU), the more calculations it can do, in other words: the computer will run faster. But this is only one of the main devices responsible for the speed of your computer.

RAM - random access memory

RAM is a random access memory device. Also called RAM, random access memory and random access memory. This small board is needed to store temporary data. When you copy something, this information is temporarily stored in RAM, and it also stores information from system files, programs and games. The more tasks you assign to your computer, the more RAM it will need. For example, at the same time the PC will download something, play an audio file and the game will be launched, then there will be a large load on the RAM.

The more RAM, the better and faster the computer works (as is the case with the processor).

Video card (video adapter)

A video card, also called a video adapter, is necessary to transfer images from a computer to a screen/monitor. As mentioned above, it is inserted into the mat. board into its connector.

In general, the computer is designed in such a way that each device has its own hole, and even with brute force it is impossible to insert something into the wrong place.

The more complex the image (HD video, game, graphical shell and editor), the more memory the graphics card should have. For example, 4k. The video will not play properly on a weak video card. The video will slow down, and you may think that the Internet is weak.

A modern video card also contains a small cooler (cooling fan), both for power supply and CPU cooling. Under the cooler is a small graphics processor that works like a central processor.

HDD (hard disk) Hard Disk Drive

HDD – aka: hard disk, hard drive, hard drive, screw, drive. No matter what people call him, he has one task. It stores all information and files. Including OS (operating system), programs, browsers, photos, music, etc. In other words, this is computer memory (like a flash drive in a phone).

There is also SSD. The essence and principle are the same, but an SSD works many times faster and costs an order of magnitude more. If you use an SSD as a system drive for the OS, then your computer will run much faster.

Drive

If you need to view/copy information from a disk, then you need a disk drive. Nowadays, you rarely see this device in new computers; the drive has been replaced by USB drives (flash drives). They take up much less space than disks, are easier to use, and are reusable. Nevertheless, disk drives are still used, and I couldn’t help but write about it.

Sound card

A computer needs a sound card to play audio files. Without it, there will be no sound on the computer. If you go back to the "motherboard" section for a second, you will see that it is already built into every motherboard.

As you can see in the photo above, there are additional sound cards. They are necessary for connecting more powerful speaker systems and provide better sound in contrast to integrated (built-in) ones.

If you use ordinary small speakers, then the difference will not even be noticeable. If you have a subwoofer or home theater, then of course you need to install a decent sound card.

Additional computer devices

Everything I said above necessary for the operation of the system unit, and now let's look at additional computer devices that expand its capabilities and add functionality.

External hard drive

Unlike an HDD, an external hard drive is portable. If the HDD and SSD need to be installed in the case and secured there, then the external one is connected with just one USB cable. This is very convenient for all occasions that there is no point in describing. An external HDD is like a flash drive, only with more memory.

Uninterruptable power source

Absolutely every computer is afraid of voltage surges, I would even say more than any other equipment. An uninterruptible power supply will provide stable voltage and protect your power supply from surges.

Voltage can jump for various reasons, and it is not always noticeable. For example, if you have weak wiring, then when you turn on other equipment in the house, the voltage may jump. Or maybe the neighbors have something powerful... In general, I strongly recommend that everyone use a power supply.

TV tuner

A TV tuner is a special chip that allows you to watch TV on a computer. Here, rather, as in the case of the disk drive, it still works, but is no longer relevant. To watch TV on a computer, you don’t have to insert special boards; we now have it and on my blog there is a whole section dedicated to this topic.

Computer peripherals

As Wikipedia says:

Peripherals are hardware that allows information to be entered into or output from a computer. Peripheral devices are optional for system operation and can be disconnected from the computer.

But, I don't agree with her. For example, we don’t even need a computer without a monitor, and without a keyboard, not everyone can turn on a computer, only the most experienced users can do without a mouse, and without speakers you can’t watch or listen to anything. These are not all devices yet, so let's look at each of them separately.

Personal computer monitor

Let me repeat a little - we don’t need a computer without a monitor, otherwise we won’t see what’s going on there. Perhaps in the future they will come up with some kind of hologram or special glasses, but for now this is just my sick fantasy).

The monitor is connected to the video card with a special cable, of which there are 2 types: VGA (obsolete connector) and HDMI. HDMI provides a better image and also transmits sound parallel to the image. So, if your monitor has built-in speakers and is high resolution, you definitely need to use an HDMI cable.

Keyboard

The keyboard is needed to enter information, call commands and perform actions. There are different types of keyboards: regular, silent, multimedia and gaming.

1. Regular - the simplest keyboard with only standard buttons.
2. Silent – ​​rubber/silicone keyboards, when working with which not a single sound is heard.
3. Multimedia. In addition to the standard buttons, the keyboard has additional keys for controlling audio/video files, volume, touchpad (possibly), and more.
4. Gaming – Additional buttons for different games, the main buttons for the game have a different color and other goodies.

Mouse

The main task of a computer mouse is to control/move the cursor on the screen. You can also select and open files/folders and call the menu with the right button.

Now there are many different mice for computers. There are wireless, small, large, with additional buttons for convenience, but its main function remains the same after decades.

Acoustic system

As mentioned above, the speaker system is connected to the sound card. The signal is transmitted through the sound to the speakers, and you hear what they say in the video and sing in the song. Acoustics can be different, but without any, a computer with all its capabilities becomes an ordinary working tool, in front of which it is boring to spend time.

MFP - Multifunctional Devices

An MFP is more necessary for office and study. Typically contains: scanner, printer, copier. Although these are all in one device, they perform completely different tasks:

1. Scanner – makes an exact copy of a photograph/document in electronic form.
2. Printer – prints an electronic version of a document, photographs, pictures onto paper.
3. Xerox – Makes an exact copy from one paper to another.

Gamepad or joystick

A gamepad is also a joystick in the past. Only needed for comfort in some games. There are wireless ones and vice versa. Usually they contain no more than 15 buttons, and there is no point in using them in non-games.

So, what does a computer system unit consist of? An important clarification here is that by the word “computer” different people can mean, oddly enough, different things: a monitor, a printer, a computer case, even... a computer mouse! But what about it? After all, “the arrow on the monitor does not move” means that the computer is not working! :) You and I will be interested in exactly that “iron box that stands under the table”, and its name is the system unit! :)

Note: A system unit is usually called a computer that is already assembled and ready for use, and the case is simply an iron box into which various components can be installed.

For greater clarity (to consider all the components of the computer separately), you can read the article on.

Let's do it this way: since in the photo that I showed you above it is not convenient to show the various components of a personal computer (they are partially covered by various fans and cooling systems), I will show all its main “stuffing” using the example of the photo below, but I will roughly mean the system unit! Agreed? :)

You can click on the photo below to enlarge it.

1. - (its PCI, AGP, PCI-Express slot)
2. - Three-inch floppy drive (FDD 3.5)
3. - (hard drive)
4. - (purple)

Let's say right away what is good about this “implied” by us? He is big! Yes, some will say that this is rather a drawback, but replacing components is very comfortable (you can clearly see what is being connected where and where you will not get scratched on adjacent protruding parts). A lot of space inside also contributes to freer circulation of air flow inside the case and this is also a plus , since the chips are cooled better. Vibration in such a housing is also minimal. Well, he just looks beautiful and stylish! :)

And this is what a typical system unit looks like from the back:

The larger black connector on the power supply is for supplying voltage (220 V). Below it is a button to completely de-energize the system unit. Two round holes (PS/2 connectors), purple for the keyboard, green for the mouse. Below is a red rectangular connector. This is an outdated connector (LPT port), now it is rarely used, but previously it was actively used to connect printers. Near it is a blue exit. Below it are four identical rectangular outputs - these are USB connectors (for flash drives, mice, scanners, printers and other devices with a USB interface).

To the right of them is a built-in “RJ-45” connector (for connecting a network cable and organizing a computer network). Below are the integrated outputs (red for connecting a microphone, green for headphones or speakers, blue (line input) for connecting devices using amplifiers). As you can see, below (perpendicular to the motherboard) there is another video card (external), with its own set of connectors.

The above components of the system unit are a kind of basic set (without them it will be impossible to work with the computer). On the other hand, this set can be expanded with additional devices and chipsets: increasing the number of hard drives (hard drives), the ability to use two video cards simultaneously, installing various additional ones, etc.

And now, let’s take a closer look at each of the components of the computer system unit in more detail. Click on the “next” link at the bottom of the page and proceed to the continuation of the material.

Below you can watch a video about what a computer system unit consists of:

Any computer will serve its owner for a long time if you follow the rules of operation of the device and handle it correctly. Of course, to do this you need to know what the computer consists of. The system unit is used as part of a personal computer. The monitor, input devices and peripheral devices are connected to it. The modular architecture of the system unit makes it possible to add or enhance components if necessary. What does the system unit consist of?

Case with power supply

On the front panel of the case there is a power button, which is needed to turn the device on and off. The button does not disconnect the system unit from the network, but only sends a signal to the motherboard. Most system units are equipped with a reset button. On the front panel there is a power indicator (lit when power is applied) and a hard disk access indicator (lit when accessing the HDD).

The installed power supply converts alternating current into direct current, which is exactly what is needed to power all computer components. Power supply values ​​may vary (300W, 350W, 400W and more). The power rating of the power supply depends on the computer configuration. It is important that there is enough power reserve not only to power the components installed at the time of purchase, but also for those that may be added later.

This way, you can first purchase a system unit inexpensively, with a minimum number of components, and then increase its power to suit your needs.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main part of the system unit. It is necessary to install and combine various components into one. The main characteristics of the motherboard are determined by the microcircuits that form the chipset. The motherboard contains many special connectors that are necessary for installing components. Manufacturers often integrate devices such as network adapter, video adapter, audio adapter, FireWire adapter, etc. on motherboards.

CPU

Computer performance depends on several factors. One of the main ones is the computing power of the installed processor. Most often, processors from AMD® and Intel® are installed in computers. Modern processors are distinguished by a high level of heat generation and are necessarily equipped with a cooling system (fan + radiator). Controlling process temperatures and changing fan speed is possible using software.

RAM

The main purpose of RAM (random access memory) is to store program code and intermediate calculation results. RAM is volatile. This means that if the power is turned off, all information contained in it is lost. To increase the amount of RAM, many motherboards have additional slots. Increasing RAM is a very difficult process, which is recommended to be trusted only to professionals.

Video adapter

A video adapter is required to display images on the monitor. He is the one who processes 3D graphics. The type of video adapter installed affects the performance of 3D applications (including games). Different computer models may be equipped with integrated (installed on the system board) adapters or adapters installed in PCI Express slots.

Hard drive (hard drive)

This device is used to store data and programs. Depending on the computer model, hard drives differ in connection interface and capacity.

Sound adapter

This component of the system unit is needed to generate an audio signal and output sound to the speaker system (headphones, speakers). Different computer models allow you to connect different sets of acoustics. This can be either a simple stereo system of two speakers or multi-channel sets used to create a home theater.