Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 01:49 am
If you have been in the field of ICT for a while or if you have used a desktop computer, chances are you know what a system unit is. However, if you are new to this field or wish to learn about the components of the system unit or even its functions, this article is for you.
What is a system unit?
A system unit is the main part of a desktop computer. It is a rectangular case to which all the peripheral devices connect. The computer case holds the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), memory, and more.
It is the main part of the computer. It is the place where the actual computing or work takes place.
While the AIO system is a type of desktop computer, it does not have a separate system unit.
Types of computer system units
There are several different types of system units. Some types are towers, desktop system units, pizza boxes, and mini-PCs.
The tower is tall and slim. We often store it on or beneath a desk.
The desktop case, on the other hand, is short and flat. It is designed to sit on the desk and is often used as a resting place for the monitor.
The pizza box, on the other hand, is much shorter than the desktop case. It resembles your typical pizza box, hence the name.
The newest arrival on the market is the mini PC. This computer case is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. While the actual size changes according to the make and model, they are more portable than your typical desktop system. The mini-PC is designed to sit on a desk.
Parts of the system unit and their uses
The system unit holds a wide array of vital computer hardware components. Some components of the system unit are:
- The CPU: The CPU can easily be considered the main component of the computer case. While the CPU is small in size, it is actually responsible for processing all of the requests you make to the computer. It is the brain of the computer.
- The motherboard: If the CPU is the brain, then the motherboard must be considered the nervous system of any computer. It is the main computer board. Like your body’s nervous system, it connects all the parts of the computer. The parts of the computer that do not sit on the motherboard connect to it via computer ports.
- Memory: The computer’s memory is where all programs and data are stored while you are working with them. This memory is a temporary storage space. When we turn off the computer, any information stored in the computer’s memory is lost.
- Hard drive: A computer’s hard drive is the main storage space in any computer. When we save information to our computer system, the hard drive holds the information for future use.
Now that we have explored the parts of the system unit and their uses let’s explore the function of this vital component.
Functions of the system unit
The system unit or computer case connects all the computer’s hardware components and allows them to be easily transported. This robust case also serves as a protective cover for the sensitive electrical parts, protecting them from environmental factors that may easily damage them, such as dust and moisture.