The confident use of a personal computer involves not only utilizing useful functions that modern devices possess but also gaining knowledge in the field of individual structural elements of the system. The assessment of hardware components and the analysis of the tasks that they perform can extend equipment service life and ensure the safe operation of all systems. The description of the components of a personal computer are valuable data that a user needs to learn to use any device conveniently.
RAM Description
Random-access memory (RAM) is a computer memory with random access in which the majority of data exchange operations among the main components are performed. It is a repository of all information flows that need to be processed and determines the order of their processing. The amount of RAM directly affects the speed of operations and the speed of data processing. Today, there are several types of RAM, and the increase in the efficiency of their frequency is a key indicator that determines the technical characteristics of a particular type. To replace the older models, a new generation of RAM has come – Double Data Rate (DDR), which are of the types DDR2, DDR 3, and DDR 4 (Goodner, 2019). They have been used in computers since 2000, and each subsequent model has higher performance features compared to the previous ones (Goodner, 2019). At the moment, DDR4 is the most advanced type of RAM and is characterized by low power consumption and high data transfer rate.
Issues that can arise with RAM are not as common as with other computer components. However, technical malfunctions are possible, which are manifested in such problems as forced program termination, a distorted image, slow loading, complicated Internet access, and some other nuances slowing down ordinary procedures (Goodner, 2019). These issues can be fixed either manually by examining the RAM card for defects or in an automatic mode through special programs. If defects are identified, the system usually signals this, and depending on the severity of the failure, either the replacement of the part or its corresponding adjustment may be required.
Expansion Cards
Expansion cards are cards that are installed into the expansion slots of the motherboard of a computer system to add additional features. One edge of this card is equipped with contacts that exactly match a connector on the motherboard. These contacts provide an electrical connection between the components of a card and the motherboard. Expansion cards are designed to expand the functions of a personal computer and may contain RAM and input and output devices. There are three main types of such cards: network, graphics, and sound (“Computer expansion cards,” 2016). In addition, three types of slots are used in modern computer equipment. They are Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) – the most widespread port, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) – Windows OS, and Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) – graphics and video cards (“Computer expansion cards,” 2016).
Graphics cards incorporate an integrated graphics subsystem for outputting images by using RAM (“Computer expansion cards,” 2016). If the volume of cards is small, problems with downloading multi-tasking programs may occur, which is corrected by replacing them with more modern equipment. Network cards built into the motherboard allow communicating with other computers (“Computer expansion cards,” 2016). When such elements fail, the connection among computers is broken, but this situation can be corrected by installing an individual network adapter in a slot. Sound cards help convert sound from an analog to a digital form (“Computer expansion cards,” 2016). In case of a technical malfunction or to increase the dynamic range, such cards are replaced.
CPUs Features
The processor of a personal computer is a chip that is responsible for performing any data operations and controls peripheral devices. The acronym CPU is used, which means a central processing unit. Modern processors can process several instructions in parallel, and while one instruction is in the decoding stage, a processor may have time to receive another instruction (Sarup, 2015). If a processor is multi-core, this means that there are several separate processors with some common resources. The core is the most important element of the central processor capable of executing a single stream of instructions (Sarup, 2015). Cores differ in a memory cache size, manufacturing technology, and other properties. The ability to host more than one core in a single enclosure significantly increases CPU performance and helps perform multiple tasks at once.
There are two versions of the bit depth of the Windows operating system – 32-bit and 64-bit. In general, the processor capacity is the length of a machine word inside a microprocessor and means its ability to simultaneously work with a certain number of bits (Sarup, 2015). 32- and 64-bit architectures are sets of program codes that can work with a certain amount of RAM and affect performance. 64-bit computing is much faster, and a computer device running this version of the operating system works with higher performance than the one running 32-bit.
Sockets are connectors in which a processor is installed, and they are of several types based on specific characteristics. As a rule, they differ in physical sizes, but in some cases, certain sockets only support individual types of processors. This factor is essential to consider since the fastening of a processor and its operation directly depend on whether it is suitable for a particular socket or not.
In modern computers, two cooling systems are used: air and liquid. They work on a similar principle and perform the same tasks: they absorb heat from a processor and distribute it away from the hardware installed in a system unit case (Morley & Parker, 2017). With proper implementation, both options can perform effective functions, but one should consider the specific operating conditions of a computer.
In CPUs, various technical problems may arise, which affect the performance of the entire system. One of the common problems is overheating, which is corrected by installing optimal cooling and replacing individual components of the processor or hardware (Morley & Parker, 2017). Another threat comes from the vulnerability of processors to hacker attacks, and the corresponding software is required to protect data (Morley & Parker, 2017). Poor performance may be a problem if too a weak processor is installed, which does not cope with the tasks, and replacing it with a newer version is possible.
Safety Procedures
ESD (electrostatic discharge) is a static electrical discharge that is transmitted from a human body to the electronic components of a computer (“What is electrostatic discharge,” 2018). The field that occurs affects technicians negatively, and too frequent contact can lead to headaches, poor sleep, and other manifestations. As preventative measures, a few topical tips may be suggested:
- Maintaining the grounding of the 220V supply network and cables for connecting to it in a perfect working condition.
- Using antistatic mats and bracelets in the workplace.
- Maintaining optimal humidity indoors, as well using air conditioners and ionizers.
Since computer components are sensitive to the movement of electrons, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent ESD. This physical phenomenon can cause intermittent failures that are very difficult to detect. In this regard, as a crucial measure, ensuring proper grounding is a mandatory safety procedure (“What is electrostatic discharge,” 2018). A technician should put on a special grounding bracelet when working with the hardware of a computer. Grounding ensures the equilibrium of potentials and prevents ESD occurrence.
References
Computer expansion cards. (2016). Safe Bytes. Web.
Goodner, S. (2019). The RAM types that run today’s computers. Lifewire. Web.
Morley, D., & Parker, C. S. (2017). Understanding computers: Today and tomorrow, comprehensive (16th ed.). Cengage Learning. Web.
Sarup, O. (2015). Tech 101: What is a CPU? Part 2 – 64-bit, core counts and clock speeds. Gadgets 360. Web.
What is electrostatic discharge and how does it affect my computer? (2018). Indiana University. Web.