Task Summary |
Key Terminology |
What you will learn
You will learn about the following computer hardware components: CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, Motherboard and Graphics Card How you will be assessed A written test |
CPU - Central Processing Unit
RAM - Random Access Memory ROM - Read Only Memory HDD - Hard Disk Drive SSD - Solid State Drive |
CPU - Central Processing Unit
The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer, but is not able to think by itself, it can only carry out instructions that it is given. Generally the faster a CPU is the better it is as it will process instructions quicker. However it is not always as simple as that as many things can influence a processor speed including the cache and the amount of cores it has.
Activities
Going for Gold
If you want to learn more about how the CPU works and are aiming for a Gold award, try watching these videos and completing the activities
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Main Memory: RAM and ROM
Your computer needs memory for it to work. Memory is used to hold data so the CPU can fetch data or instructions and execute them.
There are two types of main memory - RAM and ROM. They play different roles in the computer but both are very important.
There are two types of main memory - RAM and ROM. They play different roles in the computer but both are very important.
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Activities
Complete this small activity:
The difference between RAM and ROM
Find a partner and write a small rap/spoken word poem to help you remember the roles of RAM and ROM and the differences between them.
Activity from OCR
The difference between RAM and ROM
Find a partner and write a small rap/spoken word poem to help you remember the roles of RAM and ROM and the differences between them.
Activity from OCR
Storage - HDD and SSD
To save our data on a computer we use secondary storage devices. These store our files and software so we do not lose our information when we turn the machine off.
There are two main types of secondary storage - HDD (Hard Disk Drives) and SSD (Solid State Drives).
There are two main types of secondary storage - HDD (Hard Disk Drives) and SSD (Solid State Drives).
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Other hardware - GPU and Motherboard
Two other important hardware components are the GPU and motherboard.
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) deals with all of the visual data decoding. This takes the pressure off the CPU and allows us to run high graphical applications like games and 3D modelling software.
The motherboard is like the computer roadway network. All the components plug into the motherboard and the data and power run through this to allow components to easily talk to each other.
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) deals with all of the visual data decoding. This takes the pressure off the CPU and allows us to run high graphical applications like games and 3D modelling software.
The motherboard is like the computer roadway network. All the components plug into the motherboard and the data and power run through this to allow components to easily talk to each other.
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Activities
Assessment Task 1
Complete the following document. Use screenshots to provide evidence of your answers.
Hardware Evidence Document
Hardware Evidence Document
Take Note
You will be given a written exam at the end of this topic