Computer Hardware Flashcards
Discusses actual computer parts
Known as the ‘brain of the computer,’ it executes instructions and processes data. It consists of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A specialized processor designed for rendering images, videos, and animations. Essential for gaming, video editing, and AI computations.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
A hybrid processor that combines both a CPU and GPU on a single chip, primarily used in AMD processors for efficient computing.
Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)
A type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data currently being used by the CPU. More of it improves system performance.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
A type of non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware, including the BIOS.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
A common type of RAM that needs constant refreshing to maintain data.
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
A faster and more power-efficient type of RAM compared to DRAM, commonly used in CPU cache memory.
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
A non-mechanical storage device that uses NAND flash memory for faster read/write speeds compared to HDDs.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
A mechanical storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks (platters) to store data.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
The main circuit board that connects all hardware components, including the CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage devices.
Motherboard
A firmware stored on a small memory chip that initializes hardware components during boot-up.
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
A small battery-powered chip on the motherboard that stores system settings like date and time.
Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS)
A component that allows computers to connect to a network via wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connections.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
A high-speed interface for connecting expansion cards such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)
A common interface for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and storage devices.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A flat-panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to produce images.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
A display technology that uses LEDs as a backlight, offering better brightness and energy efficiency than LCDs.
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Converts electrical power from an outlet into a usable form for the computer, supplying power to all internal components.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
A device that reads and writes CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs using laser technology.
Optical Disc Drive (ODD)
