Your guide to the Components that make up a PC

What makes up a PC?

Processors

The processor is one of the major components that determine a computer's performance.

What difference do the different processor speeds make?

The speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). Generally the better processor, the faster your computer will run: an Athlon 3200 will not have the same power as a Athlon 3500. This is the speed of the computer brain.

What are the advantages of dual-core processors?

A dual-core CPU combines two independent processors and their respective caches and cache controllers on to a single silicon chip or intergrated circuit allowing you to run more applications simultaneously compared to a single core processor.

What is MHz FSB for processors?

The units used to measure the frequency of electric vibrations per second, typically this is used as a measure of a processor's Front Side Bus (FSB). Eg.533MHz FSB. In computers, the front side bus or system bus is the physical bi-directional data bus that carries all electronic signal information between the central processing unit (CPU) and other devices within the system such as Random Access Memory (RAM), AGP video cards, PCI expansion cards, hard disks, the memory containing the system BIOS etc.

What is cache?

Cache is a computer's short-term memory and is measured in Kilobytes (kB) and Megabytes (MB). Recently modified documents are stored in the computer system's cache allowing you to access them quicker. The more cache in a computer's processor, the better the computer will perform.

Motherboards

The motherboard of a computer is the primary circuit board where all the internal components of a computer are connected.

Memory

Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB). The more memory you have in your computer, the quicker the processing of documents, downloads and programs.

RAM RAM (Random Access Memory) is where the computer system stores software applications and data that are being used. DDR or Double Data Rate effectively almost doubles the stated data transmission rate. Like DDR, DDR2 is a form of RAM. DDR2 is the next evolutionary step in the DDR infrastructure. Power supplies units (PSUs) You need to ensure your power supply can provide enough power for your PC, so as general rule; the more wattage, the better. If you want to run dual graphics cards, you will need two graphics power connectors that most PSUs don't have; certainly on the lower wattages. Modern PSUs have a hugh amount of connectors, so to help out, we've complied this handy guide to steer you through the power cable minefield: 4-Pin ATX 12V - This small connector is usually located next to the Central Processing Unit socket and provides the CPU with an extra dose of current at 12V. 8-Pin EPS 12V - Not surprisingly, dual-core CPU and dual- CPU motherboards require twice as much power as single- processor designs. This connector is essentially two 4-pin ATX 12V connectors linked together. 24-Pin ATX - Modern motherboards consume more power than their predecessors, so the 24-pin ATX connector replaced the 20-pin. Molex - The 'handyman' of PSU connectors, used to provide power to everything from hard disks to graphics cards. If your PSU doesn't have enough Molex connectors, it won't perform. PCI-E - This 6-pin connector was recently introduced to provide extra power for graphics cards. If you want to build an SLI PC then make sure your PSU has two PCI-E connectors. S-ATA - This is not the strongest of connectors. It powers S-ATA and S-ATA II hard disks and optical drives. Hard Drive - The hard drive (hard disk) of a computer provides you with space to store your programs and personal files and is measured in Gigabytes (GB). Although the size of hard drives in today's computers are generally larger than you will require; you can never be too sure, so the larger the better. A gigabyte (GB) is a data storage capacity measure that equals approximately 1000MB or 1 billion bytes. Optical Drive - Most disk drives available today have the ability to read and write DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and provide a far greater storage capacity (around 5GB compared to 700MB on a CD). This in turn means that you can store more multimedia files such as films, music and photos on one single disc. Graphics Card - Graphics cards are responsible for the quality of images displayed on your monitor. A good graphics card is needed for graphics intensive tasks such as computer gaming. There are five types of card: PCI - allows you to upgrade your computer quickly and easily. Mainly used for adding soundcards, modems, TV cards etc. AGP - Replaced the PCI. Much better performance and therefore much better for gaming. PCI-E - (PCI Express) The latest graphics cards: as future proof as an IT component can be. You need a PCI-E slot on your motherboard to use one. SLI and Crossfire - NVidia's SLI and ATI's Crossfire technology represent a major revolution in 3D gaming and rendering. Both SLI and CrossFire combine two graphics cards to produce nearly twice as much 3D processing power than just a single card. The Anatomy of a PC Motherboard

Sound card - Together with the speakers, a sound card determines a computer’s ability to reproduce sound for watching DVD movies, listening to music and realistic game sound effects. Most computers come with a built-in sound card, a separate sound card that can be fitted into a computer’s expansion slot offers better sound quality and added features for recording and creating digital music and sounds. TV Cards - A TV tuner allows you to watch free-to-view analogue/digital (depending on the PC) television on your computer. It also allows you to record television on to your hard disk. Operating systems (O/S) Windows - Windows XP Media Center provides the advanced computing power of Windows XP Home and also allows you to watch DVDs, record TV (if the PC has a TV tuner), listen to music, share your digital photos and more; all through simple, easy to use menus. The new Vista range represents the next generation and a different style of Windows operating system. Linux - A similar O/S to Windows, based on a graphical user interface. The major difference is that Linux is largely free to download over the internet. You may have to pay for support services. PCI expansion slots PCI - (Peripheral Component Interconnect) expansion slots allow your computer to be compatible with future technology or additional hardware such as memory. Most computers now have several PCI slots allowing you to easily upgrade your computer. PCI-X! - Not used for graphics but uses up less space and power than the normal PCI. Used for modems, TV Cards and soundcards. USB Connections - Universal Serial Bus connections allow you to Plug ‘n’ Play’ peripherals, such as a printer without needing to shut down the computer. The more USBs, the better: USB 2.0 is much faster than USB 1.0 at speeds up to 480MB/s. PC Case ATX – Standard form factor for putting a motherboard in. Micro ATX – Smaller than ATX. You may need to buy a micro ATX motherboard to fit.

What does that mean? AGP – Advanced Graphics Port ATX - Advanced Technology eXtended BIOS - Basic Input / Output System Clock speeds – Number of clock cycles –the speed of processing of your chip CPU – Central Processing Unit DDR – Double Data Rate DVI - Digital Visual Interface FDD – Floppy Disc Drive HDD - Hard Disk Drive Heatsink Fans – Cools the chip. A good fan cools better and increases the chip’s performance Modder – Someone who ‘styles’ their PC Overclocking – Increasing the voltage to get more processing power. Shortens the life of your PC PSU – Power Supply Unit PATA - Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect PCI-E - PCI Express was formerly known as Arapaho or 3GIO for 3rd Generation I/O RAM - Random Access Memory SATA - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment SLI - Scalable Link Interface VGA - Video Graphics Array