The document discusses typical computer components. It describes the CPU as the brain of the computer that executes instructions and can get hot, requiring a heat sink for cooling. It notes that CPU size is measured in bits and speed in GHz. RAM is volatile memory that allows random data access, while ROM is read-only memory that cannot be modified without difficulty. SSDs use solid state memory with no moving parts for storage, while HDDs use rotating magnetic disks for secondary storage.

1. P1 – Typical
Computer
Components
Candidate Number: 1726
Centre Number: 61101

2. • The CPU is like the brain of the computer as it commands the
whole computer and executes specific instructions. As you
might guess it gets very hot and therefore has a heat sink to try
to cool down the CPU. Sometimes, it might even have an extra
one (Works so hard for so little pay!)
• CPU SIZE is measured in bits (Bytes) and CPU SPEED is
measured in GHz (Gigahertz). These can be easy to mix up but
they are different things!
• Sometimes, the CPU is incompatible with the rest of the
motherboard. There can be many petty problems but a very
common problem is that the CPU has inadequate wattage as
the other motherboard components run on a lower wattage.
The CPU

3. • RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of
volatile memory (normally in the form of
integrated circuits) that allows data to be
withdrawn randomly.
• ROM (Read only memory) is a type of memory
that is ‘read only’, so you cannot modify or
change it without the greatest of difficulties.
This memory is also non-volatile compared to
RAM meaning that memory is not lost after
powering down.
RAM/ROM

4. • SSD (Solid State Drive or Solid State Disk) is a
type of data storage that uses solid state
memory (containing no moving parts) to store
memory in a non-volatile memory.
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive or Hard Disk (HD)) is a
type of data storage that uses multiple rotating
disks, coated with magnetic material to write
and read data. It had been to main dominant
secondary storage device for a long time as it
has a good balance of cost, reliability, speed
and capacity.
SSD & HDD