Computer Part Checklist
Each computer part or component in your PC helps to determine the health and
efficiency of your machine. Each data handling component works at a
certain speed and needs to keep up with other main parts of the computer.
Like the workers on an assembly line, each member of the 'team' needs
to function at optimum efficiency. When you know the function of the major computer
parts, you will
find it easier to troubleshoot and fix a problem if (or when) it occurs.
Your computer part list should have these major components. They are also
important items to think about when you troubleshoot a problem or plan an upgrade.
The Motherboard or MainboardHow do you choose
the motherboard for your computer? Which one of the popular brands is best
for you?
See which motherboard is my favorite and
how I choose from among the top brands.
Click here for more on how to choose a
motherboard for an upgrade or a new system.
Some motherboards make for several processor choices and upgrades.
What is the difference between the Athlons and the Durons, between the
Pentiums and the Celerons?
Which processor and what processor speed is right for you? Which do you
have in you computer right now?
Click here for more on the PC processor chip.
Remember your Memory
Computer memory is not quite like our memory.
Although we forget things sometimes, the computer memory goes blank every
time the power is turned...
Except now, there is a new type that may soon be in your computer -
MRAM.
Click here for more about computer memory.
The Chipset
The
pc chipset component coordinates or regulates communication and transfer
of information between the main parts of the computer system.
The chipset is like the cop directing traffic at the main intersection
downtown. If this computer component were not there it would be chaos in
motherboard city.
Usually a set of two chips, the chipset handles communication between
the CPU, processor, graphics system, and other components.
For more on the
motherboard chipset, see this article at Tom's Hardware site.
The Cache
What does the cache do? What type of cache do you need? How much cache
memory is needed?
Read more on the computer cache.
The Hard Drive
The hard drive reads and stores data. It holds and spins a magnetic or
optical disk and reads and writes information on it.
Small
Computer System Interface (SCSI) drives are fast and expensive. IDE drives
are commonly used in home PC's and desktop computers.
To find out more about the spin rate
and efficiency of your hard drive, click here.
The Power Supply
Never underestimate the power of the power supply!
I have seen too many PC's crumble under the inefficiency and inadequacy of
a power supply.
Is you're computer is under-powered, or is your power supply about to
have a heat stroke. Click here for more...
NOTE: You can do a
complete computer checkup and fine tuning with software. It is a wise
thing to do if you notice a decrease in performance or speed. It may be
that you don't need new components - just a good tune-up can make it like
new.
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