What's inside a PC

There are many components used to make a computer work. These are the major parts inside a computer and a little explanation of what they do.

Case – This is where all the parts inside are housed. This is the deciding factor for what and how many parts you can fit into your computer. There are many different sizes, shapes, and colors for cases. Sizes go from Micro, Mid, and Full Tower cases (the most common is the "Mid Tower ATX" case).

Hard Drive – This piece stores ALL of your information. Rated in GB(Gigabytes). The bigger the GB the more space you have to store things.

CPU/Processor – This is the brains of the computer. Rated in "MHz"(Megahertz) or "GHz"(Gigahertz). The higher the rating, the overall faster your computer will be is not true anymore. They have hit a speed barrier around 3GHz and are now just optimizing them more and also are making dual core processors (2 cpu's in one). 1GHz = 1000MHz

RAM/Memory – Temporary storage of programs. Rated in "MB"(Megabytes) or "GB"(Gigabytes). The more memory you have the faster programs will load and run. 1GB = 1024MB

Motherboard/Main Board – Everything attaches to this. Controls everything in the computer. It also is the main determination factor of how much of what component and what type you can put in your PC such as a CPU, RAM, or Video Card.

Video Card – Used to view anything on the screen. Also used as a main component for PC Games. Do not buy based on how much memory this has. Very tricky to know which is best as there are MANY variations. Buying one built into the Motherboard (integrated video card) will slow your PC down tremendously since it steals system resources from the other PC components.

Sound Card – Allows you to hear music and sounds on the PC.

Power Supply – Provides power to the whole computer. Do not buy on how many Watts this runs at as brand is a HUGE consideration to this crucial part.