CPU, RAM, and GPUs: A Field Guide to Computer Hardware

CPU, RAM, and GPUs: A Field Guide to Computer Hardware Computers run because three parts work together: the CPU, the RAM, and the GPU. Each part has its own job, and the right mix depends on what you use your computer for. This guide explains the basics in plain language and gives simple rules to help you choose parts. The CPU: the brain of your system The CPU performs calculations and runs programs. Cores are like workers; threads let a core do more tasks at once. In practice, more cores help when you run several programs or use software that takes advantage of parallel work. Clock speed matters for single tasks, and cache helps speed up repeated data. For laptops, power efficiency also matters, so you may trade some speed for longer battery life. ...

September 22, 2025 · 3 min · 454 words