Computer Hardware Key Terms

Learn about the various hardware components of your desktop

When purchasing a new computer, there are a number of different hardware decisions you'll have to make. Being informed about the various parts of the desktop or laptop you are considering is vital to making a smart purchase. For instance, some people use the term "memory" interchangeably, but in reality there is a big difference between hard drive space and RAM. Familiarize yourself with computer hardware key terms so that you know exactly what you're buying.

 

Random access memory (RAM)

Random access memory (RAM) is the most widely familiar form of computer memory. This component, along with your CPU, controls how much your computer can think about at once, and how quickly it can think. Originally, most desktops shipped with SDRAM. Later, the standard shifted to DDR RAM. The standard today is DDR2 RAM. The most common form factor is DIMM or SODIMM (for notebook computers), which is basically a 64-bit interface.
Try: Learn about the different types of RAM at Computer Memory Upgrade. This website explains form factors, memory speed, cache memory and other concepts important to how RAM works.

Hard drive or hard disk drive (HDD)

The hard drive determines the storage capacity of your computer, or how much data you are capable of storing. The hard disk drive (HDD) is the current standard, and is comprised of disk platters that store information magnetically. Traditional hard drives are subject to mechanical failure because of moving parts. HDDs come in IDE or SATA, with SATA being the new, faster communications standard. A newly emergent technology called the SSD or solid state hard drive has no moving parts and uses NAND flash or SDRAM technology to store data.
Try: Understand the difference between IDE and SATA hard drives at HardDriveReport.com. Learn about the new solid state hard drive technology at PCTechGuide.

Video card

A video card is an expansion card that generates and outputs images to your display. It can also be called a display adapter or graphics card. Many computers come with an onboard graphics chip built into the motherboard. You can upgrade the graphics capability in your desktop with a graphics accelerator card. Laptops are limited to the capabilities of their onboard graphics.
Try: Compare and review the latest graphics cards at PC Magazine.

Central processing unit (CPU) or processor

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer is an electronic circuit that executes computer programs. The processor is the brains of your computer.
Try: Computer Shopper has a guide on how to buy the best new CPU.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board inside your desktop or laptop. All components of your computer speak to each other via the motherboard, either through external ports, expansion slots, or by being directly connected to the motherboard (such as onboard video or sound cards). There are many different types of motherboards designed to accommodate different CPUs.
Try: Read the latest reviews of motherboards at Motherboards.org. Find out how motherboards function at HowStuffWorks.

Optical, DVD, and CD drives

An optical drive retrieves and stores data on optical disks like CDs and DVDs. The DVD drive has replaced the CD drive as the industry standard. A DVD drive or burner can write on a variety of different media formats, such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL. Older drives cannot read or burn the -R format.
Try: See the latest roundup of DVD burners at BurnWorld.com.

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