Have you ever wondered what makes your PC work? It would be hard to achieve everything we do these days without the help of a powerful PC or laptop to back us up and get the word out to the world.
There are many different parts in a PC, and many can be crucial to its performance, but without these five powerful components, your computer will struggle to complete basic tasks without slowing down or stopping. Here are the five most important components of a PC.
The CPU
This is the brains of the operation. The central processing unit controls all the data and in most computers, all data will be pushed through this component. Modern CPUs are made from one or more cores. They are a collection of microscopic electric switches that are used to process tasks.
The faster the speed of the central processing unit the more data it can process every second. This is often called clock speed and is measured in hertz, typically gigahertz in modern CPUs.
The GPU
Graphic processing units are like a CPU but dedicated to processing graphics data. Separate, or dedicated, GPUs are becoming less common and are usually only used in high-specification gaming PCs and computers used to process and edit high-definition video, images, and graphics.
Many laptops and mid-range desktop PCs use integrated graphics chips that can process graphics data without the need for a dedicated GPU. You can find some excellent examples of these at Lenovo.com.
The Hard Drive
Storage is important, especially if you like to keep lots of images, videos, and music on your PC. Not only is the size of your data storage a critical factor, but the speed of your hard drive is too. All the data that your personal computer accesses is held on your hard drive unless it comes from the internet.
A slow hard drive will slow down your computer and make simple tasks take a lot longer. Solid-state drives are now more popular in modern PCs as they are quicker and can store more data in a smaller physical space.
The RAM
Random Access Memory is a critical component in all desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It stores information temporarily so the processing units can access it quickly and on demand.
As web browsers, word processors, and operating systems have evolved, the need for RAM has increased. Now, most PCs will need a minimum of 8 gigabytes to get by, though more is recommended.
The Ports And Connectivity
PCs used to just need a disk drive or CD-ROM drive to get by. Modern PCs and laptops now need multiple connection ports as well as wireless connectivity to function. Which connections and ports you need will depend on how you plan to use your PC, but you will probably need Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth connectivity is common in laptops but not desktops. They will often need an additional USB device to be able to make Bluetooth connections.
Get these five components right and you will have a powerful PC or laptop that is capable of handling any task you throw at it. Next time you are shopping for a new laptop, personal computer, or PC components, remember this guide.
