Essay: Components of a computer

Internal Components
It is important for any computer system to consider the internal components, they need to be compatible in order to make a fully functional computer system. When you do not consider how the components interact with each other (either connecting together physically or communicate/share information).
Processors
The processor works like the brain of the computer, it carries out all of the instructions and calculations required to run your programs. In order to process instructions, they need to know which instructions they may need to run. For this reason, processors fall into two main categories RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing).
RISC processors are used when computing tasks are simple and standardised, with only one layer of instructions (which are fixed-length). They can only run one instruction per cycle, so perform better with sequential programs.
To make best use of a RISC processor, you need to know that the amount of RAM you have is often the bottleneck.
CISC processors are used when there are a larger number of more complex instructions which need to be run (which vary in length). They can run more than one instruction per cycle, so can have increased performance with non-sequential programming.
The CISC processors make more efficient use of RAM and relies on effective and reliable hardware rather than software.
Random fact: Processor type (RISC vs CISC) is one of the only remaining non-standardised hardware components which are still being used today. This is due to the battle between Intel vs. ARM & Apple processor manufacturers. Intel CPU’s are CISC based where Apple and ARM devices have RISC architectures.
There is no “best” architecture, each has its own benefits and drawbacks to make it more suitable to different situations. CISC is most often used in automation devices where there are many calculations, comparisons, etc. whereas RISC is used in video and image processing computer systems.
Performance of CPU
The performance of the CPU is often seen as a key contributor to the overall performance of your computer system. However, as we will see with the additional internal components there are other factors. To improve your CPU performance, you could:
Increase the Number of Cycles: referred to as overclocking, by increasing the number of cycles per second you can run more instructions. However, please be warned, processor manufacturers set their processors to their optimum setting based on performance, efficiency and reliability. By overclocking your processor you may see gains in processing speed in the short term but in the long term may lead to a shorter shelf life and excess heat being created that your heat sink/fan may not be able to keep cool.
Typical processor speeds run from 2-5GHz which is 2-5 billion instructions per second.
Increased Number of Cores: Using Jon Von Neumann’s architecture (still used by most computers), instructions are fetched, decoded and executed one at a time. Modern computer systems can now be referred to as dual-core or quad-core, etc. with each core having its own fetch, decode and execute cycle.
A computer system which operates as a dual-core or quad-core can be up to two or four times faster than its single core counterparts. However, it isn’t that clear cut. The speed of the processor is determined by the software it is running, not all software takes advantage of these additional cores.
For example, gaming software is written by coders trying to take full advantage of the additional processing power. Whereas, office style software does not.
Processor with Cache Memory: Built into some processors you will find cache memory, a small amount of high performance RAM (Random Access Memory). This cache memory stores data (not instructions) that has been used frequently by the processor. This means it doesn’t always have to go all the way to RAM or Secondary Storage to find these frequently used values (speeding up the fetching of the most regularly used data items).
For video editing, games editing and any 3D/VR applications cache memory is critical. It offers a high increase to the processing of data. However, if using the system for office based programming, general browsing, etc. cache would make negligible difference to processing speed.
Check for the Word Length: When referring to a CPU the word length is the number of bits the CPU can process simultaneously. The more bits, the more data your CPU can process at once. For example, a 32-bit processor runs slower than a 64-bit processor because it has a lower word length.
The typical computer system is normally 32 or 64-bit. However, you need to ensure that the busses (cables that connect the CPU to the other internal components) also need to be able to handle this processing power.
At Kings Monkton School
Within desktop computers at Kings Monkton School (KMS) we make use of CISC processors in the form of Intel Pentium…
*** photos and details here ***
Motherboard
One of the most key components inside any computer system since every component and peripheral plugs into it. In fact, as it determines the size of the case you will need, the processor/chipset socket on the motherboard will determine the kind of processor you can install.
Your budget will also play an important factor in your choice. For a motherboard which has all the required features you can pay anything from £40 (as a budget board) to over £500 (with the high end spec.) E.g. at the time of writing the AMD Rog Zenith Extreme is at the higher end choice for gamers (https://www.ebuyer.com/801819-asus-amd-rog-zenith-extreme-x399-gaming-motherboard-rog-zenith-extreme) where the board, at the time of writing is £494.99 be warned that the processor it was designed for…just under double that price.
Top tips from Tom’s Hardware:
Get the right socket for your CPU: You can find great CPUs from either Intel or AMD, but whatever processor your choose, make sure that your board has the correct socket to support it. The latest mainstream AMD chips use AM4 sockets while current Intel 8th Gen Core CPUs require an LGA 1151v2 sockets.
Smaller boards = fewer slots and features. Motherboards come in three main sizes, from largest to smallest: ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX (Yes, Mini is smaller than Micro). You can use a smaller chassis with the micro or mini boards, but you’ll have to settle for fewer PCIe slots, RAM banks and other connectors.
You can spend under £100: You can find a good motherboard for less than £100, but if you want to overclock an Intel chip or you need a lot of ports, you will have to spend more, usually up to £150. High-end desktop chips like AMD Threadripper require expensive £200+ motherboards.
Pay for built-in Wi-Fi, high-end ports only if you need them. Don’t spend extra for wireless if you are using a wired connection. You can future proof your PC by getting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and / or Thunderbolt 3 support.
Most motherboards come in three sizes:
ATX is the larger standard and has the most space for plugs and slots (definitely more suitable if you are planning on including many additional components and peripherals).
Micro-ATX is 2.4-inches shorter, which means less room for expansion slots (expansion slots allow you to add additional components which need for additional graphics, video, sound cards).
Mini-ITX can make for a tiny PC, but you’ll usually only have room for one add-in card (like a graphics card), and fewer connectors for storage and RAM.
At Kings Monkton School
Within desktop computers at Kings Monkton School (KMS) we needed a motherboard which was suitable to our processor. However, we also needed to take into account that we wouldn’t have to connect multiple graphics, sound or video cards and will still want to be able to use deskspace. Therefore, we didn’t use the larger motherboards. This meant that we could keep the desk space and save economically too.
BIOS
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the program the CPU uses when you press the power button to start the computer system. It manages the flow of data between the computer’s operating system (main program managing all resources on a computer system – e.g. Windows 10 or iOS) and the hardware (e.g. HDD, peripherals, etc.)
Please note: your BIOS comes pre-installed (it’s not like the operating system where you can choose if it is pre-installed), on a Read-Only memory chip.
When you start your computer your BIOS has to work out if all of the components needed are connected and working, before loading the operating system (well, important parts of it) into the RAM.
The BIOS is specific to the motherboard/processors supported.
Power Supply
Often referred to as the PSU, the Power Supply Unit converts your mains AC to the lower-voltage regulated DC power which is needed by the internal components of a computer.
Different computer systems require different voltages, the more internal components you use (including any powered additional cooling, etc) or the more powerful components you install, the more power your power supply needs to supply.
To work out the size of the power supply you need, you need to add up the amount of power each of your components use in watts. Your two biggest power supply drains are usually your CPU and graphics card. Although they typically use less power (well, lower voltage) HDDs, Optical Drives and cooling systems also use power.
At Kings Monkton School
Within desktop computers at Kings Monkton School we use…
Fan, Heat Sink and Cooling
When computer systems overheat they become unstable, can shut down and even suffer component damage. Therefore, computing devices are designed with ventilation and heat dispersion in mind.
Extra heat can be generated by internal components which are not working efficiently, blocked fans or ventilation (usually dust) or insufficient cooling.
Cases are often designed with ventilation in mind, they need to ensure that internal components are kept cool. Unless you are using a specialised cooling setup (water, oil, etc) the redirection and movement of air is the most common method of cooling. With this method, your internal components rely on the fan to move the cooler air from outside the case to flow over the warmer components to keep them cool.
Where the fans are placed (side, back, front or multiple) is determined by the case itself and there can be a single fan or multiple (more for gaming computer systems).
Components like your CPU and Graphics Card generate the majority of the heat, so require additional cooling (air flow is not enough). A heat sink is attached to your processor (usually with the addition of thermal paste) which is designed to pull the heat (generated by the processor) which is then removed by the air flow.
At Kings Monkton School
Within desktop computers at Kings Monkton School we use…
Peripherals of a Computer
A peripheral device, is something that is additionally attached to a computer to offer extra functionality to the benefit of the user.
Photocopier
A photocopier is the first example of a peripheral device. Much like a printer and scanner, a photocopier will allow users to make copies of original documents. However, unlike traditional printers, photocopiers are much larger and therefore would take up more physical space within the room. Currently, KMS has three colour photocopiers:
Library – The library is a perfect placement for the secondary school as it is in a centralised location. It is conveniently placed, as it is at the front of the room, near the librarians desk. This is of benefit to track usage, replace toner/paper quickly and efficiently and troubleshoot any problems that may occur.
Outside staff room – Convenient for staff members, but being right outside the door and staff toilets in a narrow space. This frequently causes congestion in the area. Older students will feel more comfortable using this one than younger pupils. The younger pupils may feel more intimidated by the staff room and their toilets.
Inside the main office – brilliantly located for office staff, however it is behind a locked door