Introduction

A gaming pc is a high-end desktop computer built specifically to deliver high quality gaming experiences. In today’s world, there are various types of computers. Among them are server computers, which can occupy multiple floors of a building. Smartphones are small handheld computers which consume most of our daily lives. Even smaller computers, such as wearables, work together with smartphones to provide a seamless user experience. Finally, there are a few variations of personal computers, which include, standard desktops, all-in-one computers, and portable laptops. However, the primary focus will be on the gaming variant. 

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to go over a brief history of computers.Early computers were actually people, not machines; the term referred to a job title. The term dates back to 1613. “Computers” perform complex calculations; they are mathematicians and bookkeepers (Barfield, 2020). The first actual machine was the Antikythera mechanism, which archeologists believed was used  to calculate eclipses and various other astronomical events.

Figure 1: The Antikythera mechanism

Figure 2: Charles Babbage and model of his first computer design “Difference Engine”

Charles Babbage (1791-1871), an English polymath, is often referred to as “the man who invented computers”. He initially made three designs of a computer, but they were never fully constructed due to a  lack of funding. The first design was named “Difference Engine”. His main objective in creating these computers was to compute polynomial functions. 

Over the years, different computers were used for various tasks. However the time period during which computer usage increased was World War II. Computers were used by the Allies for the following tasks: tracking targets, aiming bombs and torpedoes from a submarine, decrypting German radio telegraphic traffic and lastly, studying about hydrogen bombs. After the war, newer versions of computers were built by different countries for less detrimental tasks, one of which include storing  intelligence. During this time, most computers were not reliable, due to their large size and sluggishness in general computing. Because of these drawbacks, computers later evolved to be faster and much smaller for portable use. The person who created the portable computer was Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple. He built the Macintosh and later evolved it into modern day computers which are much more reliable than those of the 1900s. 

Body Parts

Computer Case

  The case of the computer houses all of the internal computer hardware. There are numerous sizes for these cases, ranging from mini ATX to extended ATX. One can select high quality parts which may require more space, or choose a smaller, minimalist setup to save space.  Some case manufacturers include stock fans, while others include none. In the latter case, you would need to buy your own fans from a third party. There are buttons alongside the top or side of the case which can allow the computer to either boot up or even restart. 

Figure 3: Different sizes of computer cases 

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board that allows all the components and external peripherals to connect. Just like the case, , there are different sizes that need to be compatible with the case in order to fit inside of the case being ATX, mini ATX, mini ITX.          

Figure 3: ATX Form Factor Motherboard                      Figure 4: Power Supply Unit With Its Fan

 PSU

The PSU, in short for Power Supply Unit, supplies power to all of the units. Different computer systems require PSU’s with varying wattages. Computers have different PSUs based on the combined power requirements for all the components. Power wattages range from 300 watts for smaller systems to 1800 watts for high-performance systems. PSUs also come with ratings from bronze to titanium, which indicate their longevity and reliability.

CPU

The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of the computer, where it is responsible for processing all of the instructions and data that is being output. It is a delicate component that needs to be handled with care. The pins of the CPU are located on the bottom of the CPU; if one was to be bent, the CPU would no longer function. The CPU has cores and threads within it that allow the computer to compute detrimental tasks such as 3D rendering, and 4K video editing. 

Figure 5: Close-Up of CPU                                 Figure 6: GPU With 3 Fans

GPU

The GPU, or graphics processing unit, is an important component that processes images and graphics that are essential for gaming, video-editing, and other graphic intensive tasks. Most of the GPUs in the market include dual fans cooling systems. High end GPUs have triple fan cooling systems to compensate for the increased heat output.   

RAM

The RAM, or random access memory, acts as short-term storage for active programs and data for quick access. The more memory a system has, the smoother the multitasking. Although there is no minimum requirement for memory, most computers include 8 gigabytes or 16 gigabytes to keep up with our modern computing requirements.

Figure 7: Two sticks of RAM

Storage

The storage of the system is like a garage or basement of a house where files and documents are saved.. There are different types of storage such as NVME, SSD, and lastly HDD. HDD, also known as Hard Disk Drive is outclassed by NVME, Non-Volatile Memory Express, and SSD, Solid State Drive, due to their faster data transfer speeds. Typically HDDs are less expensive on a per gigabyte basis compared to SSDs.

 Figure 8: Two types of storage: 3.5 SSD to the left, M.2 Drive to the right

Cooling System

The computer’s cooling system helps maintain optimal temperatures, preventing overheating and shutdowns. There are generally three main types of cooling: standard stock fan cooling, AIO (All-in-One) cooling, and water cooling, which is the most complex of the three. Stock cooling consists of a fan that usually comes with the CPU.In some cases, a third party cooler may need to be purchased separately. The AIO, All-In-One, cooling system uses a radiator alongside a minimum of 2-3 fans. This liquid cooling system relies on tubes and a special kind of liquid that can maintain heat conductivity to keep the system cool. It is a very complicated method with risk because the tubes can leak anytime the system is turned on and cause malfunctions. The pump is also known to fail  more often than not, making it an unreliable method for cooling where 24/7 operation is crucial, such as in business or enterprise.

Figure 9: AIO Cooling Unit On Top, Cooling Fans On The Bottom

Peripherals

The peripherals that connect to the computer include a monitor, mouse, keyboard,  and speakers. One would require these peripherals to use a computer at its maximum potential.  

Figure 10: Keyboard To The Left, Mouse On The Right

Functions

There are four basic functions of a computer:

• Input Function – The computer is a data processing machine that will not function unless information is provided by input devices. These input devices include keyboards and mice which are  responsible for gathering information from the outside world and in charge of processing this data for further execution. Most computer functions are usually imputed from the outside world by peripherals. (Thadious & Hasa, 2023)
• Processing Function – This is the main function of the computer system. The raw data that is gathered from the input function is then processed into information that is understandable by the computer.  (Thadious & Hasa, 2023)
• Output Function – This function allows the information that was just processed to be saved in a soft copy to different storage drives which can be accessed later, or a hard copy, which can later be printed. (Thadious & Hasa, 2023)
• Storage Function – This is a major function for a computer because it stores data and information with RAM, SSDs, and HDDs. (Thadious & Hasa, 2023)

Conclusion

The computer is important to modern day society because it shapes the way we live, work, communicate, and explore the world. The computer works as a machine that uses data from the outside world and stores that same data into the different storage options when it is turned on. With computers becoming more advanced over time, efficiency and productivity will increase and information that is important will be easier to manage, and our communication will become more advanced compared to now.