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Computer Parts and Hardware

The main parts inside and outside a computer and what each does.

67 cardsGrades 3–5, Grades 6–8, Grades 9–12, Adult#hardware#computer parts#devices

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  • CPU (processor)Part
    The brain of the computer that runs instructions
  • Core (CPU)Part
    One processing unit inside a CPU
  • Clock speedPart
    How fast a CPU runs, measured in gigahertz (GHz)
  • RAMPart
    Fast temporary memory for programs in use; cleared when power is off
  • ROMPart
    Memory that keeps its contents without power
  • Hard drive (HDD)Part
    Storage that uses spinning magnetic disks
  • SSDPart
    Storage with no moving parts that uses flash memory; faster than a hard drive
  • MotherboardPart
    The main circuit board that connects all parts
  • GPU (graphics card)Part
    Processor that draws images and video and speeds up graphics
  • Power supply (PSU)Part
    Converts wall power into power the computer can use
  • Case (tower)Part
    The box that holds the computer parts
  • Cooling fanPart
    Moves air to keep parts from overheating
  • Heat sinkPart
    Metal part that draws heat away from the CPU
  • BIOS / UEFIPart
    Basic software that starts up the computer's hardware
  • ChipsetPart
    Chips on the motherboard that manage data between parts
  • Expansion slot (PCIe)Part
    A slot for adding cards like graphics cards
  • Sound cardPart
    Handles audio input and output
  • Network card (NIC)Part
    Connects the computer to a network
  • Optical drivePart
    Reads CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs
  • MonitorPart
    A screen that shows what the computer displays
  • KeyboardPart
    Input device with keys for typing
  • MousePart
    A pointing device you move and click
  • TouchpadPart
    A touch-sensitive pad on a laptop that moves the pointer
  • TouchscreenPart
    A screen that senses touch
  • ScannerPart
    Copies paper pages into digital images
  • PrinterPart
    Puts digital documents onto paper
  • 3D printerPart
    Builds objects layer by layer from plastic or other materials
  • SpeakersPart
    Output devices that play sound
  • MicrophonePart
    Input device that captures sound
  • WebcamPart
    A small camera for video calls
  • HeadphonesPart
    Speakers worn on the ears
  • JoystickPart
    Input device for controlling games
  • Game controllerPart
    Handheld input device for games
  • StylusPart
    A pen-like tool for touchscreens
  • Barcode scannerPart
    Reads codes printed as stripes
  • Input devicePart
    Hardware that sends information into the computer
  • Output devicePart
    Hardware that presents information from the computer
  • Storage devicePart
    Hardware that keeps data for later
  • USB portPart
    A common connector for plugging in devices
  • USB flash drive (thumb drive)Part
    A small portable storage stick
  • HDMIPart
    A cable that carries video and audio to a screen
  • Ethernet portPart
    A port for a wired network cable
  • Wi-FiPart
    Wireless networking
  • BluetoothPart
    Short-range wireless connection for devices like headphones
  • SD cardPart
    A small memory card used in cameras
  • External hard drivePart
    A storage device outside the computer connected by a cable
  • BatteryPart
    Stores power for laptops and phones
  • ChargerPart
    Supplies power to a battery
  • LaptopPart
    A portable computer with a built-in screen and keyboard
  • DesktopPart
    A computer meant to stay at a desk
  • TabletPart
    A flat touchscreen computer
  • SmartphonePart
    A phone that works like a small computer
  • ServerPart
    A computer that provides services to other computers
  • SupercomputerPart
    An extremely fast computer for huge calculations
  • MicrocontrollerPart
    A small computer chip in a device, like in a toaster or Arduino
  • Raspberry PiPart
    A tiny low-cost computer board
  • ArduinoPart
    An open-source microcontroller board for projects
  • Circuit boardPart
    A board with printed paths connecting electronic parts
  • TransistorPart
    A tiny switch inside chips
  • Microchip (integrated circuit)Part
    A tiny piece of silicon holding millions or billions of transistors
  • SiliconPart
    The material most computer chips are made from
  • BitPart
    The smallest unit of data, a 0 or 1
  • BytePart
    8 bits
  • PeripheralPart
    Any device connected to a computer
  • PortPart
    A socket for connecting devices
  • DriverPart
    Software that lets the computer talk to a device
  • FirmwarePart
    Software built into hardware

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