what's inside: computer hardware channel

 

From USB connectors to motherboards, the HowStuffWorks Computer Hardware Channel will help you find explanations, reviews, videos and prices for the parts you need.

Buses

A bus, or computer universal switch, is essential for data transfer within a computer or between more than one. We'll take a look at topics like PCI, SCSI, USB Ports and serial ports. See more »

CPU

CPU is a well-known acronym in the computing world, but what is in them? Learn more about CPUs, including the differences between Pentium and Celeron processors, or how graphics cards work. See more »

Hard Drives & Disks

In the Hard Drives & Disks section, we explore how they work, what it means when your hard drive crashes and how to add a hard drive to your computer. See more »

Hardware Basics

Hardware Basics offers tips and tricks for good computer upkeep and explains things like "What does Alt+F do?" or "What are the different kinds of computers?" See more »

Networking

Computer networking is the engineering that creates communication between computers and other devices. Learn about ethernet, LAN, routers, modems and home networking. See more »

Memory

Memory refers to the amount of storage you have in your computer. We'll explore topics like RAM, caching and virtual memory. See more »

Other Hardware

How do OLEDs work? Will the $100 laptop save the developing world? Get answers to these and other questions in this section. See more »

Power Supplies

The performance of your computer relates to its supply of power. Learn how PC power supplies, computer batteries and surge protectors also play an important role in computer upkeep. See more »

Explore These Topics:

featured articles

FPO

How Caching Works

Caching increases the speed at which your computer pulls data from memory. Do you know how it speeds things up? How can a little cache go a really, really long way?

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How LAN Switches Work

We wouldn’t get very far without LAN switches -- bedlam would break loose at each network junction and most of us would be wondering what happened to that e-mail we sent two hours ago.