Pc Components

One of the great strengths of the PC platform that has led to its overwhelming success in the marketplace is its modularity. Most PCs are made up of many different individual components, which can be mixed and matched in thousands of different configurations. This lets you customize the PC you either buy or build to meet your exact needs.

This section discusses some of the major components of a typical, modern PC. Some PCs have some of these combined into one physical unit, but inside, somewhere, youll find most if not all of these pieces.

The box or outer shell that houses most of the computer, the system case is usually one of the most overlooked parts of the PC. While it may seem inconsequential, the case actually performs several important functions for your PC, including protection for the computer circuits, cooling, and system organization. In addition, the system case is normally purchased together with the system power supply, and must also be matched with the size, shape and electrical requirements of your motherboard. Therefore, it has an impact on your options with these important components as well.

The system case, sometimes called the chassis or enclosure, is the metal and plastic box that houses the main components of the computer. Most people dont consider it a very important part of the computer (perhaps in the same way they wouldnt consider their own skin a very important body organ). While the case isnt as critical to the system as some other computer components (like the processor or hard disk), it has several important roles to play in the functioning of a properly-designed and well-built computer. The case doesnt appear to perform any function at all, at first glance. However, this isnt true; the case is in fact much more than just a box. The case has a role to play in several important areas: Structure: The motherboard mounts into the case, and all the other internal components mount into either the motherboard or the case itself.

The case must provide a solid structural framework for these components to ensure that everything fits together and works well.

Protection: The case protects the inside of your system from the outside world, and vice-versa. Vice versa? Yes, although most people dont think about that. With a good case, the inside of your computer is protected from physical damage, foreign objects and electrical interference. Everything outside of your computer is protected from noise created by the components inside the box, and electrical interference as well.

In particular, your systems power supply, due to how it works, generates a good deal of radio-frequency (RF) interference, which without a case could wreak havoc on other electronic devices nearby. Cooling: Components that run cool last longer and give much less trouble to their owner. Cooling problems dont announce themselves; you wont get a System Cooling Error on your screen, youll get random-seeming lockups and glitches ...