Computer Components
We just built a computer as we needed a faster one for using CS4 (a program used for design and video editing) which has large requirements in terms of memory and speed. We took pictures as we went along and will put a name and an explanation by each component. If you were ever curious about what components are in your computer and what they do… this is the post for you!
Motherboard: Click on the image to enlarge and see the labelled components
Motherboard: This is the main hub of the computer, not only does it connect all of the components of the computer together it also contains the sound card, network connections, USB connectors, possibly firewire which is like a USB connector but faster (a place to hook up your video camera or external hard drives), as well as slots for RAM, added Video and wireless cards. In the computer the motherboard sits on small metal risers to prevent the motherboard from touching the sides of the case.
Antec 500 Power Supply with its large number of cords
Power Supply: This part which is located in the computer takes the power from your wall and splits it up giving a nice even supply of power to all the parts in the computer. You still need a good surge protection bar between the power source and the computer as the power supply cannot protect the computer from any surges of power. This is the easiest part to install but the messiest as it has various cords which are to be connected to the various parts in the computer. We are using an Antec Earthwatts 500- which is suppose to be more energy efficient and quiet. The 500 means 500 Watts… the number of parts you have will determine how much power you need.
Top Left: The processor itself Right: Fan BottomLeft: Close up of the processor showing the connecting pins.
Processor: This is the computers main brain performing all of the calculations and computer functions. We’ve used an Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0GHZ (speed of the processor) which is the best bang for buck at this time. You may have heard of the Intel Core i7 which is the latest line of processors from Intel. AMD is another familiar brand. The processor is a small square, the largest part is the fan which keeps it cool.
RAM: 4 sticks of 2GB Ram each
RAM: The Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary place for programs to store information giving them quick access to it. The information will still need to be saved to the hard-drive if a program needs to access it at a later date. We have put in 8GB (4 sticks of 2GB) and we have four slots to put them in. This is a large amount of RAM but is useful for those running Windows 64bit and have large programs such as Creative Suite 4 if not 4GB is a good amount to have. The ram has slots which makes it go in only one way (always helpful when putting together a computer).
Top down View of the Video Card
Video card: This component displays the graphics. Some motherboards may have them built in while others are added to the motherboard. The built in versions are usually not very fast. If you want to do any gaming or graphics/video editing you will want a faster video card. When putting in a separate video card it goes into the PCI express slot (blue slot in the first picture) located on the Motherboard. The size of video cards range from 128 mb to 1GB (we’ve used one that is 512mb).
Video Card Connections:The white one on the right is a DVI connection (newer), the blue one is a VGA connection (older). Not all video cards will have both connections so you'll need to check that you have the right ones.
You will want to make sure you have the right connection for your particular monitor either VGA (Video Graphics Array) or DVI (Digital Video Interface).
A look at the bottom of the hard drive where the circuitry and connecting pins are located.
Hard Drive: The hard drive is where the computer stores all the information (photos, documents… everything!). This is the part you want to back up or at least some of the valuable pictures etc that you have on it should be backed up. We will do a post in the near future on ways to back up your valuable possessions stored on your computer as unfortunately hard drives will die eventually. It’s not a matter of if rather of when. But I digress… the computer case came with rubberized mounts which makes it quieter in the computer and this hard drive will hold up to 1TB worth of information. It is ideal to have a hard drive that stores at least 500GB (1TB=1000GB).
The empty computer case with the boxes of components ready to be installed.
The computer with its numerous parts installed and almost ready to go!
Pheww… We made it! Those are the main components in a computer. Please email or leave a comment if you have any questions or would like further information. We’ve included a before and after picture of the computer.
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