PC Hardware Basics
This component is often called the "brain" of the computer.
What is the CPU?
Intel and this brand rival both manufacture CPUs.
What is AMD?
The most common cable used to connect a modern monitor to a PC is this digital standard.
What is HDMI?
This Microsoft operating system, first released in 1985, introduced the GUI to PC users.
What is Windows?
Applying too much of this paste between the CPU and the cooler can actually harm your temps.
What is thermal paste?
RAM is short for this type of memory.
What is Random Access Memory?
This company’s “GeForce” brand is a favorite among gamers for its high-performance GPUs.
What is NVIDIA?
This unit of measurement determines how quickly a monitor can refresh its image.
What is Hertz (Hz)?
This open-source operating system is known for its penguin mascot, Tux.
What is Linux?
Before touching any components, you should ground yourself to prevent this invisible menace.
What is static electricity?
The BIOS or UEFI is stored in this type of memory chip that retains data without power.
What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
Known for their reliability and RGB flair, Corsair is best known for making these types of components.
What are power supplies, memory (RAM), and cooling systems?
Monitors with IPS panels are praised for better color accuracy and this viewing-related feature.
What is wide viewing angles?
This suite includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and is a staple on many PCs.
What is Microsoft Office?
This part provides the physical and electrical connections for all internal components.
What is the motherboard?
This type of expansion card is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations.
What is a graphics card (GPU)?
This Taiwanese company manufactures motherboards under the "ROG" (Republic of Gamers) label.
What is ASUS?
This acronym refers to screen tearing-reducing technologies from NVIDIA and AMD.
What are G-Sync and FreeSync?
This term describes a software that manages a computer's hardware and other software.
What is an operating system?
After connecting power cables and peripherals, this is the key moment you press to see if your build works.
What is the power button?
This piece of hardware cools down the CPU to prevent overheating.
What is a heatsink or CPU cooler?
This storage brand, owned by Western Digital, is known for its high-performance NVMe SSDs like the 970 EVO.
What is Samsung?
A monitor marketed as "1440p" has this screen resolution.
What is 2560 x 1440?
This digital distribution platform, developed by Valve, is popular for installing and managing PC games.
What is Steam?
This rating system helps you determine if your power supply is efficient.
What is the 80 PLUS certification?