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The 5 Most Essential Components of Your Computer
September 11, 2024
Just as we need to take care of our health, our computers require attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While PCs don’t need much sustenance beyond a consistent power supply, they’re composed of robust components that can become damaged, potentially leading to various issues if compromised.
As responsible desktop and laptop users in the UK, it’s worthwhile to familiarise yourself with the internal hardware that powers your computer’s processes. With this knowledge, you can easily identify probable reasons why your PC is slowing down, enabling you to address issues without the need for a trip to the local computer shop, saving both time and money.
Imagine your computer as a living organism, with its internal components functioning as vital organs. Each part plays a unique role in ensuring your PC runs effectively, and each component is crucial in its own way.
In this article, we’ll explore the 5 most important of these components. Then, we’ll showcase some of HP’s top desktops available in the UK market, featuring excellent specifications.
5 most essential components of your computer
Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are necessary to keep your PC in prime condition, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted use. Like all electrical items, computer hardware can deteriorate with constant use.
PCs can slow down for various reasons, and often, you can resolve issues without tampering with delicate computer components. However, for more critical issues, an upgrade is often the best solution. Here are the 5 major components of a computer that you should be familiar with:
1. Motherboard
A comprehensive computer components list always begins with the motherboard, the primary circuit board that houses all the hardware. Every PC, from dedicated workstations to personal notebooks, has one. A robust motherboard offers numerous slots for installing multiple computer components (e.g., RAM, graphics card, etc.).
Motherboards come in different form factors (general specifications encompassing circuitry arrangement, overall size, number of ports, etc.), and only specific motherboard models can fit into certain computer cases/chassis, especially for customisable desktops.
For laptops, specialised motherboards are used instead, with much of their built-in hardware permanently soldered onto their respective circuits. This design accommodates the laptop’s smaller frame and lighter build, with only certain parts like the RAM and storage typically upgradeable.
When a motherboard is damaged, PCs cease to function fully. Given the complexity of the circuitry and wiring, a faulty motherboard can instantly halt your computer’s operation and potentially harm other components. While motherboards are easily replaced in desktops, the same cannot be said for laptops, often necessitating the purchase of a new device.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) - commonly referred to as the processor - is the ‘brain’ of your computer. The CPU solves all the sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer performs while running programs or applications.
In today’s computing landscape, almost all processors possess multiple CPUs to achieve quicker processing speeds, ensuring faster response times when using software or browsing the web. These special processors are called multi-core processors, with each CPU designated as one processing core.
For example, the high-end Intel® Core™ i7-12850HX processor boasts 16 independent cores that work in tandem to handle computing tasks, allowing you to perform program-intensive work without overly stressing your computer.
You can extract more power from your CPUs to achieve slight performance boosts by overclocking them. However, this comes with risks that might damage your processor, so proceed with caution. Remember, a PC cannot function properly with an impaired processor, even if other components are working normally.
3. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
When it comes to handling graphical operations and advanced imagery, the graphical processing unit (GPU) is the computer hardware responsible for this task. A GPU is required for your computer to interpret and reproduce graphical representations and effects, which are almost omnipresent in every form of media today.
Certain high-spec CPUs can also have basic GPUs embedded in them, especially in premium laptops that prioritise lightweight mobility and use. However, the finest GPUs are primarily used for video gaming, capable of handling immense 3D-graphics loads to maintain smooth frame rates and lag-free experiences.
When gaming, the CPU and GPU work in tandem. The GPU manages the heavy lifting in terms of on-screen graphics and fidelity, while the CPU runs the programming that works behind the scenes, such as data and in-game statistics.
A malfunctioning GPU can lead to numerous problems, including the dreaded black screen of death. The current crisis of GPU chip shortages exacerbates the issue, making the loss of your GPU particularly problematic.
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Computers have different forms of memory that store information and data, with random-access memory (RAM) being one of the most prominently discussed. A RAM device keeps important currently-used data and codes on standby, loading them instantly when respective programs or apps are opened.
RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning all stored memory is refreshed after turning off the PC. This allows the device to quickly absorb new data immediately during the next session, facilitating quicker loading processes.
Almost all mainstream computers can be upgraded with more RAM by purchasing a better RAM device - or RAM stick - that offers larger storage capacity, including mini laptops. Nevertheless, depending on your computing activities, you might not utilise all available RAM, so it’s important to understand how much RAM is ideal for your PC according to its primary use (work, gaming, etc.).
Although a damaged RAM stick might not necessarily prevent your computer from working properly, it will hinder its performance over time, resulting in program crashes, unexpected decreases in RAM, and failure to boot, among other issues.
5. Storage device
A storage device provides the memory for installing programs and saving files. Unlike RAM, a storage device’s content is secured in non-volatile memory, meaning that data is saved permanently inside its memory bank, preserving them even after you turn off the PC (unless manually deleted or uninstalled).
PCs typically use two common types of internal storage devices: hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). HDDs are the more economical option but suffer from slower transfer speeds, while SSDs are their superior counterparts but come at a higher price point. These devices are attached to your computer using dedicated SATA cables, replaced by SAS cables for large servers and workstations.
Other secondary storage devices exist, such as USB flash drives and portable HDDs. However, these peripherals are not installed inside computers. Instead, they are connected to the PC via alternative channels like USB ports or external disk drives, depending on the specifications.
Even though storage devices do not impact your computer’s boot-up process, start-up programs like Google Chrome or Microsoft Word are loaded directly from your HDD or SSD. So a damaged storage device can interrupt the whole process, potentially corrupting your files. If this occurs, you will need to replace your hard drive immediately, sometimes requiring a complete system reformat or Windows reinstall, which can be quite cumbersome.
HP desktops with excellent specifications
Understanding the major components of your computer helps gauge your expectations of what your PC is capable of doing. It’s evident that an office notebook is not the right choice for gaming due to its unsuitable specs. This notion holds true for every computer as they are all built for different purposes, with distinct specifications.
Premium PCs are designed to handle a variety of tasks: work, streaming, gaming, and more. If you’re in the market for exclusive PCs that offer first-rate specs and unbeatable performance, here are some extraordinary HP desktops available in the UK to consider:
HP Pavilion 32-b1001na 4K All-in-One PC
A stylish and powerful desktop - the HP Pavilion 32-b1001na 4K All-in-One PC is perfect for professionals and entertainment enthusiasts, offering top-tier specifications. Boasting a complete package, this HP Pavilion 32" AiO combines sleek design with impressive performance.
Its powerful hardware is seamlessly integrated into the monitor itself, maximising your desk space for optimal comfort and tidiness. The magnificent 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-13700T processor delivers incredibly fast processing speeds, allowing you to work without experiencing on-screen lags or stutters.
You can work efficiently and enjoy casual gaming with the HP Pavilion 32" AiO, thanks to its NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics card with 4 GB GDDR5 dedicated memory. This GPU can handle most modern games at decent settings and supports creative applications.
Memory-wise, 16GB of DDR4-3200 MHz RAM allows you to load your favourite apps or software with ease. For storage, a spacious 1 TB SSD provides ample space to save large projects, offering fast transfer speeds and quick program start-ups.
- 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-13700T processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)
- 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
- 1 TB SSD storage
- 31.5" 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display with HDR 400
OMEN 45L GT22-2007na Gaming Desktop
For hardcore gamers in the UK, the OMEN 45L GT22-2007na Gaming Desktop is the ultimate gaming rig to enjoy unlimited in-game framerates and breathtaking cinematic graphics. Featuring top-of-the-line specs, you can't go wrong when you have an Intel® Core™ i9-14900K processor helming your setup, running clock speeds of up to 6.0 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
Its powerful NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 SUPER graphics card is a true powerhouse, capable of handling ray tracing and ultra-high FPS gaming without breaking a sweat. Additionally, the graphics card comes equipped with 16 GB of the latest, phenomenal GDDR6X memory.
With this beast of a PC, 32 GB Kingston FURY DDR5-5200 MHz XMP RGB Heatsink RAM provides ample memory for even the most demanding games and applications. The system supports up to 128 GB max system memory, allowing for future upgrades. A spacious 2 TB SSD offers plenty of high-speed storage for your game library and media collection.
The OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop also features innovative cooling solutions, including the OMEN Cryo Chamber™ and liquid cooling for the processor, ensuring optimal performance during intense gaming sessions.
- Intel® Core™ i9-14900K processor (14th Generation)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 SUPER graphics (16 GB GDDR6X dedicated)
- 32 GB Kingston FURY DDR5-5200 MHz XMP RGB Heatsink RAM (2 x 16 GB)
- 2 TB SSD storage
- OMEN Cryo Chamber™ and liquid cooling solution
HP ENVY TE02-1002na Desktop
The HP ENVY TE02-1002na Desktop is an excellent setup that offers a powerful foundation for professionals, creators, and freelancers. Built for next-level multitasking and seamless creativity, this HP desktop provides a solid platform for you to tackle intensive assignments and run demanding programs.
At the heart of this system is the 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-13400 processor, which delivers outstanding performance for multitasking and creative applications. With up to 4.6 GHz clock speed using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 10 cores, and 16 threads, it's well-equipped to handle a variety of demanding tasks.
For graphics, the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 with 8 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory takes center stage. This GPU is capable of handling creative work and casual gaming, supporting technologies like ray tracing for enhanced visual experiences.
The system comes with 16 GB DDR5-4000 MHz RAM, providing ample memory for smooth multitasking and creative workflows. Storage is managed by a combination of drives, including a 1 TB HDD for ample space to store your projects and media files.
Key features of the HP ENVY Desktop include:
- 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-13400 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 graphics (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- 16 GB DDR5-4000 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
- 1 TB HDD storage
- Tool-less expandability for easy upgrades
- ENERGY STAR® certified and EPEAT® Gold registered for energy efficiency
This desktop is designed with creators and professionals in mind, offering plenty of power with easy expansion options. It also features numerous ports for seamless connectivity with other devices, making it an ideal choice for those who need a versatile and powerful workstation.
Summary
Computer components are made from high-grade materials that can withstand extreme heat and are durable enough to last years. However, they are still susceptible to damage from both external and internal sources, such as rough handling or malware attacks.
Learning about the 5 major components of a computer means you’re more aware of how your PC functions, making it easier to identify issues that might be affecting your computer’s performance.
If your computer starts to slow down after a few years, a hardware change might be needed, unless you know of certain hacks to improve your PC’s.
