• System unit - what is it? Characteristics, device and connection of the system unit. What is a computer system unit

    The main place in the entire computer system, not counting the monitor, belongs to the system unit, in which, in fact, all the main filling in the form of “hardware” components is located. What's happened system unit a computer, how it works and what types there are, will now be discussed. Separately, we will talk about “system engineers” for fans of modern computer games and multimedia.

    System unit: what is it?

    To begin with, you should pay attention to the interpretations offered by most dictionaries and other resources. In the most general understanding, the system unit is the computer, or rather, its main part, if you do not take into account the monitor. It is in it that all the main “iron” components are concentrated computer system. And it is to it that all peripheral (external) devices are connected.

    The blocks themselves can be divided into several main types based on device type, form factor and size, which will be discussed separately.

    Appearance

    For now, let's look at the appearance. At first glance at the body, if you don’t go into internal structure, you can immediately notice that on the front panel there are several basic elements that are present on any “system unit”. These are the power on/off button, the reset button, LED indicators V different quantities(indicator of access to hard drive always available), slots for installing removable hard drives and CD/DVD-ROM devices. Previously, you could also find FDD drives, but now flexible media (floppy disks) are not used.

    Sometimes there may also be multiple USB ports present, and in some cases even audio outputs can be seen. You can see through the mesh at the back installed coolers(cooling fans), connectors for connecting the power supply and monitor, and on the motherboard wall - all other sockets, the number of which depends on the types installed devices(video, network, sound, printer, etc.).

    In addition, there may be special chassis at the bottom to make it easier to move the unit from place to place (for vertical models).

    Main types of system units

    As is already clear, the system unit is a case with all the filling built into it. But the arrangement of elements inside it directly depends on its type.

    Today you can find blocks of horizontal (Desktop) and vertical (Tower) types. Separately, there are monoblocks in which the monitor and the “system unit” itself are made in the form of a monolithic structure.

    Desktop units appeared earlier and are now used either in very old computer models or in ultra-modern ones. They are classified into four types:

    • dimensions 533 x 419 x 152 mm - Desktop;
    • dimensions 406 x 406 x 152 mm - FootPrint;
    • dimensions 406 x 406 x 101 mm - SlimLine;
    • dimensions 381 x 352 x 75 mm - UltraSlimLine.

    But the most widespread are the “towers”. By type, form factor and size they are divided as follows:

    • MiniTower - dimensions 178 x 432 x 432 mm;
    • MidiTower - dimensions 183 x 432 x 490 mm;
    • BigTower - dimensions 190 x 482 x 820 mm;
    • SuperFullTower - larger proportions than BigTower, and MicroTower - smaller dimensions than MiniTower.

    The question legitimately arises as to what is responsible for such a dispersion in size. It all depends on what kind of equipment can be installed in such a case. In addition, a lot depends on the type and shape of the motherboard, video card and many other factors.

    Form factor ATX

    Now let's see which system unit is the most popular today. Of course, this is a body made in ATX form factor, which is a type of vertical structures.

    In essence, the design can be defined as a kind of universal standard applied to the dimensions of motherboards, the shape and location of certain connectors, the geometric dimensions of the case, the mounting position of the power supply and its electrical characteristics etc.

    System unit device

    Now a few words about how blocks of any type are structured. The main elements here are power supplies, coolers, motherboards and hard drives. With power and cooling, I think everything is clear.

    Hard drives use special designs, sometimes called pockets, into which they are inserted and secured with screws.

    But the motherboard is the most significant element, since it is to it that all other hardware is connected (hard drives and optical drives, including). The motherboard contains processors, RAM sticks, graphics, sound and network adapters. There are also special slots and connectors for connecting a keyboard, mouse, external devices like printers, modems, gaming components, external modules wireless communication, removable media information through the appropriate ports, specialized telemetry tools and any other equipment produced for modern computer systems.

    Connecting the main components of the computer

    Now let's see how to connect the system unit to power and a monitor, as well as attach the most necessary components to it.

    For power supply, there is a standard socket on the back wall into which the power supply cord is inserted. As for connecting equipment, it, as already mentioned, is done exclusively through motherboard. For this purpose, slots are used into which devices can be inserted or, as in the case of hard drives or optical drives, the connection is made using universal cables. For monitors, integrated or discrete video adapter sockets can be used, which are also located on the motherboard. But for processors there are connectors called sockets.

    What’s interesting is that any connector, cable or slot meets a certain connection standard, which excludes the possibility of connecting incompatible device to the system board. For example, installing a video card into the sound adapter slot will not work.

    Gaming and multimedia system units

    It’s also worth looking at what a gaming system unit is. As a rule, such units are called gaming units solely because of their powerful configuration, although now they can be distinguished even by the non-trivial design of the case, color scheme, the presence of backlighting, etc. Manufacturers clearly have enough imagination.

    As for the configuration, a gaming system unit is a set of almost the most modern “hardware” devices, including powerful processors, graphics accelerators and built-in audio systems, large amounts of RAM, etc. Motherboards, as a rule, unlike standard ones models, have specific connectors for attaching additional controls such as joysticks, steering systems for racing and much more. But it is believed that as a device for storing information in mandatory SSD drives that have more high speed reading and writing information to them. And questions about installing discrete graphics adapters and RAM sticks latest generation and monitors with diagonals of about 24 inches are not discussed at all, because without this it is impossible to achieve normal performance and detail in modern computer games with their increased requirements for hardware it will be simply impossible.

    The requirements for systems designed to work with multimedia are somewhat lower. For graphics and video you will need good monitor and a video card, for sound processing - an appropriate audio system (preferably external type), etc.

    Results

    This is the classification and standard device modern "system specialists". All-in-one computers were not considered here, since they are quite expensive, which is still an obstacle to their mass distribution. In addition, getting to the main “hardware” components in them is much more difficult, if you compare this process even with laptops.

    Nowadays, almost every Odessa family has a computer. With growth technical progress older people also have to learn to work with modern technology. Experienced users are accustomed to calling people who are poorly versed in computers “dummies.” Our review will help you better understand the computer and its main components.

    The system unit is the basis of the computer. Its content determines the possibilities and technical parameters personal computer(PC). The block housings are made of plastic, aluminum and steel. Designer products are made from plexiglass and wood. The system unit performs a number of functions:

    • protects PC components from damage;
    • helps prevent temperature fluctuations;
    • the housing is a shield from electromagnetic radiation;
    • contains a chassis for installing PC components.

    You can view current prices for good PC components by visiting the trusted online store of household appliances era-elektroniki.com.ua. You may also be able to think about assembling own computer knowing the cost of the main components

    Main components of the system unit

    1. Body. All computer elements are mounted inside the case, which differ in size and configuration. The organization of the temperature regime and the quiet operation of the device depend on the quality of the case.

    2. The power supply is the basis for reliable operation of the PC. Its components: transformers, radiators, fans are heavy. The power of the unit is determined by summing the power consumption of all devices.

    3. The central processor processes microcommands.

    4. Motherboard. Computer components are mounted on it. Sound and video cards, network adapters.

    5. RAM today is from 4 GB and affects the speed of the computer.

    6. The video card processes graphics and displays them on the screen. Equipped with its own processor for processing 2D and 3D information. Without a good graphics card, you cannot edit images and videos.

    8.HDD or SSD drive stores the results for a long time and software PC.

    On the outer panel of the case there are power buttons, computer reset buttons, additional connectors, disk drives, microphone and headphone jacks.

    Plugs and connectors are mounted on the rear side of the case. These are connectors for connecting input devices (keyboard and mouse), sound card and a connector for connecting to the network.

    Other connectors are also added for network cards, WiFi antennas, digital and gaming devices.

    The system unit is selected depending on the tasks solved on it. For an office you need a budget unit with low requirements. Games and multimedia require a system unit with an expensive video card and a powerful power supply. The requirements for a computer will directly determine its cost, from several hundred dollars to a thousand or more.

    In this article we will take a detailed look at what elements a personal computer consists of, what it all looks like, and what function it performs. This article is more suitable for novice users, but also more experienced users Surely they will be able to find something for themselves.

    First of all, let's define a computer:

    Personal computer, PC (from the English personal computer, PC) or PC (personal electronic computer) - desktop microcomputer with operational characteristics household appliance and universal functionality.

    The computer was originally created as a computing machine, but the PC is also used for other purposes - as a means of accessing information networks and as a platform for multimedia and computer games.

    An ordinary personal computer that is in your home or work consists of the following parts:

    • System unit;
    • Monitor;
    • Information input devices;
    • Additional or peripheral devices (printer, scanner, webcam, etc.);

    System unit

    The main component of any computer is the system unit. System units come in different types, both in design and size. Horizontal and vertical.

    The system unit contains all components modern computer, in fact, this is what makes the computer work.

    Main elements of the system unit:

    • Frame;
    • Power unit;
    • Motherboard;
    • CPU;
    • RAM;
    • Video card;
    • Sound card;
    • Hard drive;
    • Disk drive (optical drive);
    • Cooling system;

    All elements are closely connected to each other and work as a whole.

    Let's look at each element in more detail.

    Frame

    The system unit case is the outer shell of the system unit of a personal computer, which protects the internal elements from physical impact. The housing has great value For stable operation computer. For example, a well-designed cooling system inside the case is the key to stable operation of the computer and a guarantee against overheating.

    power unit

    In order for all the elements of the system unit to work, we need a power supply. As the name implies, the power supply supplies electricity to all components of the system unit. On at the moment the most popular power supplies by power: 450, 500 and 600 W. On powerful computers, which include gaming ones, are installed more powerful blocks nutrition.

    Motherboard

    The motherboard is a complex multi-layer printed circuit board and the largest board of the system unit. The main task of the motherboard is to connect all the elements into one computing system.

    CPU

    The processor, on the motherboard, is responsible for performing all computing operations and processing information. No matter how trivial it may sound, the better and newer (and therefore more expensive) the processor, the faster and more volume of operations it will perform. However, the most powerful processor does not guarantee fast work computer, while the remaining components of the system unit are very outdated.

    RAM

    Random access memory or RAM is a random access memory device. It is intended to be temporary and quick accessible storage data for transmission to the processor for processing. For example, running programs in the background or hidden mode, clipboard, etc. The more RAM installed on your computer, the faster you can count on it.

    Video card

    Video card - just like the motherboard, complex multilayer PCB, is inserted into the connector on the motherboard. The video card can be either built-in (integrated) or external, in the form of a separate board. The main function of a video card is to generate and display an image on a computer screen. The power of the integrated video card is often only enough for use office applications and surfing the Internet.

    Sound card

    Sound card – processing and outputting sound to computer speakers. There are cases when the built-in sound card fails or the user is not satisfied with the sound quality of the compositions, then install an external sound card.

    Hard drive

    Hard drive or storage device hard magnetic disks are a storage device designed to store information. It is on the hard drive that all your data is stored and the operating system is installed. Windows system(Linux). Currently, SSD drives are gaining popularity.

    Drive

    Nowadays discs are becoming less and less popular; they have been replaced by USB flash drives. But there are times when a disk drive or, as it is also called, an “optical drive” is simply necessary. When you need to read something from a disk, install Windows or drivers on your computer.

    Cooling system

    The cooling system is a system of fans that serves to remove warm air from the components of the system unit and supply cool air from the external environment.

    Continuation of the article:

    Computer device. What does a computer consist of? Part 2. Peripherals.

    So, in order to study the computer structure and see the composition of the system unit, you need to remove the side cover.

    1. Body

    3. Power supply

    One of essential components included in the system unit, as it provides power to all parts of the computer.

    Its power and quality affect the condition of all components. A poor quality power supply may be the cause unstable work computer and even cause burnout of expensive parts. Power is selected depending on the purpose and purpose of the computer.

    For example, for a computer used in offices, 300 W will be enough, but for a gaming machine, 500 W may not be enough.

    3. Central processor

    (CPU). Equipped with a cooling radiator and fan (cooler). The central processing unit is the main data processing device. It is he who performs the actions that make up the sequence of programs.

    Computer performance largely depends on the speed of the central processor, which is determined by clock frequency work, bit capacity, architecture and number of cores.

    Today, the market is dominated by two main manufacturers: Intel and AMD.

    4. Case fan (cooler)

    5. RAM modules

    6. Video card (video adapter, video processor)

    (Video card, video adapter, videoadapter, videocard) is a computer device that is responsible for processing and outputting graphic information to the monitor.

    The video adapter has its own GPU, which processes 2D/3D graphic information. This reduces the computational load on CPU(CPU).

    For office computers Almost any video card will do (even one built into the motherboard), but for gaming machines you will have to buy something more serious.

    7-8. PCI devices

    9-10. CD/DVD drives

    11. Hard drive

    (Winchester, HDD, harddisk) is a storage device for information on your computer. The data is not erased when the power is turned off. Compared to RAM speed HDD operation much lower, and the amount of information stored is much greater.

    Capacity hard drive measured in Gigabytes or even Terabytes. Naturally, the larger the hard drive capacity, the more documents, programs, games, movies, music, etc. you can store on your computer.

    12. Motherboard

    Before you start choosing and purchasing a new computer or start upgrading and upgrading an old one, you need to know the structure of the computer, i.e. what does the system unit consist of and how is it structured? In other words, we need to know what we are going to buy or upgrade.

    The system unit (in common parlance it is also called a “system unit”) is the so-called brain of the machine, which is considered a functional element that protects internal components computer from external influence. To understand what a system unit is, you need to consider its main functions. It supports the necessary temperature regime inside the case, the created internal modules electromagnetic radiation. The main function of the system unit is also the processing of various types of information. Its appearance may be different; in general, it may depend on the load for which the system unit is designed. Photo of the standard system unit:

    An important characteristic of each system unit is performance, which is primarily determined by the clock frequency. It indicates exactly how many elementary operations the microprocessor performs per second.

    Four types of memory

    The user of each personal computer must also know about the four types of memory with which the system unit device works.

    Read-only memory or ROM is non-volatile memory that comes with your computer. It is in it that programs are stored that test the computer after it is turned on. It is also from this memory that it is loaded operating system.

    Random access memory, or random access memory (RAM), is primarily designed to temporarily store data while working.

    There is an internal permanent memory, that is, a hard disk drive (hard drive), which is designed for permanent storage of necessary information.

    External removable memory is portable. Replaceable memory is provided laser discs, magneto-optical disks, portable hard drives and flash cards.

    "Stuffing" of the system unit

    Let's take a closer look at the composition of the system unit. It consists of:

    • The motherboard, which is a PCB element with microcircuits, all kinds of connectors, slots. It also includes different types expansion ports.
    • Processors, of which the most common are considered to be Pentium 4, Athlon, Duron and Celeron.
    • Video cards. With its help, an image is displayed on the monitor, graphics are processed, and polygons are calculated in games. The parameters of the video card itself are characterized by its memory size, core frequency and memory type.
    • A sound card designed primarily to output sound through speakers or headphones.
    • RAM, which ensures fast computer operation. How more RAM will have a PC, the better it will process information.
    • Hard drive.
    • A network card that allows you to establish communication between your computer and other computers, peripheral devices, local network and the Internet.
    • DVD and CD drives, which are designed for reading DVD and CD discs.

    Let's also consider the main form factors of system units. By form factor we mean a standard that specifies overall dimensions the entire system unit. He also describes additional technical specifications, for example, the shape, type of additional elements, their position and orientation.

    Main form factors of the system unit

    Horizontal (dimensions in centimeters):

    • Desktop (53.3/41.9/15.2);
    • SlimLine(40.6/40.6/10.1);
    • UltraSlimLine (38.1/35.2/75)

    Vertical (dimensions are also indicated in centimeters):

    • MiniTower (15.2/43.2/43.2);
    • BigTower(19/48,2/82,);
    • MidiTower (17.3/43.2/49).
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