Other Hardware

Question 1

What does the sound card do?

Answer 1

Sound cards convert digital data into analog sound waves to output audio through speakers or headphones. In reverse, they convert analog input into digital data when inputting audio through a microphone.

Question 2

What are the two types of GPU?

Answer 2

• Integrated GPUs within the motherboard circuitry

- Dedicated GPUs on an additional card (known as a graphics card’).

Question 3

Describe Integrated GPU’s

Answer 3

An integrated GPU is cheaper and generates less power because it uses the RAM of the computer. Integrated GPUs are used for laptops as they generate less heat and are used for general computing uses (e.g. web browsing or watching movies).

Question 4

Describe Dedicated GPU’s

Answer 4

A dedicated GPU is more expensive and generates more heat, which means it needs a consistent cooling system, because it contains its own memory. Dedicated cards are used by animation professionals and hardcore gamers who require the best graphics.

Question 5

What is a GPU?

Answer 5

A GPU is a processor that produces graphical images to be displayed on a monitor. In early computers the CPU also generated graphics but as calculations increased in complexity the GPU was created to focus on image rendering and graphics (so the CPU can manage other tasks).

Question 6

What is the motherboard?

Answer 6

The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer