CHF Module 1

• Microprocessor

  • Central to all processing done by the computer
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Reads and writes data and instructions to and from storage devices and performs calculations and other data processing
• Port

  • Physical connector that allows a cable form a peripheral device to be attached to the computer.
• Motherboard

  • Core of the system which controls all the devices

  
• Processor

  • Serves as the brain or engine of the PC

  
• Memory

  • Contains data which the processor is using at a given time

  
• Hard Disk Drives

  • Secondary storage that is used when large amounts of data have to be stored

  
• Video display which shows information

  
• Video Card

  • Controls the information displayed on the monitor

  
• Power Supply

  • Source of electrical power of every part of the PC
  • Provides all of the different voltages the computer needs to operate properly.
  • Converts the power received from a standard power outlet, converts AC to DC.
  • Designed to give an efficient and inexpensive power source, as well as it should generate a minimum amount of heat.

  
• Case

  • Frame that houses the system unit

  
• PC Case Functions

  • Housing: The case usually makes room for the power supply unit, expansion slots/bays, and I/O ports connected to the motherboard.
• PC Case Functions

  • Ventilation: The case should be well ventilated and can be equipped with cooling fans.
• PC Case Functions

  • EMF Elimination and Grounding: The case can keep internal components from generating EMF to a minimum. The case can also provide adequate grounding, causing immunity to static electric discharges.
• PC Case Form Factors

  • Form Factors: Refers to the shape and general physical layout of a component.
• PC Case Form Factors

  Types:

  • ATX
  • micro ATX
  • Extended ATX
  • ITX
• ATX

  • Advanced Technology Extended. This case can house ATX, m-ATX, and ITX motherboards. Can usually fit 7 or more 120mm fans.

  
• micro-ATX

  • A smaller ATX PC Case that can house m-ATX or ITX motherboards. This case can usually fit only up to 7 120mm fans.

  
• extended-ATX

  • e-ATX cases house mostly all of ATX sized motherboards (ATX, e-ATX, m-ATX, and ITX). These cases provide more HDD/SSD SATA holders than ATX cases and can hold more than 7 case fans. Commonly used on enthusiast-level workstation (water-cooled systems, etc.)

  
• ITX

  • ITX cases are the smallest PC Case form factor. It can only support ITX motherboard and is extremely limited on ventilation.

  
• Obsolete PC Case Form Factors

  • AT
  • Baby-AT
  • LPX
• AT

  • 1984, with a round hole at the back used for inserting the DIN plug of old keyboards.

  
• Baby-AT

  • Scaled down model of AT

  
• LPX

  • Low profile extension format