answersLogoWhite

0

Parts of desktop computer

Updated: 10/3/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Best Answer

CPU , memory, hard disk, display, and mainboard.

The above is partially correct. The question is actually 40+ years old and was asked of me in an engineering class back in 1968. Back then it was 'What are the 5 parts of a computer.'

Technically, a computer does NOT need storage, aka a hard drive or a floppy etc to be a computer. It also doesn't need a display.

It needs:

* CPU (for processing commands)

* Input (from a keyboard, or a floppy, a hard drive etc to input both commands and data)

* Output ( to a monitor, a printer, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards etc)

* Memory ( the place an actual program and or data that the CPU uses MUST reside)

*The 5th item alluded to is the Arithmetic Processor.

The CPU processes the commands while the Arithmetic Processor manipulates the data to add, subtract, multiply and divide. In today's computers (post-1985) the CPU and the Arithmetic Processor are on the same chip. Previously, for those who remember the Z80 and the 8080 processors, for more "computing power" you could install an Arithmetic Processor to upgrade the PC and give the built-in arithmetic processor more capability.

If you're wondering what the main parts of a computer are, they're the keyboard, hard drive, monitor, printer, and mouse.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Here is a full list of the general parts of the working computer. This list will not include every accessory known to man. Motherboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) Random Access Memory (RAM) Physical Memory (Harddrive) Power Supply Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and/or Digital Video Disk Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM) Network capability (56k voice modem, 10/100 Ethernet Controller) Graphics Output (Onboard or ex. ATI Radeon HD 4870 graphics card) Sound Output (Onboard or ex. Realtek HD Surround sound card) Visual Monitor (LCD, CRT projection computer monitor) Printer (Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP printers) Mouse Keyboard Gaming controllers (Joystick, Gamepad) Webcam Microphone Plus other technologies (Floppy disk drives, USBs and their controllers, Firewire, HDMI outputs, Optical sound outputs, and other forms of data connections: Parallel and serial ports, and cooling fans.) And don't forget: The case (the actual box enclosing the components which has no actual effect what-so-ever with the inner workings of the computer)

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
Screen/MonitorThis is a very important part to have for a computer and throughout the process of building your own Computer. You'll need this part to test whether you computer actually works after building it and a computer without a monitor is useless. When buying this computer part you might consider buying a LCD monitor because they waste less space than a CRT monitor. They're also good looking. A cheap 17 inch monitor will be enough. Computer CaseChoose a case that has at least three hard drive bays with three 5.25'' bays where the CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs will fit. It would be a great idea to choose an ATX case since most motherboards are built for this kind which are larger than the AT cases. You'll find hundreds of options for this; different colours, sizes, number of drive bays, glowing parts, see through etc. MotherboardThe motherboard is actually what it sounds like. It's the mother/mother part of the computer. And it's where all other parts connect together, without this component the computer can't run. Be careful when picking this part. Pick one that has a built in Ethernet and some USB ports. The more RAM slots and PCI cards the better. Pick one that has at least four of these. ProcessorThe processor also sometimes known as the central processing unit, or CPU, has the task of carrying out the operations programs use. You might compare this computer part to the human brain. It is a very important computer part so choose it carefully. Choose a Pentium 4 processor or an AMD. Choose at least 2GHz processor. This is the average computer processor for all computers today. Power SupplyAn average computer uses 250 watt power supply. But as you add in more advanced or latest parts such as unique sound cards for better sound or video cards there will be a need for much higher power supply. RAMThe computer ram also known as 'memory' is temporary storage for the processes of the CPU. So the more memory you plan to install into the computer the faster it will run and the more programs you'll be able to run at once. HardriveThe hard drive is the storage area/computer part that holds your computer data such as personal files or programs. It's also where the operating system that runs a computer can be found. Hard drives are very cheap the more storage capacity on the hard drive the more data. Get one that has enough storage on it. Graphics / Video CardThe video card carries out the task of processing the visual information of the computer on your monitor such as the Video Games, watching videos/DVD movies, or other computer programs. Get a graphics card that's higher than 64MB. But it would be great if you could get one higher. The higher, the better performance and screen image quality. Sound CardThe sound card processes the sound information into the speakers. Some motherboards come with a built in sound card. So if you are not so concerned about the sound quality use the motherboard built in one. They're usually poor in quality. DVD & CD-ROMTry to get an optical drive that will read and write DVDs and CDs. An all in one is best so that you at once. Or you could get two. EthernetBest to find a motherboard with a built in Ethernet card. This will save you a PCI slot. Or you could purchase one as well.

That was the list of computer parts/components you would need should you ever consider building your own PC. You can purchase all these parts at Amazon of course.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Processor

Graphics card

Sound Card (sometimes not needed)

Motherboard (Usually has onboard graphics card and sound card)

Hard Drive

Ram

Power Supply

Case (mid Tower usually)

Other:

Keyboard

Mouse

Speakers (or Headphones)

Monitor

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

CPU

  • Mother Board
  • Processor
  • Power Supply
  • Main memory
  • Hard Drive
  • Video Card

Monitor

Keyboard

Mouse

This answer is:
User Avatar
User Avatar

Rajaram Rathod

Lvl 1
1y ago
UshhzhxJzjskzkdfkfjfhf

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

the 3 main parts of the computer are :

The CPU ( central processing unit or brains ), input devices and output devices.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

The computer is made up of the monitor, the monitor case, the keyboard, the mouse and the microphone. Other parts includes the CD disk drive and the floppy disc drive.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Parts of desktop computer
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are the parts of desktop computer?

Mouse


What is an internal desktop?

Internal Desktop refers to electronic computer parts that are designed to be installed inside a desktop computer. e.g Internal Desktop Hard Drives are hard drives designed to be installed inside a desktop computer.


How many parts include inside a computer?

It depends on the type of Computer. Laptop,Desktop etc.


What is the difference between laptops parts and desktop parts?

Laptop parts are not the same from computer to computer, whereas desktop parts, with the exception of the plastic case, are fully interchangeable.Laptop parts are WAY smallerLaptop parts are extremely hard to replace because laptops are made so that you cannot open it, even to just clean the fan.


Are gateway computer's internal parts removable?

Generally speaking, yes. The parts from inside a Gateway desktop are easily removable.


What is Pavilion desktop?

My HP pavillion(Name on my computer) desktop is the regular desktop on my computer


What is the size of the desktop computer?

the size of the desktop computer is (small).


What is the computer term for destop?

the "computer term" for desktop is desktop


Difference between desktop computer and personal computer?

The difference between desktop computer and personal computer is that desktop computer is for everyone and personal computer is for your own self!


Are dell desktop computers better than gateway desktop computers?

It depends entirely on the computer. No brand is inherently better than another. Computers are the sum of their parts.


Is a desktop computer a type of analog computer?

No, your desktop computer is a digital computer as are virtually all modern computers.


What is the optional parts and the primary parts of the computer?

Primary Parts a Computer needs to run:CPU -- Centeral Proccessing unitRAM -- Random Access Memory (Memory)Mother BoardPower supplyHard DriveOptional Parts:MonitorKeyboardMouseVideo cardThis is just a basic list for Desktop computers.