Air Cooling – When heat sinks alone
aren’t sufficient to ventilate hot-running electronic components, one or
more fans can be used to blow air across the radiator to increase the
thermal dissipation of the cooling system. Well-designed air cooling
systems are highly cost efficient and quiet, but are less effective for
systems that demand the highest levels of performance, especially in
small enclosures.
Anti-Static Bag – A specially coated,
reflective foil bag that prevents static discharges from damaging
uninstalled and unshielded electronic components. Always store expensive
computer parts in these.
Anti-Static Wrist Band – A wrist
strap that prevents static damage while handling components by
electrically grounding the wearer. A wise precaution to take when
performing system upgrades and maintenance.
ATX Power Connector (20-, 24- and 20+4-pin configurations) –
This is the connector that powers the motherboard chipset and onboard
controllers. It’s housed in a large 20- or 24-pin Molex connector, often
split into a 20+4-pin dual connector configuration.
Audio Connector Panel (analog, S/PDIF, Mic, line in) – The
I/O panel on a motherboard typically houses the audio input and output
ports, which include an analog headphone jack, a line out, unamplified
line in, a Mic connector and digital S/PDIF connections.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System, also Firmware, also UEFI) –
The Basic Input and Output System or BIOS is the low-level operating
system of a component such as a motherboard or graphics card, often made
user accessible via a set of option screens that are exposed to
configuration at boot time. Later BIOS specifications include the UEFI
standard, which allows for more flexibility in underlying architectures
and device configuration.
Case – The chassis of a PC where all
internal components are mounted is commonly referred to as the case.
These come in a variety of standard sizes including tower and desktop
configurations. Some cases are designed to be worked on without tools,
using brackets, drive rails and other screw-free fastening techniques to
enhance ease of access. Cases have also become fashion statements, and
are frequently carefully painted, windowed and lit to showcase the
components and craft used to build the systems they house, a hobby known
as Case modding.
Chipset –
Motherboards manage their functions with a series of integrated circuits
collectively known as the chipset. The chipset’s specifications
determine many aspects of a system’s performance, including memory
support, overclocking potential, expansion capabilities and CPU
compatibility. High-performance components, such as unlocked processors,
often require premium chipsets to function at maximum speed. Example
chipsets include Z97 and H97 series from Intel and A88X from AMD.
CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) – CMOS
is the technology used to create most chips used in personal computers,
as well as image sensors and analog circuitry. CMOS designs are
naturally heat efficient and resistant to electronic static
interference. Colloquially, CMOS is often used to refer to the CMOS
battery on a motherboard, which saves the motherboard's settings in
memory. Removing the CMOS battery can reset the motherboard to defaults.
Cooling – See Air Cooling, Liquid Cooling
CPU (Central Processing Unit) – The
CPU or Central Processing Unit is the primary computational engine of a
PC. Modern CPUs are divided into cores, typically 2, 4 or 8, which
largely function as separate processors and allow the computer to
perform multiple tasks (called threads) concurrently. Some Intel CPUs
employ a process called hyperthreading, which doubles the apparent core
count by creating virtual cores which can be assigned tasks in the same
fashion as an actual core, increasing the efficiency of highly parallel
workloads. AMD counters this feature by providing more hardware CPU
cores, up to 8, in select CPU offerings. Current CPU designs also absorb
functions previously relegated to external devices, such as floating
point computation, memory control and most recently, graphics. While
most CPUs are locked to specific operating frequencies, enthusiast
variants such as Intel’s K series and AMD’s Black series are open to
overclocking.
CPU cooler – See Air Cooling, Liquid Cooling
CPU Mounting Plate – The growth in
size of heat sinks and cooling systems necessitated the addition of a
reinforcing back plate to motherboards to prevent damage during
assembly, especially when mounted vertically in a tower case. Mounting
plates typically attach on the rear side of the motherboard and allow
large radiators and fan assemblies to be securely fastened without
flexing the area around the CPU socket.
CPU Power Header – The CPU power
header is a socket that accepts an 8-pin EPS power cable and frequently
an additional 4-pin ATX power cable to supply the nearby CPU with the
wattage it needs for operation.
CPU Socket – This is where the CPU is
secured on the motherboard, usually via a lever arm and a series of
fastening screws or clips. Current desktop sockets for Intel include
LGA1150 for Haswell/Broadwell processors and LGA2011 for the Hawell-E
enthusiast platform, while AMD sockets include FM2+ for Kaveri APUs and
AM3+ for remaining FX CPU variants. Sockets are notched to insure chips
are inserted in the proper orientation.
Crossfire – Two or more AMD graphics
cards used in tandem to increase 3D and computational performance for
high-demand applications such as high-resolution 3D gaming. For best
results, Crossfired cards should be as close to identical in performance
and design as possible. Drawbacks include high power use, compatibility
issues with some games, occasional driver glitches and non-linear
performance scaling.
DDR RAM – Double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory. See DRAM module for more.
Desktop Case – Desktop cases orient
the motherboard horizontally and favor smaller form factors. This design
is most common in media centers, office PCs and low-powered systems.
These cases are often designed to sit beneath a monitor or in a home
entertainment system rack. Especially thin desktop cases are referred to
as pizza box cases.
DisplayPort Connector –
DisplayPort is a high-performance digital video connector designed to
overcome some of HDMI’s shortcomings as a computer display connector.
DisplayPort is physically smaller, allows for higher resolution,
improved refresh rates, and permits features like daisy chaining
multiple displays. DisplayPort 1.2 natively supports 3,840×2,160 at
60Hz, and is one of the only widely available display technologies that
can do so at this time.
DRAM Module – Dynamic Read Access
Memory modules populate the memory bank slots on most motherboards and
provide the host computer with an addressable space to store and
manipulate computational results. Unlike Static RAM (SRAM) DRAM requires
periodic electrical refresh to maintain stored values and is wiped
clean when a system is shut off or rebooted. DRAM modules come in
several packages and speeds, the most popular being 240-pin Dual Inline
Memory Modules (DIMMs) for desktop DDR2/DDR3 applications and the
smaller sized 204-pin SO-DIMMs used in laptops. Newer systems are now
using DDR4 RAM.
Speeds top out over 3GHz, with 1600, 1866 and 2133MHz as the most
commonly available ratings. Extremely high-speed DRAM modules suffer
from longer access latency, so a balance of speed and latency values are
often needed for best combined performance. Furthermore, multichannel
memory implementations should be installed as directed in groups for
optimal speed. Dual-channel memory, for example, should be installed in
matched pairs. Most kits come pre-matched with the appropriate number of
DRAM modules already included. Mixing DRAM is a recipe for disaster,
even the same models and speeds. Stick with factory matched modules to
insure stability.
Drive Bay – Expansion areas in a case
or chassis that accept various data drives or other devices. Standard
bay sizes are 5.25" (optical), 3.5" (mechanical hard drive) and 2.5"
(mobile or SSD) in full- and half-height varieties. Most feature cut-out
front panels that can be removed for external access or accessories
like hot-swappable drives or advanced audio control panels.
DVI Connector (DVI-I, DVI-D, DVI-A, single and dual link) –
Digital Video Interface connectors were the first widely available
upgrade from analog VGA and are still in wide use, despite being
superseded by the smaller, more efficient DisplayPort standard in 2008.
DVI includes specifications for digital (DVI-D), analog (DVD-A) and
mixed (DVI-I) signals in single and dual link connections, each with a
different pin configuration in the same, large D-sub package. Maximum
resolutions for DVI are 1920x1600 for single link, 2560x1600 for dual
link and 1920x1200 in analog, all at 60Hz. Unlike HDMI and DisplayPort,
DVI connectors do not carry an audio signal.
Ethernet – Ethernet is a wired local
area networking protocol designed for compatibility and speed. Around
since 1973, Ethernet has been revised many times and remains the de
facto wired network protocol for office and home use. Ethernet uses
RJ-45 connectors, which resemble telephone jacks but are slightly larger
in size, and is carried over cabling rated by categories for speed.
Ethernet is commonly deployed in 10BASE-T for 10 Mbit/s, 100BASE-T for
100 Mbit/s and 1000BASE-T for 1000 Mbit/s, the latter commonly referred
to as Gigabit Ethernet. Ethernet is recommended for low latency,
high-speed games that are played over a network or the internet. Gigabit
Ethernet requires category 6 cables for full speed operation.
GDDR – Graphics Random Access Memory, the RAM used in
modern graphics cards. The current standard is GDDR5. Current graphics
cards offer 1 and 12 gigabytes of GDDR5.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) – Often
used interchangeably with Graphics Card, GPU refers specifically to the
chip that controls the graphics subsystem. The GPU is the primary
determining factor in gaming performance and the most demanding
component in terms of power and bandwidth, which is why advanced designs
require dedicated banks of high-speed GDDR5 memory and multiple power
connectors.
Graphics Card – While modern CPUs
come equipped with fairly potent on-board graphics capabilities, most 3D
games benefit from a discrete GPU with its own dedicated bank of
high-speed memory attached via PCI-E on a graphics card. Even low-end
graphics cards offer several times the performance of CPU integrated
video, and many demanding games require midrange or better cards for
acceptable performance. Power draw on top-shelf graphics cards easily
outpaces all the other components of a system combined.
Hard drive – See mechanical hard drive
HD Audio/AC 97 – AC97 and HD Audio
are sound codecs created by Intel to provide an audio standard for
motherboards, modems and sound cards. Comprised of a hardware controller
and analog codec, AC97 provides 16- or 20-bit audio at sampling rates
of 96kHz for stereo and 48kHz for multichannel use. HD Audio was Intel’s
2004 successor to AC97 and provides for more channels, although it is
not backwards compatible. Most systems not employed in professional
audio applications use AC 97/HD Audio for sound output.
HDMI Connector – A flat, D-shaped
connector for video that is compatible with HD televisions. HDMI is
designed to carry audio, and later revisions can also carry a network
signal. HDMI currently tops out at 4K @ 30Hz, making it unsuitable for
4K display without further revision.
Header – A set of pins on a logic
board that can be opened or closed with a jumper or ribbon cable for
configuration, input or output purposes. These are often grouped by
function, such as audio or USB.
Heat Sink/Radiator – A series of
metal fins mounted on a plate designed to conduct heat away from
components so they remain within recommended temperature limits and
avoid thermal performance throttling or physical damage. Heat sinks are
usually mounted with thermal paste and secured with screws or a
fastener. They can be passively cooled by ambient air or actively cooled
via air or water in more demanding situations.
iGPU (Integrated GPU) –
Modern CPU designs generally include on-board graphics controllers that
provide low to midrange performance suitable for office applications,
video playback and light gaming. Since integrated GPUs use system memory
and share resources with the host CPU, always use the fastest
compatible DRAM configuration for best performance.
I/O Plate – A panel designed to be mounted over a
motherboard’s bare, rear-facing external Input/Output ports via a
standard sized cut-out hole on the back of the case. The panel is
usually labelled and color coded to provide ease of access to the
various ports.
ITX (Mini-ITX, Nano-ITC, Pico ITX) –
A common small motherboard form factor family ranging between the size
of a softcover book and a deck of cards. This form factor is popular
with boutique builders, media center enthusiasts and DYI hobbyists but
offers limited performance potential and higher component costs.
Jumper – A plastic cap with an internal metal
connector that creates an electrical contact between two header pins on a
logic board. Jumpers are used to hard set configuration options. They
are usually labelled.
LAN/Ethernet RJ45 Jack – This
square connector port accepts RJ45-style network cables to hardwire a
computer to a network. Cabled Ethernet offer the highest transfer speeds
and lowest latencies currently available to most users.
LED Case Illumination – Cases, fans and other
components are often provided with illumination that serves both a
functional and artistic purpose. These low-power LEDs often come color
coordinated to match component designs, indicate a product family or
just provide a custom touch to a handmade build. In addition to style,
they provide a means to visually inspect the system internals to make
sure vents, fans, cables and other components are operating properly.
Some are attached to a voltage controller, and vary lighting intensity
to indicate usage levels, fan speeds or other information.
M.2 – The smallest SATA implementation currently
available, M.2 drives not only feature minuscule size but offer
blistering 2000 MB/s performance via the latest SATA 3.2 standards.
These look more like DRAM than old-school hard disks and mount either on
specialized motherboard slots or PCI-E expansion cards. Unlike their
larger counterparts, M.2 drives run quite hot, and often require
additional cooling when used in confined spaces.
Mechanical Hard Drive – These storage devices utilize
rotating magnetic disks to store data and generally feature lower costs
and larger capacities than solid state drives. While mechanical hard
disk systems are a mature and stable technology, SSDs have recently
begun to supplant them. The faster the rotational speed of the disk, the
better the performance and the higher the cost of the drive. 5400 RPM
disks are considered mainstream, while 7200 and 10,000 RPM speeds are
reserved for high-performance drives.
Memory Reset Switch – A motherboard safeguard panic
button that resets memory specifications to a factory-predetermined safe
value that ensures boot up in case a user sets incorrect or optimistic
values while configuring BIOS settings for DRAM. Memory is especially
picky about settings and recovery, so this is a handy option to have.
Molex Power Connector – Molex connectors are the
common term for the two-piece, rectangular pin and socket power
connectors used in personal computers. These come in a variety of
configurations, including standard 4-pin for data drives and 20-/24-pin
for ATX motherboard power sockets. Molex connectors predate personal
computers and have been around since the late 1950’s.
Motherboard – It all starts here. The motherboard is
the foundation of all personal computers and the place where your
components meet. Motherboards host the CPU, DRAM, data drives and any
add-in cards via a variety of slots, sockets and connectors. Modern
motherboards are also fashion statements, adorned with color schemes,
logos and artfully sculpted metal covers and heat sinks.
Mounting/Drive Rails – Some case designs utilize a
system of rails and clip-in channels to mount internal and external
drives into place. These systems often do not require the use of tools
or even screws and offer ease of access and maintenance benefits,
although replacing custom rails or other non-standard fastening
equipment might be troublesome should they be lost.
mSATA – Mini-SATA or mSATA devices are small-footprint
SSDs designed for smaller chassis and mobile PCs. Don’t get confused
and try the edge connector in a mini-card PCI-E slot; they look alike
but aren’t compatible. mSATA connects via a specific internal ribbon
cable to the SATA host controller.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – Often refers
to inexpensive parts obtained directly from a source supplier rather
than after markup, post rebranding and retail. Not all OEM parts are
equal however, so buyer beware.
OS (Operating System) – The OS is a software layer
that runs above the BIOS and provides the environment required for
applications to operate. Most gaming systems run Microsoft’s Windows 7
for performance and compatibility reasons although both Linux (Steam
Machines) and the MacOS are viable alternatives. Don’t forget to factor
the cost of the OS with your build if you don’t have a handy license.
Overclocking – Pushing a component beyond its rated
specifications to achieve more performance, usually achieved via BIOS
settings or manufacturer software utilities. Overclocked systems
frequently outperform stock parts by a considerable margin with the
drawback of noticeably greater heat and energy use. Overlocking may lead
to premature component failure or void warranties.
PCIe (PCI Express) – The Peripheral Connect Interface
Express bus is a high-speed expansion slot designed to accept add-in
components such as graphics cards. PCIe replaced the older PCI, VESA and
PCI-X expansion designs in 2004 and is available in several speed
ratings and connector sizes, ranging from tiny 1x slots to large 16x
slots. PCIe connectors are designed to be downward compatible, so
smaller cards can fit in larger sized, high-performance slots if
necessary. Data in the PCIe specification is transmitted via lanes, of
which up to 32 can be used in a single slot, although 16 is the more
common limit. When configuring a system with multiple, high-performance
PCIe cards, such as graphics cards in Crossfire or SLI, make sure to
select a motherboard with enough PCIe lanes to provide the bandwidth
required, as the physical size of the slot does not always correspond to
the number of rails available to the PCIe bus.
PCI Expansion Cards – In addition to graphics cards,
PCI expansion cards are available for other functions to supplement the
built-in capabilities of the motherboard. Examples include sound cards,
high-speed network adaptors and advanced fan controllers.
PCI Express Power Cable (6-, 8- and 6+2-pin configurations) –
These power cables supply high-performance PCI Express components,
typically graphics cards, with the supplemental power they require for
full performance. These come packaged in 6-, 8- and 6+2-pin
configurations, and high-end graphics cards typically use more than
one.
Processor – See CPU
PSU (Power Supply Unit) – PSUs provide a motherboard
and components with the power needed for stable operation. This is
delivered via a series of cables either permanently attached to the
power supply or plugged in on a per-use basis on high-end modular
models, which feature sockets on the PSU so extraneous connectors can be
removed to reduce chassis clutter and improve airflow characteristics.
Computer power supply units are designed around several size and output
standards and are rated for wattage and efficiency using the voluntary
80 PLUS certification program. Stick with 80 Plus Silver or better PSUs
for best results.
RAM – See DRAM Module
SATA (Serial ATA) – SATA is a bus interface standard
used for storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs and DVD recorders.
SATA devices encompass a family of interfaces separated by connector
size and performance potential. The original specification is over a
decade old and featured real world transfer rates of 150 MB/s (1.2
Gbit/s), but later revisions have raised that to 600 MB/s (4.8 Gbit/s)
and beyond.
SATA Cable – A flat, powered ribbon cable used to
attach SATA storage devices to the host controller. SATA cables differ
depending on the size specification and drive type.
SD Card Reader – A built-in slot or drive bay
component designed to read Secure Digital (SD), MiniSD and MicroSD
nonvolatile memory cards popularly used with mobile devices.
SLI – Two or more Nvidia graphics cards used in tandem
to increase 3D and computational performance for high-demand
applications such as high-resolution 3D gaming. For best results,
SLI-joined cards should be as close to identical in performance and
design as possible. Drawbacks include high power use, compatibility
issues with some games, occasional driver glitches and non-linear
performance scaling.
SSD (Solid State Drive) –
Solid state drives eliminate the rotating platters of their mechanical
counterparts, replacing them with banks of high-quality nonvolatile RAM.
SSDs feature very high performance and smaller packaging but have the
drawbacks of decreased storage size and increased cost. Many power users
boot from an SSD and use a supplemental mechanical hard disk for bulk
storage. Also see: M.2, mSata
Standoff Screws – These small brass riser screws are
tapped and threaded at the cap and used to secure the motherboard to the
backplane of the case. They also keep the underside of the motherboard
from contacting the chassis and shorting out. Always have spares,
because you can’t finish a build without them.
Thermal Pads – Thermal pads are a form of TIM (see
below) that come prepackaged in adhesive strips that mount quickly and
easily, like double-stick tape. They are less efficient than proper
thermal paste but are useful for less demanding applications, such as
motherboard chipsets and DRAM cooling.
Thermal Paste/Thermal Interface Material (TIM) –
Thermal paste is a viscous, heat-transferable material used between a
heat sink and the lid of a chip to increase the efficiency of a cooling
system. When used sparingly it ensures both surfaces remain in full
contact despite any micro scratches or other imperfections that would
prevent heat dissipation. Use gloves when applying as this stuff stains
everything. Clean off surfaces with high grade alcohol.
Thermal Throttling – When modern electronic components
reach thermal limits they begin to reduce speed and features in an
effort to retain stability and prevent damage, a process called thermal
throttling. While throttling can protect components against sudden
surges in heat, it’s not designed to supplant proper component cooling.
Throttling usually indicates a thermal management system failure or
insufficient cooling capacity.
Thumbscrews – Thumbscrews are chassis screws designed
to be used without a screwdriver. These screws have large, knurled edges
made to be twisted loose or tightened by hand. These are usually
employed on the main access panel to secure add-in PCI cards to the
chassis backplane.
Tower Case – Tower cases orient the motherboard
vertically and are generally designed to rest underneath a desk. Mid-
and full-sized towers are the most common configurations, and the
design’s natural cooling and access advantages favor high-performance
systems. Most gaming systems reside in tower cases. Tradeoffs include
increased size and weight.
UEFI – Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. A modern replacement for the BIOS. See BIOS for more.
USB Connectors – USB connectors are typically labeled
for speed and usage type on motherboards, and serve several different
purposes. USB 3.0 ports (colored blue) are generally reserved for
high-speed data usage and quick recharging duties while 2.0 ports are
used for low-speed peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Many
motherboards also include a specially designated USB port used for BIOS
and firmware upgrades, loaded via thumb drive. The new USB 3.1
specification increases data speeds and introduces a reversible, easy to
attach connector.
USB Motherboard Header – The group of pins is used to
connect external USB case ports to the motherboard via a ribbon cable
supplied with the chassis. Pictured: the larger USB 3 motherboard
header.
VESA Mount – A mounting standard used for flat panel
displays and monitor stands that specifies an arrangement of four screw
holes on a flat, square surface suitable for attaching components that
follow VESA guidelines. VESA mounts are also used to mount small form
factor cases and other equipment.
Video card – See graphics card
VGA Connector – Old style analog D-sub VGA is still
handy to connect with aging projectors or other specialty equipment, but
is generally relegated to compatibility or backup status since digital
display connectors offer better quality and more features.
VRAM – Video Random Access Memory, usually used to refer to the RAM in a dedicated graphics card. See GDDR for more.
Water Cooling – Water cooling is generally reserved
for the highest performance applications, and the best implementations
offers superior heat dissipation along with the advantage of a radiator
that doesn’t have to sit directly on top of a CPU or GPU. Off-the-shelf
models, referred to as CLCs or Closed Loop Coolers, are designed to be
as easy to install as air-cooled units but are less user serviceable or
customizable. Custom system builders prefer open loop coolers as they
offer the highest cooling potential but require additional periodic
maintenance and upfront expense.
Wi-Fi (WLAN) – WiFi refers to a wireless local area
network using the 802.11 standard over a 2.5 or 5 GHz radio band. WiFi
comes in several variants, such as 802.11n (40 Mbit/s) and 802.11ac (160
Mbit/s). While useful for laptops, tablets and mobile devices, desktop
PCs usually benefit from much faster and lower latency wired Ethernet
connections.
Wi-Fi Antenna – A short, usually plastic coated
antenna that attaches via co-ax connector to a Wi-Fi adaptor to increase
range and reception quality.
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