Tutorials and Learning
Learn about the parts as you build a computer and understand general computer terms.
Parts of a Computer
General descriptions for the major parts of a personal computer. You can click on the names of each part to purchase and learn more about each item.
Computer Case
The case is an enclosure that houses all of your computer parts. The motherboard is mounted inside and most of your main components attach to it.
CPU
The 'brains' of your computer, this is where calculations take place and where you get your processing power from. This is also referred to as the 'processor'.
CPU Fan
Cooling device that is mounted on top of the processor to reduce the temperature as the CPU operates. Usually includes a heatsink that is part of the fan.
Hard Drive
A storage device that reads and writes data. The hard drive holds all of your software and files that are saved on your computer. A hard drive stores data permanently, even after the power is shut off.
Flash Card
Storage media that is in a card format, and is permanently stored until it is erased or formatted.
Memory
Internal storage space in your computer. Also referred to as 'RAM' sometimes, the memory in your computer stores temporary information, and is usually volatile, which means it loses the information stored once you turn your computer off and it loses power.
Monitor
Display screen that attaches to the video card, to allow you to see the graphical interface of the computer. Common types of monitors are LCD and CRT.
Motherboard
The mainboard of the computer that the CPU, Memory, and other main system components are installed onto. The motherboard has expansions slots for add on cards such as video, sound, and networking.
Onboard Sound
A device that outputs sound from your computer, and attaches to your speakers or other audio hardware which is built into the motherboard.
Onboard Video
A device that attaches to your monitor or other video hardware that gives the computer graphical capabilities which is build into the motherboard.
Network Adapter
A device that is a card or built into your motherboard that has a port, that allows you to connect to a network. Sometimes referred to as a 'NIC' card or adapter.
Power Strip
Also known as a surge protector, this has electrical outlets on it that shields everything that is plugged in from power spikes. It usually has a power switch and reset button.
Power Supply
Component that supplies the computer with power. The Power Supply is mounted in or part of the case, and connects to the motherboard to supply power.
Printer
A device that connects to your computer and outputs information onto paper. The two most common types of printers are parallel and USB.
Scanner
A device that connects to your computer and reads text or images by digitizing the information and pulling it into your selected software for editing or printing.
Sound Card
A device that outputs sound from your computer, and attaches to your speakers or other audio hardware. A sound card is a separate card that installs in a motherboard slot.
Speakers
Connects to your computer and outputs sound from the audio card. Speakers come in a variety of styles from very basic to multi speaker surround sound systems.
Video Card
A device that attaches to your monitor or other video hardware that gives the computer graphical capabilities. A video card is a separate card that installs in a motherboard slot.