What is inside a computer
By Dimitris Chondros
What is a motherboard?
The motherboard is like your central nervous system. It sends messages to all of the components inside the computer, like your nerves send signals to different parts of your body!
CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the part of a computer system that is commonly known as the "brain" of the computer. The CPU is also known as the processor or the microprocessor.
CPU FAN (Cooler)
A computer fan is any fan inside or attached to a computer case, used for active cooling.
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the computer's main memory. The computer uses RAM constantly to temporally store information while you are working with it.
Northbridge and Southbridge
The Northbridge and the Southbridge are the two main chips on the motherboard of the computer. Together they create the computer chipset.
DVI Port
A DVI Port is a type of connection for video devices such as LCD monitors and projectors.
NIC
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a circuit board or card that is installed in the computer so it can be connected to a network.
AGP Slot
An AGP slot (Accelerated Graphics Port) is an advanced port designed for video cards and 3D accelerators.
PCI Slot
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is an interconnection system between a microprocessor and attached devices.
CMOS Battery
CMOS (Complementary Metal - Oxide - semiconductor) is the motherboard battery used for low - level system functions.
PCI - E Slot
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI -E) is a serial expansion bus standard for connecting a computer to one or more peripheral devices.
SATA Port
The standard hardware interface for connecting hard drives, solid state drives and CD/DVD drives to the computer.
IDE Connector
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) is a standard interface for connecting a motherboard to a storage device.