Internal System Unit Components

Processors (CPU)
The central processing unit is often referred to as ‘the brain of the computer’. This is because it
executes the instructions of a computer by using arithmetic, logic, control and output/input
operations. This allows the computer to do what the user wants to do. For example, if the user
wants to do width*height, the CPU will load in the variable width and load in the variable height. It
will then multiply those values together to give the user the variable of area.

Motherboard
I like to refer to the motherboard as the main frame of the computer. It is the main printed circuit
board (PCB) which allows communication between the different components of a computer which
makes them work together so that the computer will actually work. Many of the main components
are installed onto the motherboard itself such as the RAM and CPU.

BIOS
The BIOS is a collection of software utilities that form a section of the operating system. Usually, the
BIOS is stored on a ROM chip that comes with the computer (ROM BIOS). As a result of it being on
ROM, the BIOS is not affected by power failure; therefore, it makes it possible for the computer to
boot itself. The BIOS boots up the PC, checks the hardware configuration against the configuration
data and handles input/outputs of the computer.
Power Supply (PSU)
The power supply supplies power to the other components of the computer. There are two types of
power (internal and external). Internal power is needed by the vast majority of components within
the PC (5V or 12V of direct current). External power comes from the socket and provides an
alternating current (110-220V).

Cooling
Many components within the PC generate a lot of heat so we need something to counter-act the
heat otherwise the PC may fail as the chips will become overheated. Whenever someone builds a
PC, one of the main things they will have to think about is airflow otherwise the PC will not last very
long. Old PC’s will contain fans however this is not the only type of fan you will need to maintain the
performance of your PC. Modern PC’s will now contain a heat sink or processer cooling fan (maybe
even both). Since CPU’s are getting better, they are generating more heat so we need something to
cool the CPU down. A CPU should run at 40-50°C. You should consider 60°C maximum temperature.

Hard Drive Configuration and Controllers

The hard drive for a computer is located where the CD and DVD drives are held (in the processer
box). In addition, an external hard drive can also be used for either secondary storage or as a backup
device. Hard drives are IDE devices which are controlled by an IDE controller. There are two types of
IDE controller (primary and secondary). The hard drive is usually connected to the primary IDE
controller which then means that the CD/DVD/extra hard drive can be connected to the secondary
IDE controller on the motherboard. Each IDE ribbon (attached to either of the IDE controllers) are
able to support two drives (master and slave). The master drive handles the traffic on the IDE cable.
The controller retains its own data and then passes the data on to the slave drive. The slave drive
sees only the data that has been passed on from the master drive. A slave drive is not necessary if
there is only one drive connected to the cable. The enhanced version of an IDE hard drive is called
EIDED but was suspended by SATA which is used in most PCs now. SATA us a computer bus interface
for connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives.

Internal Memory
The internal memory in a PC is used to store programs that are running and also store the data that
the program works on. RAM provides a form of memory which gives the same access time for
allocations within it. The time taken to fetch a program instruction dictates how fast the application
can run. The optimum speed can be achieved by bring the ‘page’ of code from the backing storage
location such as a hard disk into the RAM. The more RAM there is, the more storage can be held so
the applications can run faster as it takes less time to swap pages in and out of RAM. If you run too
many applications at once, your computer may ‘crash’. This is caused by the processer when it
spends its time swapping pages rather than executing instructions. ROM is non-volatile memory
which means is does not lose its memory when the computer is turned off. Therefore, ROM can be
used to store data and/or instructions that are needed for when the PC is turned on (e.g. the BIOS
chip). Cache is a data buffer between the CPU and RAM. Internal cache is located inside the CPU
whereas external cache is located on the motherboard. Cache can be put into 2 categories prior to
how close it is to the CPU. Level 1 cache is the closest to the CPU and is housed within the CPU like
internal cache, level 2 cache is not so close. Level 2 cache can be external cache or it may be on the
CPU chip.

Specialised Cards
Expansion slots give the PC an extended lifespan, since new technology can be added as it becomes
available. They allow specialised cards to be added to your PC, for example a modem, sound card
and/or an NIC.

Ports
Wireless and infrared technology can be used instead of using cables and ports. However, a variety
of ports are available so a range of peripherals may be attached to the processer. If cabling is used,
the transfer of data to and from the peripheral will be one of two types (serial and parallel
transmission). Serial transmission transfers 1 bit at a time and the cable is usually circular in cross-
section.

Peripherals

Input
Examples: keyboard, camera, scanner and mouse.
They provide a way for the user to input data into the processer which gives it commands. For
example, if the user types the letter ‘a’ it will be converted into binary (01100001) so the processer
can execute the instruction so that the letter ‘a’ appears on the screen.

Output
Examples: monitor, printer, plotter and speaker.
After inputting something, an output device will present the result of the input.

Cabling
Depending on the type (serial or parallel), input and output devices need to be connected to the
processor using appropriate cabling (e.g. coaxial, optical, twisted pair) to an appropriate port. You
can also use wireless devices.
Backing Storage

Portable Drives
In early computers, the drives, such as the readers, were located within the casing. Hard disks were
fixed within the casing but other media formats, such as magnetic tape and floppy disks, provided
portable ways of storing data. In today’s world, external hard drives are used which allows users to
move the hard drive and the data with it. Another example of a portable drive is a USB stick which is
a smaller version of an external hard drive and it holds less data usually. However, there is still a
respectable amount of data held in USB sticks and they are now very popular.

Performance Factors
When deciding what storage device to use a few factors must be taken into account.

• How much data will the device hold? Will your data be more than this?

• How fast can the data be stored on the device?

• How fast can the data be retrieved from the device?

The performance of a system can be monitored using a profiler.