Taking Apart a Computer!
BY: Group 4
First, we opened up the computer
Motherboard
Motherboard
• The main part of a computer, which is often found in the system unit.
Lan/Ethernet Port
Lan/Ethernet Port
• Connects you to your local network.• This was the first piece of hardware we took
out, it was connected to the motherboard and had a port on the outside of the computer.
Cooling Fan
The Cooling Fan
• The cooling fan cools down the motherboard.• The cooling fan was on the wall of the
computer, pointed at the harddrive
DIMM
DIMM
• A type of computer memory that is often used in high end computers. Plugs into the motherboard and transmits data to the processor 64-bits at a time.
• The third step, pulling the DIMM out, this computer only had 128 MB
Cpu Socket
CPU Socket
• Holds the CPU and has a place for the heat sink to connect.
• The CPU Socket was underneath the heat sink.
CD Drive
CD Drive
• Reads a compact disk and is connected to the audio drive.
• It is away from the motherboard and is connected to it by cords.
Floppy Drive
Floppy Drive
• A port that allows a ‘floppy’, a small, piece of plastic that can store data, to enter the computer.
• Right underneath the CD Drive
USB port
USB Port
• Allows for communication from devices such as a mouse and keyboard to a host controller such as a personal computer.
• Connected to both the motherboard and has a port on the outside of the computer.
Audio Port
Audio Port
• A connection spot which allows for data to be transferred into sound via headphones or speakers.
• Found on the edge of the motherboard and has ports that show on the outside of the computer.
Mouse and Keyboard Port
Mouse and Keyboard Port
• Allows for the connection of both a mouse and keyboard, which allows data on a computer to become more assesable.
PCI Socket
PCI Socket
• Used to attach hardware such as a video card and sound card.
• Was found right next to the USB port.
Hard Drive
Hard Drive
Hard Drive
• A storage device in the computer that stores all the files and programs.
Power System
Power Supply
• Takes in incoming electrical currents and amplifies it to levels required for various devices.
Chipsets
Chip Set
• A collection of chips that work together to perform a certain function.
Capacitors
Capacitors
• A small, battery shaped device that is meant to hold a charge.
Backup Battery
Backup Battery
• A battery that is meant to supply the computer with power if the main battery fails.
Transistor
Transistor
• A semi-conductor that uses non-moving parts to pass a charge.
Processor
Processor
• The brain of the computer, which tells everything in the computer what it is suppose to do.
Onboard controllers
Onboard Controllers
• A series of ports that allow for the control the output devices attached to a computer.