What Makes a Computer Tick? Understanding RAM, CPU, GPU, Storage, and PSU
Have you ever wondered what happens when you press the power button on your computer? How does it turn on, what makes it run, and how does it know what to do? In this blog post, we will explore the components that make up a computer and understand their functions. Let’s dive in!
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is a silent hero in the world of computing and plays a vital role in the functionality of a computer. When you open a program or file, it loads into the RAM so the processor can access it quickly. RAM is the space where the computer stores temporary data from running programs. The larger the RAM, the smoother and faster the computer works.
The speed of RAM is measured in megahertz (MHz), and the size is measured in gigabytes (GB). The more powerful the processor, the faster the RAM needs to be. So, if you want to build a gaming PC or a workstation for video editing, you need to get RAM with a high MHz and GB.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Often referred to as the “brain” of the computer, the CPU is responsible for executing instructions and calculations in a computer. The CPU processes information from the RAM and performs the required operations.
The speed of a CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and is critical to the performance of the computer. The faster the CPU, the better the computer’s performance, but this also depends on other factors like the number of cores. Cores are the individual processing units within the CPU, and the more cores a CPU has, the better it can multitask.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
The GPU, also known as the video card or graphics card, is responsible for rendering images and videos. It’s vital for gaming and any graphics-intensive task. A GPU consists of thousands of processing cores and its memory, also known as VRAM.
The clock speed of a GPU is measured in MHz, and its performance is measured in Cuda cores. Nvidia RTX 2070, for instance, has 2304 Cuda cores, while the RTX 2080 has 2944 cores. The larger the number of Cuda cores, the more powerful the GPU, which guarantees a smooth gaming experience.
Storage
Storage is where you save and store all of your files, programs, and operating system. There are two types of storage devices: hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
HDDs have been around forever and are more affordable than SSDs. However, SSDs are growing in popularity due to their faster read and write speeds, making them better for gaming, video editing, and other performance-intensive tasks.
The storage capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB). If you work with large files or programs, like video editing software or design applications, you will need a larger storage capacity.
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
The PSU is the component that supplies power to all the components of a computer. It’s essential to choose a PSU that can handle the power consumption of your computer.
PSUs are measured in watts, and you need to ensure that the power output of the PSU matches the power consumption of your computer’s components. If you have a powerful CPU and GPU, you will need a higher wattage PSU.
In conclusion, to make a computer tick, you need all of the above components to work in harmony. It’s critical to choose components that work well together and can handle the demands of the tasks you intend to run. Building a PC is about balancing performance with cost.
If you’re building your own PC, research the components you need and ensure that they are compatible with each other. If you’re buying a pre-built PC, make sure you know the specifications of the components to assess whether it suits your needs.
Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
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