The computer is the collection of different parts or components like motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard disk, etc. These components are visible and important in computer functioning.
Based on the type of use, we divide the list of computer parts into two types.
- Compulsory Computer Parts and
- Optional Computer parts
Compulsory Computer Parts :
By the name itself, we find these parts are the compulsory ones in the PC build. If we miss any of these components or parts, our PC is incomplete, and it displays nothing on the monitor.
Here is a list of compulsory parts of the desktop computer.
- Monitor
- CPU cabinet
- Motherboard
- Processor
- GPU
- Cooling fans
- RAM
- Hard disk
- SMPS
- Connecting cables and
- Keyboard and Mouse
- Speakers
Some of these parts are unnecessary for laptops like CPU cabinets, connecting cables, etc. We can discuss the laptop parts with another decent article.
Monitor
The monitor is nothing but a display on the computer. We use different monitors a gamer needs a high-frequency refresh rate monitor, an office employee needs a basic monitor, etc.
The latest monitors come with the best features like, multiple ports like USB, HDMI, DVI, Ethernet, etc. A monitor with different ports has different functional capabilities.
CPU Cabinet
The CPU cabinet is used to protect the internal parts of the computer like the motherboard, processor, RAM, ROM, GPU, etc. We consider this as the compulsory part of most PC builds. But in some rare situations, if a PC is internally built like a wall-mounted, wall-behind, or table-flat PC, then you don’t need a CPU cabinet.
Also, there is a strong reason behind the use of CPU cabinets in our computers, which is cooling. CPU parts are designed to work under specific operating temperatures only. So we need to cool the CPU parts.
For this, we are using two types of cooling systems. Air and Liquid cooling. Air cooling is the most popular and cheap method we are using to cool down our CPU.
Motherboard
A board on your PC has a mother-like responsibility. Hence, we call that board a motherboard. The motherboard is like a heart to the PC. It has an entire record of the functional capabilities of your PC.
This is my motherboard Zebronics H55 motherboard. It supports only DDR3 RAM. If I put DDR4 RAM sticks in place of DDR3 RAM, then the PC will not turn on. Likely, it supports SSD, but not M.2.
Every motherboard on this planet has some limitations. The difference is some motherboards have high specification capabilities and others have low specifications.
My suggestion is to choose the best motherboard for your PC with some future upgrades. If you want to increase your RAM in the future, you will never be disappointed.
Processor
A processor is just like a brain to a computer. It has the capability of performing the work or action on your computer. It is also called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Intel and Ryzen processors are in competition these days.
Along with the motherboard, the processor also plays a key role in defining the capability of a computer. Each processor has billions of transistors. Engineers are using Integrated Circuit technology to design processors.
I recommend you select the latest version of the processor as much as you can. Because it has the best performance capability compared to the older versions.
My system processor is an Intel i7. It is good for my work. Choose the type of processor that is best for your work. Find more about CPUs here.
GPU :
GPU is also called a Graphics Processing Unit. In the olden days, computers didn’t need graphic cards to work. But in this generation, motherboards require GPUs.
This is the compatible GPU with the motherboard on my PC. If you want a graphic card under budget, I suggest that you go to this one. Make sure that your motherboard supports the GPU that you are gonna buy.
We use GPUs for different purposes like playing games, editing, enhancing screen performance, etc. Overall, GPU helps to improve the system’s performance.
Stock cooler
We just can’t ignore the cooling process of the computer. However, the CPU is performing heavily while using the computer. If the temperature of the CPU exceeds the operating levels, then it may lead to damage to the CPU or motherboard. In the worst case, damage occurs to both.
We know the two types of cooling (air and liquid). Liquid cooling is my best suggestion in the case of a stock cooler. The CPU needs more cooling than any other part of the computer. So, we need to provide the best cooling for it.
I changed my stock cooler from frontech to Antec stock cooler. Now, it is working fine with less noise. Go with RGB, if you want your system colorful.
RAM
RAM is a type of memory storage device in a computer. Its full form is Random Access Memory. The more RAM your system has, the more work it can do. You can see my PC RAM stick below.
Choose the latest version of RAM for your PC to get the best performance. The performance of two 4GB RAM sticks is better than one 8GB RAM stick. So choose accordingly.
The RAM sticks are sensitive, so be careful. Check the RAM stick insertion properly before going to turn on the computer. A faulty RAM can cause a Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD).
ROM
ROM is nothing but the general storage of a computer. We have different types of ROM devices like Hard disks, SSDs, SD cards, Pen Drives, etc.
The entire data that we store in a computer is in the form of ROM (Read Only Memory).
Even the Operating System in your computer is in a ROM device. I am using Kingston SSD for my Operating System instead of a Hard disk because of better performance. And hard disk for recorded videos and other high-volume files.
My suggestion is to use at least an SSD or M.2 for storage. So you will never find a lag performance while reading and writing your data.
SMPS
Switched Mode Power Supply also called SMPS is used to convert the input current and supply its output current to other components of the computer like the motherboard, fans, front panel, etc.
We have a significant advantage with SMPS. It acts as a Converter (AC input to DC output) and also Chopper (DC input to DC output). The SMPS can protect our PC from a sudden power drop.
Keyboard and Mouse
The keyboard and Mouse are a combination. Both are used to give input to the system. No matter how much cost do we put on the PC build? Without a Keyboard and Mouse, we do nothing.
My keyboard is a Logitech MK275. It is a writer-friendly keyboard that I found on Amazon. The performance of this keyboard is very good. For gamers, this is not the recommended one.
Speakers
In some works, speakers are not a compulsory requirement in a PC. But, I consider speakers to be a compulsory part of the computer because of so many advantages. We can hear our friends and family’s voices while talking to them on Skype. We can hear music, watch movies, etc.
Speakers are of different types and earphones and headphones are also a type of speakers. The speaker and microphone are two different things. Don’t get confused.
Optional Computer Parts:
We have seen the basic parts of the computer, and also they are the compulsory parts. Along with this, we can add so many other hardware elements to the computer setup based on our requirements.
For example, a printer is not a compulsory part of the computer. But most people use printers as their primary element in their work. Not only printers but there are also so many other optional parts like fingerprint scanners, document scanners, external hard disks, dual monitors, etc. These components are called Optional Computer Parts.
Printer:
A printer is a machine we use to print something on paper. There are so many printers out there. Based on the type of use, you can find the perfect one for you.
I do not have a printer. And I don’t need it at all. All my work is completely based on the compulsory parts of the computer. Also, my suggestion is to buy a printer only if you need one. It reduces the cost of the PC build.
Dual Monitor:
A dual Monitor is just an extra monitor. Some people use dual monitors or multiple monitors based on their work and requirements. A gaming YouTuber must need a dual monitor, but a blogger doesn’t.
Let’s see some other optional computer parts.
Wi-Fi adapter:
A Wi-Fi adapter is an electronic device that is used to connect the internet service to the system. Some motherboards come with a built-in Wi-Fi feature. But a mid-range motherboard doesn’t have a Wi-Fi connectivity option.
Bluetooth adapter:
If your PC wants to connect a device with Bluetooth, but your motherboard doesn’t support it. In that situation, we use an adapter that connects other devices like Bluetooth headphones, earphones, speakers, etc to our PC.
- Useful Read: Does your PC have Bluetooth? [5 ways to find]
Bluetooth Speaker :
The Bluetooth speaker is also an optional computer component. Whether you use it or not, doesn’t have a problem.
Let’s see the parts of the computer in a table format. From this table, you can get to know which one is the compulsory part and which one is optional.
| Compulsory Computer Parts | Optional Computer Parts |
| Monitor | Bluetooth Speakers |
| CPU cabinet | Dual Monitors |
| Motherboard | Bluetooth adapter |
| Processor | Wi-Fi adapter |
| GPU | Printer |
| Stock Cooler | Fingerprint Scanner |
| RAM | Pen Drives |
| ROM | SD Cards |
| SMPS | UPS |
| Keyboard and Mouse | Projector |
| Speakers | Web-camera |
Conclusion :
What do you think? Is this the end of the list? No, there is no end to this list because technology is updating every day. And we found new electronic gadgets which are designed for unique works. However, the brief information about the list of computer parts ends here.
Feel free to find out how the computer is working, so that you can easily understand the functioning of all these components.
Which optional computer part do you have? Let me know your comments. We are on YouTube to provide Tech information like this in a video format.
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