What device is connected to the system unit?

The computer system unit is the housing that contains the main components of the computer. It is also called a computer case or tower case. Read on to learn about the functions and components of the computer system unit.

What is system unit? A typical desktop computer is composed of a computer system unit, a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor. The computer system unit is the outer shell of all other main internal components of the computer. It is also called a computer case, computer case, or computer tower. The housing is usually made of steel or aluminum, but plastics can also be used.

The main function of the computer system unit is to fix all other components together and protect sensitive electronic components from external components.

Tip: If you want to get more information about the computer system, you can go to the MiniTool official website.

Components of System Unit

Some of the components in the system unit are; random access memory (RAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), hard disk, motherboard, fan, processor or central processing unit (CPU), power supply, and floppy disk drive.

The system unit also has other components, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, power button, cables, video, and sound card.

Then, let’s get more information about the main components of system unit.

1. Motherboard

The motherboard is the main internal hardware component of the system unit. This board is called the "motherboard" because it has all the connectors that connect to the other hardware components of the computer system. This means that all input and output (I/O) devices have their connectors on the motherboard.

Since the CPU (especially high-speed CPU) generates a lot of heat during operation, it has a socket for fixing the central processing unit (CPU) or the processor with a heat sink and fan. It also has a main memory slot, a video or graphics card slot, and a backup battery.

2. CPU or Processor

The CPU is the hardware component responsible for all operations performed in the computer system, which is why most computer users call it the brain of the computer, which is fixed on the motherboard through a slot.

The CPU or processor has two main components, namely the control unit (CU) and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU). CU fetches instructions from memory and executes them to control input and output devices, while ALU performs arithmetic and logic processing. The speed of the processor is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).

Also see: 8 Useful Solutions to Fix Your CPU 100% in Windows 10

3. RAM

RAM is the main memory of a computer system, and its main function is to temporarily store data. Based on the fact that the data is accessed randomly (in no particular order), it allows the CPU to easily access the data. It can also speed up the operation of the computer because it allows random access to data.

The larger the RAM, the faster the CPU can access data. RAM is volatile, which means it works or stores data while the computer is still running, and loses all data when the computer is shut down. RAM, CPU, and hard disk are the main sources of computer speed. A computer can use multiple RAMs, depending on the user's preference, but limited by the number of memory slots on the motherboard.

4. Hard Drive

The main storage device of a computer system is a hard disk or hard disk drive. Unlike RAM, which temporarily stores data, the main function of a hard drive is to permanently store information, files, and other documents, and also allows data to be retrieved, but it is non-volatile (data will not be lost when the computer is shut down).

The operating system and application software (apps) are installed on the hard drive. The amount of data that a hard drive can hold depends on its capacity.

Most modern system units or chassis can contain two hard drives, one of which can be used as a "primary" (primary) hard drive; one for installing the operating system, and the other as a "slave" (secondary) hard drive; you can combine documents and Other files are stored on which files and other files to avoid overloading the main hard drive to avoid slowing down the system. The secondary hard drive can also be used as a backup for damage to the primary hard drive.

Also see: How to Back up Computer to External Hard Drive in Windows 10/8/7

Final Words

Here is all information about the system unit. You can know what it is and the component of the system unit.

Patrick, a computer technician, is a dedicated writer who wishes to make the world better by informing individuals who seek more knowledge.

Computer System Unit

Study.com

The Computer System Unit

The system unit is the box-like case that contains the electronic components of a computer. Many people erroneously refer to this as the CPU. Here you will find devices like the power supply, different drives, the fan, the connectors, and the motherboard. Note that in most cases, the monitor, keyboard, and mouse will not be found inside the system unit layout.

Other names for the system unit include the computer chassis, cabinet, box, tower, enclosure, housing, or simply case.

Parts of the Unit

These are some of the major components you are going to find inside your system unit. If you are thinking of checking some of these parts out, make sure your computer is powered off and disconnected from a power source. Be careful not to mess with your components if you are not very familiar with them. Before touching anything, be aware of the ESD precautions.

The Motherboard

The motherboard is sometimes called the system board or main board. It is the main circuit board of a microcomputer. This component contains the connectors for attaching additional boards. All other parts connect in one way or another to the motherboard.

This part typically contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, mouse, and disk drive.

When you are reading about motherboards, you won't fail to come across the term motherboard form factors, which describes the general shape, the type of case, and the power supply it can use. It also describes the physical organization of the motherboard.

A Labeled Motherboard

Wikimedia Commons

Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk drive is a high capacity, non-volatile, magnetic data storage device with a volume (disk) that is usually non-removable.

Data is magnetically read and written on the platter by read/write heads that float on a cushion of air above the platters.

Hard Disk Drive

Patkay

Floppy Disk Drive

This is a disk drive that can read and write floppy disks, although they are obsolete nowadays.

These drives have been replaced by the USB flash disk drives in modern machines.

Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert AC currents from the main supply to the different DC voltages required by various computer components.

Power supplies are quoted as having a certain power output specified in watts. A standard power supply would typically be able to deliver around 350 watts.

You will need more power from the power supply if your PC has more operating components.

Power Supply Unit

Wikimedia Commons

CD-ROM Drive

This is a high capacity optical data storage device with a removable disk. It writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium.

A CD-ROM drive may be connected to the computer via an IDE (ATA), SCSI, S-ATA, Firewire, or USB interface or a proprietary interface.

Your Opinion

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: What are the parts of a computer system unit?

Answer: These are the major components that you will find when you open the computer system unit. Note that the computer system unit is the box-like structure that people erroneously refer to as the CPU. Inside the system unit, expect to find; the motherboard, hard disk drive(s), optical drive(s), power supply unit, and in some old systems fan and floppy disk drive.

Question: Are the parts described in this articles those you see inside the system unit?

Answer: That is very true. In this article, we are having an overview of the different components or parts of the system unit. The system unit is the box-like case that contains the electronic components of a computer. Many people erroneously refer to this as the CPU. Here you will find devices like the power supply, different drives, the fan, the connectors, and the motherboard.

© 2010 Patrick Kamau

JAIRUS BENARD on February 14, 2020:

Thanks for that enriching tutorial, thanks

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 18, 2019:

Hello Adam. Computer problems occur both in software and hardware area. Fault finding is handled depending on the problematic part. For instance, a small problem where the mouse is not functioning, you will have to start checking the connectivity.

Adam on September 14, 2019:

After knowing all about the components and working of a computer. Here I've a question that is how to detect a fault if any part of my computer is not working. So, how can I detect and fix it?

Lunzoo on August 25, 2019:

Useful tips

Char on August 04, 2019:

What are the reasons when computer screen is black and won’t open or respond?

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Thanks, Mr. Yussif you are much welcome. Keep reading to get more knowledge. All the best in your endeavors.

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Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 20, 2018:

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me on September 17, 2018:

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axaiben on June 26, 2018:

can you give the important parts of a system unit?

yanna on June 20, 2018:

can you please give us some information about parts of computer system

Muzdha on June 19, 2018:

Can you give me all the information about system unit not a little bit

Can on April 06, 2018:

Can you give me all the parts of the system unit and not some?

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Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on October 31, 2017:

Thanks, Bofa Deez for visiting and reading this tutorial. I am happy that you found it useful.

Bofa Deez on October 31, 2017:

I found this article very helpful thank you

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on October 09, 2017:

Thanks, shelly, I am glad you learnt something from this article.

shelly on October 08, 2017:

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imee zuasola on August 07, 2017:

thank you for posting the parts of the system unit!!!!

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on August 31, 2016:

Thank you Ziel for the visit and comment. I am happy that you have found the content of this hub useful. Keep reading!

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on February 29, 2012:

eunice, you are welcome. Thanks for reading and commenting.

eunice on February 29, 2012:

thaks for the knowledge

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on January 29, 2012:

Thanks Mohamed Dhidha. I like enlightening people about computers. There is a lot to learn from the computer world.

Mohamed Dhidha on January 29, 2012:

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Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on January 16, 2012:

You are welcome chrysann Evans. It my pleasure to find that you are contented by what I am offering here.

chrysann Evans on January 15, 2012:

thanks for your help

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on December 06, 2011:

Thanks Abrabanj, for going through this useful information. There is a lot to learn in the computer world.

Abrabanj on December 06, 2011:

A nice and very good expression system unit

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on October 08, 2011:

Thanks AMUZU for reading and commenting.

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well done

Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 19, 2011:

Thank you stasheen brown for dropping by, check more of my hubs for a lot of helpful information.

stasheen brown on September 12, 2011:

thank you for all the information. very helpful :)