The System Unit

The System Unit

The System Unit is a case that
contains electric components of
the computer used to process
data
Understanding system unit
component in computer
programming is essential for
optimizing performance, and
troubleshooting hardware-
related issues.
 The System Unit
The inside of the system unit on a desktop personal computer
includes:
Processor Storage Case and
Form Factor
Memory Power Supply
Unit
Motherboard Cooling
System
Processor
The Processor, also called the Central
Processing Unit (CPU), interprets and carries
out the basic instructions that operate a
computer.

It is seen as the main and most crucial

integrated circuitry (IC) chip in a computer, as it
is responsible for interpreting most of the
computer's commands.

The more powerful and updated your processor,

the faster your computer can complete its
tasks. By getting a more powerful processor,
you can help your computer think and work
faster.
 Processor
A TYPICAL PROCESSOR CONSISTS OF
SEVERAL KEY COMPONENTS, INCLUDING:

ARITHMETHIC LOGIC UNIT

(ALU):
CONTROL UNIT

REGISTERS
 Processor
COMPONENTS
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic
operations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division) and logical operations (such as AND, OR, and
NOT) on data.

Control Unit: Coordinates the activities of the processor by

fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and
executing them in the appropriate sequence.
 Processor
COMPONENTS
Registers: Small, high-speed storage units within the
processor used to store data temporarily during
processing. This includes:
• Instruction Pointer: Keeps track of the memory address of
the next instruction to be executed.
• General-Purpose Registers: Used for temporary storage of
data.
Processor
For every instruction, a
processor repeats a set
of four basic
operations, which
comprise a machine
cycle.
 Processor
SYSTEM CLOCK
The system clock serves as a timing mechanism that
regulates the pace of operations within a computer system,
ensuring that different components work together
efficiently and synchronously.

It produces regular pulses or cycles at a constant rate,

measured in

Gigahertz (GHz), which indicates the speed of the

processor.
DETERMINE HOW YOU PLAN TO USE A NEW COMPUTER BEFORE SELECTING A
PROCESSOR
MEMORY
Memory refers to the volatile
storage used by the system
to temporarily store data and
instructions that the CPU
(Central Processing Unit)
needs to access quickly.
MEMORY
Stores three basic categories of
items:
• Operating system and other
system software
• Application Program
• Data being processed and the
resulting information
 TYPES OF
MEMORY
Volatile
 Loses its
Non Volatile
 Does not lose
content when its content
power is when power is
turned off turned off

 Example  Examples
includes RAM include ROM,
Flash memory,
and CMOS
 MEMORY
Read-Only Memory (ROM) refers to the memory
chips storing permanent data and instructions

A PROM (programmable read‐only memory) can be

programmed by the user once, typically using special
equipment to burn fuses or create connections in the
memory cells.
 MEMORY
Flash Memory: A type of EEPROM that can erase and
reprogram blocks of data at a time, offering higher
storage densities and faster operation. Flash
memory is commonly used in USB drives, memory
cards, SSDs, and other storage devices.
 Three Basic Types of RAM

Chips
Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data in tiny
electrical charges and requires periodic refreshing to maintain the stored
information.

Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data using flip-
flops, allowing it to retain information without needing periodic refreshing,
resulting in faster access times but higher cost and lower density compared
to DRAM

Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) is a type of non-volatile memory that stores

data by utilizing the magnetic properties of materials, offering fast read and
write speeds along with low power consumption.
 MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard serves as
the main circuit board in a
computer system, providing
connectivity and support for
various hardware
components such as the
CPU, RAM, expansion cards,
and storage devices.
 Key Components of
Motherboard:

EXPANSION
CPU RAM SLOT CONNECTO
SLOTS
SOCKET RS
CPU SOCKET - This is where the central processing unit
(CPU) is installed on the motherboard.

RAM SLOT - These slots hold the memory modules (RAM)

that provide temporary storage for data and instructions.

EXPANSION SLOTS - These slots allow for the installation

of expansion cards, such as graphics cards, sound cards,
and network adapters, to enhance the functionality of the
system.
CONNECTORS - These connectors allow for the connection
of external devices such as USB peripherals, SATA drives,
Mouse, Keyboards and audio/video interfaces.
 STORAGE
The role DEVICES
of storage devices in a
system unit is to provide long-term
storage for digital data, including
operating systems, applications, user
files, and other software
components. These devices allow the
computer to store and retrieve data
even when it is powered off,
ensuring that data remains
accessible over time
 STORAGE
DEVICES

A. Hard Disk Drives (HDD): B. Solid State Drives (SSD): SSDs

HDDs are traditional storage are newer storage devices that use
devices that use spinning flash memory to store data,
magnetic disks to store data. providing faster access times and
better durability compared to
HDDs.
 IMPORTANCE OF STORAGE
IN PROGRAMMING
Storage is important to a software
engineer because it's like a
computer's memory bank. Just like
we use our memory to remember
things, software also needs a place
to store information. When software
engineers create programs or apps,
they need a way to save data like
user information, files, and settings
POWER SUPPLY
UNIT
A Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a hardware
component within a computer system
responsible for converting electrical
power from a source, typically the mains
power supply, into usable voltage and
current levels required by the various
components within the computer.
POWER SUPPLY
UNIT
Importance:

• Voltage conversion
• Distribution
• Regulation
• Protection
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 COOLING
SYSTEM
Computer cooling systems are
active cooling systems designed
to dissipate excessive heat
generated through a Pc. Proper
and regular heat dissipation from
the systems ensures efficiency
and effectiveness while working
 COOLING
SYSTEM
As electronic components such as
the CPU (Central Processing
Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing
Unit), and other integrated
circuits operate, they generate
heat due to the flow of electric
current through them.
 COOLING
When itSYSTEM
comes to a PC build,
there are two main options to
safely mitigate heat from your
CPU: air cooling and liquid
cooling.
COOLING
SYSTEM
Air Cooling: This
system uses fans
and heat sinks to
dissipate heat
generated by the
computer's
internal
components.
 COOLING
SYSTEM
Liquid Cooling:
Also known as
water cooling,
this system uses a
closed-loop
system to transfer
heat away from
components.
 COOLING
SYSTEM
Thermal paste, also known as thermal
compound, is a material used to improve the
transfer of heat between two surfaces,
typically a heat-generating component (such
as a CPU or GPU) and a heat sink. It is not
directly associated with either liquid cooling
or air cooling systems; rather, it is used in
conjunction with both types of cooling
solutions to enhance their effectiveness.
THERMAL PASTE
CASE AND FORM
FACTOR
 CASE AND FORM
FACTOR
The case is essential for providing physical
protection and organization to the components
inside a computer system.
It protects delicate internal components from
dust, dirt, moisture, and physical damage.

The case also helps in managing airflow to keep

components cool and prevent overheating.
Additionally, it provides mounting points for
hardware components such as the motherboard,
power supply, storage drives, and expansion
cards.
 CASE AND FORM
FACTOR
 Mini-ITX cases are the ideal choice for those
looking to create a space-saving SFF(small form
factor) PC but still take advantage of powerful
gaming hardware.

 Similar to Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX cases are perfect

for creating a compact SFF gaming PC without
compromising on hardware.

 Mid Tower cases can usually support all your

full-sized components, such as ATX
motherboards, large power supplies, and even
horizontal or vertical GPU layouts.
 CASE AND FORM
FACTOR
 Full tower cases often measuring 22 inches x
10 inches, Full Tower cases can support up to
the largest standard of motherboard and offer
support for plenty of unique customisations,
including complex water cooling, vertical or
horizontal GPU layouts, tempered glass side
panels, and RGB lighting.
ACTIVIT
Y
1.It is the printed circuit board and
foundation of a computer that is the
biggest board in a computer chassis.
2.What internal or external computer
component stores data like applications
and user files?
3.What is the primary function of thermal
paste in computer cooling?
4.Give at least one of the four common
types of PC case form factors.
5.What are the 2 types of main memory?
6. A component within a computer
responsible for converting electrical power
from a source into usable voltage and
current levels required to run a computer.
7. A case that contains electric components
of the computer used to process data.
8. Give at least three components of the
System Unit.
9. It interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate a computer.
10. It performs arithmetic operations and
logical operations on data.