A motherboard provides the electrical connections with each component to let them talk with each other. It also contains the central processing unit and hosts other devices.

CPU (or central processing unit) is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical and input/output operations of the system. The RAM send instruction to the CPU of how to get to programs.

A heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that cools a device by dissipating heat into the surrounding area. Heat sinks are used with the fan to cool CPUs or graphics processors. The heat sink is housed on the motherboard over the CPU.

A power supply unit (PSU) convers main power to low voltage for the internal components of a computer to work.

Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. RAM allows data items to be read and written in the same amount of time no matter what. Ram has volatile memory so everything recorded on it is lost once the computer is turned off. The RAM communicates with the CPU helping it get to programs. When the computer is turned on the ram gets the data from the hard drive and relays that information to the CPU.

A hard drive is a storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information.

A CD/DVD drive is a disk drive that uses laser light as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical disks. CD and DVD drives, like other hardware, need drivers to communicate with the computer.

A Graphics card is a computer card which generates an output display of images onto a screen. Most graphics card now are automatically integrated with a computer. The graphics card has to communicate with the screen to display graphics.

Internal System Components

The SATA cables connect the cd/dvd drive to the motherboard

A Mouse is a pointing device that detects motion relative to a surface. The mouse has to communicate with the monitor to show where the mouse is going and what you have clicked.

In computing a keyboard is a typing device which uses arranged buttons or keys to act as switches to place something on the screen. They Keyboard will also have to communicate with the screen and the CPU on what key has been pressed, where it has been pressed and how long it is held down.

A Printer is a peripheral which scans what’s on the screen and prints it onto paper in colour or black and white. The printer is usually plugged into a socked and either connected by a USB to a computer or connected wirelessly.

A computer monitor is a display devise for computers. It will have to communicate with the RAM and hard drive to display programs and it will also communicate with the keyboard and mouse to display different images.