Personal computer hardware

A personal computer is made up ofcomputer hardware, multiple physical components onto which can be loaded into a multitude of software that perform the functions of the computer.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the "body"^{[citation needed]} of the computer, through which all other components interface. Components directly attached to the motherboard include:

• The central processing unit (CPU) performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan.
• The chipset mediates communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.
• RAM is the system's main memory or primary storage, and holds data and instructions for running applications and the operating system.
• The BIOS includes boot firmware and power management. The basic input and output tasks from which it gets its name are now handled by operating system drivers.
• Internal Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.
  • Current
    • The northbridge memory controller, for RAM and PCI Express
      • PCI Express, for graphics cards
    • PCI, for other expansion cards
    • SATA, for disk drives
  • Obsolete
    • ATA (superseded by SATA)
    • AGP (superseded by PCI Express)
    • VLB VESA Local Bus (superseded by AGP)
    • ISA (expansion card slot format obsolete in PCs, but still used in industrial computers)
• External Bus Controllers support ports for external peripherals. These ports may be controlled directly by the southbridge I/O controller or based on expansion cards attached to the motherboard through the PCI bus.
  • USB
  • FireWire
  • eSATA

Hardware

Hardware is a general term that refers to the physical artifactsof a technology. It may also mean the physical components of acomputer system, in the form of computer hardware.

Hardware historically meant the metal parts and fittings that were used to make wooden products stronger, more functional, longer lasting and easier to fabricate or assemble.^{[citation needed]} In modern usage it includes equipment such as keys, locks,hinges, latches, corners, handles, wire, chains, plumbingsupplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts, especially when they are made of metal.^{[citation needed]} In the United States, this type of hardware has been traditionally sold in hardware stores, a term also used to a lesser extent in the UK.^{[citation needed]}

In a more colloquial sense, hardware can refer to major items of military equipment, such as tanks,aircraft or ships.^{[citation needed]}

In slang, the term refers to trophies and other physical representations of awards