We use computers to play games, write letters, watch movies, and many other tasks, but do we know what is inside the computer? Lets explore what is inside the compter and how it works.

Desktop Case
Desktop Case

Under the Covers

The inside of a desktop computer is an interesting place to explore.

How about we start with an explanation of the guts of a desktop computer.

So what is an intergrated circuit

As you have noticed, the motherboard contains a number of black boxes known as Integrated Circuits or ICs. These chips do most of the work in a computer and many other devices.



If we want to go further discovering what an IC is we should explore Integrated Circuits.



As you can see from the examples we have that this is piece of fiberglass which has lines (traces) that connect the different components.

On the motherboard are both ICs and connectors. The connectors are present to allow you to connect other devices to the motherboard. Lets have a look at some of the devices that attach to the connectors.

Computer Processing Unit (CPU)



The CPU is the heart of the computer. This is the chip that executes the program to perform the work done by the computer. It controlls all the other functions performed by the computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM)


RAM (Random Access Memory) is the scratch pad of the computer. The CPU uses this space to store the code is executes and the data it needs. Ram only remembers when it has power applied to it.

Hard Disk

To Be Continued. This article is not complete yet

Written by John F. Moore

Last Revised: Wed Jan 3 20:19:18 EST 2018

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