FINLANDIA SCHOOLCPU – The Brain of the Computer
CPU means Central Processing Unit.
The CPU is one of the most important parts of a computer. It processes instructions and helps the computer perform tasks.
Think of the CPU as the brain of the computer.
For example, when you open a calculator and type:
5 + 5
The CPU helps process the instruction and produces:
10
Processor Speed
Processor speed tells us how quickly a processor can work.
It is commonly measured in GHz (Gigahertz).
For example:
2.0 GHz
3.0 GHz
4.0 GHz
Generally, a processor with a higher speed can complete some individual tasks faster, although computer performance depends on other factors too.
CPU Cores
A core is a processing unit inside a CPU.
A CPU may have:
2 cores – Dual-core
4 cores – Quad-core
6 cores – Hexa-core
8 cores – Octa-core
Simple example:
Imagine one pupil carrying books. If there are four pupils carrying the books, the work can be shared.
Similarly, multiple CPU cores can work on different tasks at the same time.
Processor Brands
Two popular CPU manufacturers are:
Intel
AMD
Both companies produce processors used in desktop computers and laptops.
4. RAM – The Computer's Working Space
RAM means Random Access Memory.
RAM temporarily holds the information and programs that the computer is currently using.
Think of RAM as a school desk.
If your desk is large, you can place many books on it and work with them easily.
If your desk is small, you may have to keep moving books away to make space.
RAM Capacity
RAM capacity is usually measured in GB (Gigabytes).
Examples include:
4 GB RAM
8 GB RAM
16 GB RAM
32 GB RAM
RAM and Multitasking
Multitasking means doing several things on a computer at the same time.
For example:
Playing music
Using a web browser
Typing a document
Running an educational program
A computer with enough RAM can handle several programs more smoothly.
Remember:
RAM is temporary. When the computer is switched off, the information stored in RAM is cleared.
5. Storage – HDD and SSD
Computer storage is used to keep files and information for a longer period.
Examples of things stored on a computer include:
Documents
Pictures
Videos
Music
Applications
Games
Two common types of internal storage are HDD and SSD.
HDD – Hard Disk Drive
An HDD is a storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks to store information.
Advantages:
Often available in large capacities.
Usually costs less per GB.
Disadvantage:
It is generally slower than an SSD.
SSD – Solid-State Drive
An SSD stores information using electronic memory and has no spinning disk.
Advantages:
Faster than HDD.
Helps computers start and open programs quickly.
Has no moving mechanical parts.
HDD vs SSD
Feature
HDD
SSD
Full name
Hard Disk Drive
Solid-State Drive
Speed
Generally slower
Generally faster
Moving parts
Yes
No
Capacity
Often available in large capacities
Available in many capacities
Starting programs
Generally slower
Generally faster
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity tells us how much information a device can hold.
It can be measured in:
GB – Gigabyte
TB – Terabyte
For example, a 1 TB drive can store much more information than a 128 GB drive.
6. Graphics Card – GPU
A graphics card, also called a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), helps a computer create and display images, videos, animations and other graphics.
Graphics cards are especially useful for:
🎮 Gaming – producing detailed and smooth game graphics.
🎨 Graphic Design – helping with images, illustrations and visual projects.
🎬 Video Editing – helping process video and special effects.
Some computers have graphics processing built into the processor, while others have a separate, more powerful graphics card.