Component System Hardware

Here lies a detailed enumeration of hardware components required for the basic operation of a home computer.

This list is not suited for specific systems such as servers or computer farms, as configurations differ.

A home computer would normally contain the following:
Motherboard
The motherboard is the centerpiece of and system configuration, as it provides a base for all hardware intercommunication, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
All components must be compatable with the motherboard’s specifications, and vice-versa.
Go to motherboard troubleshooting

Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is responsible for powering the entire system, including the motherboard and disk drives.
The PSU can vary in connector type, so make sure it is compatable with your motherboard.
Go to PSU troubleshooting

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU acts as the main processor, taking in and computing most requests.
Go to CPU troubleshooting

Random Access Memory (RAM)
Provides a volatile storage medium, which is used for quick data reading and writing
Go to RAM troubleshooting

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The GPU usually resides on a graphics card/adapter. It’s main function is the processing of visual data, relieving the CPU of the task. On onboard video systems, the CPU takes charge of video rendering, and the video RAM is shared with the system RAM.
Go to GPU troubleshooting

Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive (HDD/SSD)
A permanent storage device, which can be solid state or platter based.
Unlike data stored on RAM, data stored on drives stay permanently, until deleted.
Go to HDD/SSD troubleshooting

Optical Drives
Although not required, an optical drive is a common component, which permits reading and writing from an optical disk.