A Complete Look Inside the Computer : Components, Their Roles, and Essential Knowledge

 In the previous post, we learned that computers express the world using binary - just 0s and 1s.

Now, let’s take a step deeper and explore the internal structure of a computer. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the fundamental design and the role each component plays.

The Von Neumann Architecture

Most modern computers follow the Von Neumann architecture, proposed in the 1940s.
This design introduced the stored program concept: both data and programs are stored in the same memory, and the CPU fetches and executes instructions sequentially.

This idea was revolutionary - it meant you could run many different programs on the same machine simply by changing the software, without modifying the hardware.
Thanks to this, we can today listen to music, write a document, and browse the internet at the same time - the magic of multitasking comes from this very principle.

Key Components and Their Roles

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Photo by Bruno on Pexels

The CPU is the “brain” of the computer. It interprets and executes instructions - handling arithmetic, logic, and control.
Placed in the center of the motherboard, it’s cooled by fans or liquid systems to manage heat. The faster the CPU, the faster the entire system feels.
Today’s CPUs often include AI accelerators (NPUs), like adding a new cortex to the brain for specialized intelligence tasks.

Motherboard

Photo by Matveev on Pexels

The motherboard is the “nervous system,” a large board that physically connects everything. CPU, RAM, storage, GPU, and power all plug into it, sharing data through buses and chipsets.
It ensures stable communication and often includes wireless features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

RAM (Memory)

Photo by Athena Sandrini on Pexels

RAM is like short-term memory. It stores active programs and data temporarily so the CPU can access them quickly.
When power is off, RAM is cleared - so long-term data must be saved to storage. With more RAM, multitasking feels smooth; with too little, the system slows down.

Storage (SSD/HDD)

Photo by William Warby on Pexels

Storage is the long-term memory of the computer. Operating systems, applications, documents, photos, and videos are all kept here.
Modern SSDs are far faster than traditional HDDs, and NVMe SSDs connect directly to the motherboard for even higher speeds.

Power Supply (PSU)

Photo by Andrey Matveev on Pexels

The PSU is the heart, converting AC power from the outlet into DC power for components.
Stable power is essential - bad electricity means crashes or sudden shutdowns. Higher efficiency also saves on electricity bills.

GPU (Graphics Card)

Photo by Sergei Starostin on Pexels

The GPU is the visual cortex, processing everything you see on screen - 2D/3D graphics, video playback, and even AI tasks.
A powerful GPU means smoother games, faster video editing, and stronger AI performance.

Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Camera, Mic)

Input devices are the senses of the computer. They let you type, click, speak, and show images.
They connect via USB or wireless, and without them, the computer couldn’t interact with the outside world.

Output Devices (Monitor & Speaker)

Monitors and speakers are the face and voice of the system. They show text, images, and video, and play back sound.
The higher the resolution and sound quality, the richer the experience.

Case

The case is the skin and skeleton, holding everything together, cooling airflow, and protecting against damage.
Modern cases even feature glass panels and RGB lighting for style.

A System That Works as One

Put together, these components form an organic system.
Data flows along the motherboard’s buses like signals in a nervous system, with 0s and 1s moving at lightning speed.

Even the latest iPhone 17 is, at its core, a tiny computer that follows the same principles:

  • CPU → A19 chip

  • RAM → Unified memory

  • Storage → Flash memory

  • Power → Battery

  • Motherboard → Logic board

  • Input/Output → Touchscreen & speaker

Different form factor, same philosophy.

Wrapping Up

Each part of the computer works in harmony, making the whole system come alive.
In the next article, we’ll simplify and summarize the essential knowledge about CPUs, memory, storage, GPUs, and more - focusing on the key terms you’ll often hear in the media.

Thanks for reading, and see you next time!


You can view the original Korean blog post at the link below

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Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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