IntComp: Hardware

Question 1

is often likened to the brain of a computer. Just as our brains process information, make decisions, and give commands to our bodies, the CPU performs a similar role for the computer.

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Question 2

Whenever you click an icon, open an application, or even move your mouse, you’re giving a command to your computer

Answer 2

Commands and Instructions

Question 3

similar to this short-term memory or quick-access notepad you use when cooking

Answer 3

RAM, or Random Access Memory,

Question 4

It’s where your computer stores data that it’s currently working on or using, so it can be accessed quickly.

Answer 4

RAM, or Random Access Memory,

Question 5

They’ve been around for a long time and are a well-established way to store lots of data.

Answer 5

Hard Drives (HDDs)

Question 6

have spinning magnetic discs, called platters, and a moving arm, called a read/write head.

Answer 6

Hard Drives (HDDs)

Question 7

they usually offer a lot of storage space for a lower price

Answer 7

Hard Drives (HDDs)

Question 8

They’re a newer technology compared to HDDs and are faster and more reliable.

Answer 8

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Question 9

use a type of flash memory, similar to what’s in your USB thumb drives or smartphones

Answer 9

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Question 10

are less prone to physical wear and tear, making them more durable

Answer 10

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Question 11

they can access data instantly, your computer will boot up faster, and programs will load more quickly

Answer 11

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Question 12

generally more expensive than HDDs per gigabyte of storage

Answer 12

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Question 13

is the main circuit board and foundational piece in a computer

Answer 13

The Motherboard

Question 14

Everything connects to it, just as all roads lead to and from the city center.

Answer 14

The Motherboard

Question 15

distributes power to all computer components and ensures they can ‘communicate’ with each other effectively

Answer 15

The Motherboard

Question 16

have expansion slots. If you want to add new capabilities to your computer in the future, like a better graphics card or a sound card,

Answer 16

The Motherboard

Question 17

has its own set of controllers and chips that manage data flow, ensuring everything runs smoothly without ‘traffic jams’

Answer 17

The Motherboard

Question 18

main job is to render images and display them on your computer screen. Every app you open, every video you watch, and every game you play

Answer 18

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 19

takes on the heavy lifting to ensure everything appears smooth and lifelike.

Answer 19

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 20

can rapidly process and change visuals, leading to smoother animations, especially noticeable in video games or during high-definition video playback.

Answer 20

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 21

have their own type of memory called VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)

Answer 21

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 22

This allows them to store textures, frames, and other visual data for quick access, ensuring that you get uninterrupted and high-quality visuals

Answer 22

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 23

is the powerhouse behind every visual element you see on your computer

Answer 23

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 24

acts as the electricity grid, providing the necessary power to each and every component

Answer 24

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Question 25

is tasked with converting the alternating current (AC) from your wall outlet into a direct current (DC)

Answer 25

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Question 26

computer components require DC power, and this is responsible for this conversion.

Answer 26

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Question 27

provides various connectors to ensure that from the smallest fan to the most powerful CPU

Answer 27

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Question 28

has built-in mechanisms to protect your computer from electrical surges or outages

Answer 28

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Question 29

are designed to be energy efficient

Answer 29

Psu

Question 30

ensures every component gets the power it needs.

Answer 30

PSU

Question 31

These are the various connectors found typically on the back (and sometimes the front) of your computer

Answer 31

I/O Ports

Question 32

Universally recognized and used for connecting a vast range of devices such as flash drives, printers, cameras, and more.

Answer 32

USB Ports:

Question 33

Used to transmit video and audio to a display, such as a monitor or TV.

Answer 33

HDMI & DisplayPort

Question 34

Allows for wired internet connectivity.

Answer 34

Ethernet Port

Question 35

For connecting headphones, microphones, and speakers.

Answer 35

Audio Jacks

Question 36

An older video output used for connecting to monitors.

Answer 36

VGA Port

Question 37

These are slots located on the motherboard itself, designed to accommodate additional cards that enhance or add functionality to the computer

Answer 37

Expansion Slots

Question 38

These are the most common type of expansion slot in modern PCs, allowing users to add a range of cards, from graphics cards (GPUs)

Answer 38

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Slots

Question 39

A newer slot primarily for attaching high-speed storage devices directly to the motherboard.

Answer 39

M.2 Slot

Question 40

These are the most basic and commonly used cooling devices

Answer 40

Air Cooling Systems

Question 41

Typically made of metal (often aluminum or copper), these are designed with fins to increase surface area and dissipate heat more effectively.

Answer 41

Heatsinks:

Question 42

These are pre-assembled, sealed systems where a liquid circulates through tubes, absorbing heat

Answer 42

Closed-loop/All-in-one (AIO) Coolers

Question 43

This is a more complex, customizable system that enthusiasts might use

Answer 43

Open-loop/Custom Loop

Question 44

These are less common, more specialized cooling solutions

Answer 44

Phase Change and Peltier (Thermoelectric) Coolers

Question 45

Some components, especially those designed for low-power usage, might rely on passive cooling

Answer 45

Passive Cooling

Question 46

can accumulate on fans and heatsinks, reducing their efficiency

Answer 46

Dust:

Question 47

This is a thermally conductive compound placed between the CPU and its cooler to ensure efficient heat transfer

Answer 47

Thermal Paste