# computer hardware

> physical components of a computer

**Wikidata**: [Q3966](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3966)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-hardware

## Summary  
Computer hardware is the collection of **physical components** that make up a computer system. It includes everything you can touch inside or attached to a computer—such as the processor, memory modules, storage drives, power supply, and expansion cards—and it is the tangible counterpart to software.

## Key Facts  
- **Definition:** Physical components of a computer (Wikidata description).  
- **Part‑of relationship:** It is a part of the broader entity *computer* (part_of: computer).  
- **Classification:** Subclass of *electronic device* and *physical technological component*.  
- **Opposite:** Considered the opposite of *software* (criterion used: physical object).  
- **Usage:** Directly used by *operating systems* and *device drivers* (used_by).  
- **Characteristic:** Has the characteristic *form factor* (has_characteristic).  
- **Aliases:** Also known as hardware, device, computer component, PC component, PC part, PC hardware, computer accessory, PC accessory, hw.  
- **Community:** Dedicated subreddit **/r/hardware** launched on 2008‑01‑25 for news, reviews, and discussion.  
- **Identifiers:** gnd_id = 4023422‑8; lex_id = hardware; freebase_id = /m/01mfj (preferred).  
- **Sitelink count:** 127 Wikipedia language links.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What exactly counts as computer hardware?  
**A:** Anything you can physically touch that is required for a computer to operate—CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage devices, power supply, cooling systems, and peripheral connectors—constitutes computer hardware.  

### Q: How is computer hardware different from software?  
**A:** Hardware is the tangible, electronic equipment that performs computation, while software is the intangible set of instructions (code) that tells the hardware what to do.  

### Q: Which components are most essential for a functional computer?  
**A:** The core components are the *processor* (CPU), *memory* (RAM), *storage* (SSD/HDD), *motherboard* (which houses the CPU, memory controller, and expansion slots), and a *power supply unit* that delivers electricity to all parts.  

## Why It Matters  
Computer hardware forms the **foundation of modern digital life**. Without the physical devices that process, store, and transmit data, software would have no platform to run on, and the vast ecosystem of online services, scientific simulations, and everyday applications would be impossible. Hardware advances—such as faster processors, higher‑density memory, and more efficient power supplies—drive performance gains, enable new capabilities (e.g., AI acceleration, real‑time graphics), and reduce energy consumption, directly influencing productivity, entertainment, and scientific discovery. Moreover, hardware’s modular nature allows users to upgrade, repair, or customize systems, fostering innovation, extending device lifespans, and supporting a global industry that employs millions of engineers, technicians, and manufacturers. Understanding hardware is essential for anyone who builds, maintains, or simply uses computers, because it determines the limits and possibilities of the software that runs on it.

## Notable For  
- **Physical Tangibility:** It is the only computer element you can physically handle, distinguishing it from intangible software.  
- **Modularity:** Components like expansion cards, riser cards, and field‑replaceable units can be added, removed, or upgraded without replacing the whole system.  
- **Standardization:** Widely adopted standards (e.g., expansion slots, power supply form factors) enable interoperability across manufacturers.  
- **Foundational Role:** All operating systems and device drivers depend on hardware to function; without it, no computation can occur.  
- **Community Focus:** A dedicated online community (/r/hardware) has existed since 2008, reflecting the high public interest and rapid evolution of hardware technologies.  

## Body  

### Definition and Scope  
- Computer hardware comprises **all electronic and electromechanical parts** that constitute a computer system.  
- It includes **internal components** (CPU, RAM, motherboard, power supply, storage) and **external peripherals** (keyboard, mouse, monitor) that are physically attached.  

### Classification  
- **Subclass of:**  
  - *Electronic device* – devices that manipulate electrical signals.  
  - *Physical technological component* – tangible parts of a technological system.  
- **Opposite of:** *Software* (criterion: physical object).  

### Core Components  
| Component | Primary Function | Typical Form Factor |
|-----------|------------------|---------------------|
| Processor (CPU) | Executes instructions, performs arithmetic/logic operations | Integrated circuit, often socketed |
| Random‑Access Memory (RAM) | Volatile storage for active data | DIMM, SO-DIMM |
| Storage (HDD/SSD) | Persistent data storage | 2.5"/3.5" drives, M.2 modules |
| Power Supply Unit (PSU) | Converts AC to DC, supplies regulated voltages | ATX, SFX |
| Motherboard | Central hub connecting CPU, memory, I/O | ATX, micro‑ATX, Mini‑ITX |
| Expansion Card | Adds specialized functionality (GPU, NIC, etc.) | PCIe, PCI, AGP |
| Cooling System | Removes heat from components | Fans, heat sinks, liquid loops |

### Supporting Elements  
- **Memory Management Unit (MMU):** Translates virtual to physical addresses.  
- **Voltage Regulator Module (VRM):** Provides correct voltage to the CPU and other chips.  
- **Real‑Time Clock (RTC):** Keeps time when the system is off.  
- **Firmware:** Low‑level code stored in non‑volatile memory that initializes hardware.  

### Relationships to Software  
- **Operating systems** load drivers that translate generic OS calls into hardware‑specific commands.  
- **Device drivers** act as the interface layer, enabling software to control hardware functions (e.g., graphics rendering, network communication).  

### Standards and Identifiers  
- **Identifiers:** gnd_id = 4023422‑8; lex_id = hardware; freebase_id = /m/01mfj.  
- **Image:** ![Computer internals](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Computer_from_inside_018.jpg)  
- **Community Tag:** /r/hardware (started 2008‑01‑25).  

### Evolution and Trends  
- **Miniaturization:** From large mainframes to compact laptops and single‑board computers.  
- **Performance Scaling:** Moore’s Law historically guided transistor density growth, influencing CPU speed and energy efficiency.  
- **Integration:** System‑on‑Chip (SoC) designs combine CPU, GPU, and memory controllers on a single die, reducing latency and power consumption.  

### Maintenance and Upgradeability  
- **Field‑Replaceable Units (FRUs):** Modular parts that can be swapped without full system disassembly.  
- **Expansion Slots & Brackets:** Provide mechanical and electrical pathways for adding cards.  
- **Riser Cards:** Allow low‑profile installations in space‑constrained cases.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Computer hardware",
  "description": "Physical components of a computer, including processor, memory, storage, and peripheral devices.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware"
  ],
  "additionalType": "ElectronicDevice"
}

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://udcdata.info/013739)
3. BabelNet
4. Quora
5. National Library of Israel
6. KBpedia
7. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
8. Wikibase TDKIV