Inside a Desktop Computer

Choose a view, select a part, or follow a guided build and startup story.

Explore the Parts

Tap a computer part to learn its name and job.

Meet the desktop computer

Choose a part to learn what it does and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Case

Protects the parts and guides cooling air through the computer.

How it connects

The case holds the motherboard on standoffs and provides bays and openings for the other parts.

Motherboard standoffs

Power supply

Changes wall electricity into regulated low-voltage power the parts can use.

How it connects

It mounts in the case and sends separate power cables to the motherboard, drives, and graphics card when needed.

Power-supply bay

Motherboard

Connects the computer's main parts so they can share power and information.

How it connects

It screws to case standoffs and provides the CPU socket, DIMM slots, PCIe slots, and storage connectors.

Case standoffs

CPU

Follows program instructions and works on information.

How it connects

It seats in the motherboard's processor socket and works closely with RAM and graphics hardware.

CPU socket

RAM

Temporarily holds the instructions and information being used right now.

How it connects

The memory module lines up with a DIMM slot beside the CPU; it does not permanently store files.

DIMM slot

Storage drive

Keeps programs and files even when the computer is turned off.

How it connects

This simplified drive mounts in a case bay and connects to the motherboard and power supply.

Storage bay

Graphics card

Helps create pictures for the monitor.

How it connects

A separate graphics card aligns with a PCIe slot and rear opening. Many computers instead use graphics built into the CPU.

PCIe slot

Cooling system

Moves heat away so working parts stay at a safe temperature.

How it connects

The CPU cooler sits over the CPU while case airflow carries warm air out.

CPU cooler mount

Meet the desktop computer

Choose a part to learn what it does and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Exit Activity

Learn on screen, explore safely

This activity uses a simplified model to explain how something works. Real objects may have different parts and designs. Ask a trusted adult before using tools, opening equipment, making repairs, or taking anything apart.

Ask a trusted adult before opening a real computer. Unplug it first, never open the power supply itself, and use proper anti-static precautions with adult help.