Lab #1 Geol 300
Dissecting a PC
due January 31
PC computer hardware summary
| CPU - Central Processing Unit. It is the brains of a PC and does all the computation. It processes all the instructions given by the software. Due to the complexity, (a Pentium 4 has something like 50 million transistors inside). The most common CPU's for PC are made by either Intel or AMD, and a variety are available from each manufcturer that differ in performance and power consumption (important for laptops). CPU's are generally ranked by speed, and the faster the better, although other considerations will also play a role in the performance of a PC. The CPU is probably the most expensive part of the PC, and has a strong control on the price of the PC. CPU's generate considerable heat and have their own heat sink to cool them off. | |
| Memory (RAM)- Random Access Memory. The place where the software instructions live when the PC is operating. These are chips and memory for most PC is on the order of hundred of megabytes or perhaps 1 or 2 gigabytes. The amount of memory has a strong effect on the overall PC perfromance as well. Not to be confused with disk space. Must be compatible with the CPU and motherboard. |
|
| Motherboard - The main board that all other parts of the PC connect to. A large variety of motherboards are available and in several standard sizes. Sometimes motherboards include sound and video cards, sometimes they don't. The motherboard has a socket that the CPU fits into (and another for memory), and must be compatible with a specific CPU. Motherboards have their own set of chips (chipset) that can impact PC performance. Various slots are available for plugging in cards - an AGP slot is needed for good video cards and PCI for other types of cards (sound, modem, etc) |
|
| Video card or sound cards - the boards that create and send the output to the monitor or speakers. If you need a PC with high-end graphics (remote sensing, seismic interpretation, dual-monitor, or gaming), it is best to buy a separate video card. Price varies with performance, as usual. The same goes for sound cards, although I have yet to find a geology related program that needs a good sound card. |
|
| Hard drive - the unit that stores all your files and operating system, even when the PC is turned off. Generally measured in gigabytes. Prive related mostly to capacity, although the type of connection (IDE versus SCSI) also can be a major factor. |
|
| Power supply and case - Provides the power for the computer and the two usually are purchased together. |
|
| CD drive - the unit that reads (and maybe writes) CD's. Connects to the motherboard. | |
| Monitor, keyboard, and mouse - The monitor is the thing you look at, and the choices are CRT or a flat panel. Some CRT have flat screens but are not the same as a flat panel LCD display. Mice can be optical or with a ball. |