Processing devices
By Prince
C.P.U
The central processing unit (CPU) is the unit, which performs most of the processing inside a computer. To control instructions and data flow to and from other parts of the computer, the CPU relies heavily on a chip set, which is a group of microchips located on the motherboard.
The CPU has two typical components:
- Control Unit: extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): handles arithmetic and logical operations.
To function properly, the CPU relies on the system clock, memory, secondary storage, and data and address buses.
This term is also known as microprocessor or chip.
RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) is a type of computer data storage. A RAM device makes is possible to access data in random order, which makes it very fast to find a specific piece of information. Certain other types of storage are not random-access. For example, a hard disk drive and a CD read and write data in a predetermined order. The mechanical design of these devices prescribes that data access is consecutive. This means that the time it takes to find a specific piece of information can vary greatly depending on where it is located on the disk.
RAM devices are used in computer systems as the main memory. RAM is considered volatile memory, which means that the stored information is lost when there is no power. So RAM is used by the central processing unit (CPU) when a computer is running to store information that needs to be used very quickly, but it does not store any information permanently.
Mother Board
ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of memory storage that is permanently integrated into a personal computer (PC). It contains the programming needed to start a PC which is essential for boot-up; it performs major input/output tasks and holds programs or software instructions.
There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard and a few on expansion boards. The chips are essential for the basic input/output system (BIOS), boot up, reading and writing to peripheral devices, basic data management and the software for basic processes for certain utilities.