What is Inside a Desktop Computer

 

Watch the video (3:44). Need help?

Have you ever looked inside a computer case before? Or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts look very complicated, but the inside of a computer case really isn't that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a little about what goes on inside the four walls of the computer casing.

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer

Let's explore the inside of a computer tower.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) CPU/Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is often called the brain of the computer, or the computer's engine. Its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

The processor determines how fast a computer can execute instructions. A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHZ), or millions of instructions per second, and gigahertz (GHZ), or billions of instructions per second. So, the higher the hertz, the faster the computer can process instructions. The power of the processor is measured in bits. The more bits a processor can handle, the more data it can handle, and therefore, the more powerful the processor.

The CPU is generally a 2 inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip usually about the size of a thumbnail.

The CPU fits into the CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

There are many processor manufacturers for personal computers including Intel, Cyrix, VIA, and AMD.

CPU Socket

Many processor chip designers include funny or interesting hidden artwork, such as images, phrases, initials, and logos on the chips. This artwork is only visible when the chip is open and magnified, so it's really a joke among the chip developers, rather than something intended for everyone to see.