5 Most Important Components of a Computer for Indian Users

In India’s rapidly growing tech landscape, understanding your computer’s inner workings is becoming increasingly important. Just as we need to take care of our health, our computers require attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While PCs don’t need much sustenance beyond a consistent power supply, they’re composed of durable components that can occasionally suffer damage, potentially leading to various issues if compromised.

As responsible desktop and laptop users in India, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the internal hardware that powers your computer’s processes. With this knowledge, you can easily identify the probable reasons why your PC might be slowing down, allowing you to address issues without the need for costly trips to computer stores, saving both time and money in the bustling cities of Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.

Imagine your computer as a living entity, with its internal components functioning as vital organs. Each part plays a unique role in keeping your PC running smoothly, and each is crucial in its own way.

In this article, we’ll explore the 5 most important computer components that every Indian user should know about. Then, we’ll introduce you to some of HP’s best desktops available in India, featuring top-quality components to meet your computing needs.

5 most important components of your computer

Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are essential to keep your PC in prime condition, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of your device. Like any electronic item, computer hardware can deteriorate with constant use, especially in India’s varied climate conditions.

PCs can slow down for various reasons, and often, you can solve these issues without touching delicate computer components. However, for more critical problems, an upgrade is often the best solution. Here are the 5 major components of a computer that every Indian user should be familiar with:

1. Motherboard

The motherboard is the foundation of any computer components list. It’s the primary circuit board that holds all the hardware in place. Every PC, from dedicated workstations to personal notebooks, relies on a motherboard. A robust motherboard offers multiple slots for installing various computer components such as RAM and graphics cards.

Motherboards come in different form factors, which encompass the general specifications, including circuitry arrangement, overall size, and number of ports. Only specific motherboard models can fit into certain computer cases or chassis, especially for customisable desktops.

For laptops, which are increasingly popular among mobile professionals in India’s major tech hubs, specialised motherboards are used. Much of their built-in hardware is permanently soldered onto the circuits due to the laptop’s smaller frame and lighter build. Only certain parts, like RAM and storage, can typically be upgraded.

When a motherboard is damaged, PCs cease to function fully. Given the complexity of the circuitry and wiring, a faulty motherboard can instantly halt your computer’s operation and potentially harm other components. While motherboards are easily replaced in desktops, the same can’t be said for laptops, often necessitating the purchase of a new device.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU), commonly referred to as the processor, is the ‘brain’ of your computer. The CPU solves all the sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer performs while running programs or applications.

In today’s computing landscape, almost all processors possess multiple CPUs to achieve quicker processing speeds, ensuring faster response times when using software or browsing the web. These special processors are called multi-core processors, with each CPU designated as one processing core.

For example, the high-end Intel® Core™ i7-12700H processor, found in some of HP’s premium laptops available in India, has 14 independent cores that work together to handle computing tasks. This allows you to perform intensive work without overly stressing your computer.

While it’s possible to squeeze more power from your CPUs by overclocking them for slight performance boosts, this comes with risks that might damage your processor. It’s important to remember that a PC cannot function properly with an impaired processor, even if other components are working normally.

3. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)

When it comes to handling graphical operations and advanced imagery, the graphical processing unit (GPU) is the computer hardware responsible for these tasks. A GPU is required for your computer to read and reproduce graphical representations and effects, which are present in almost every form of media today.

Some high-end CPUs can have basic GPUs embedded in them, especially in premium laptops that focus on lightweight mobility and use. However, the finest GPUs are primarily used for video gaming, capable of handling immense 3D-graphics loads to maintain smooth frame rates and lag-free experiences.

When gaming, the CPU and GPU work in tandem. The GPU manages the heavy lifting in terms of on-screen graphics and fidelity, while the CPU runs the programming that works behind the scenes, such as data processing and in-game statistics.

A malfunctioning GPU can lead to numerous problems, including the dreaded black screen of death. The current global shortage of GPU chips adds another layer of complexity, making the loss of your GPU a particularly challenging situation.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Computers have different forms of memory that store information and data. The most prominently discussed is random-access memory (RAM). A RAM device keeps important currently-used data and codes on standby, loading them instantly when respective programs or apps are opened.

RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning all stored data is refreshed after turning off the PC. This allows the device to quickly absorb new data immediately during the next session, enabling quicker loading processes.

Most mainstream computers, including those popular in the Indian market, can be upgraded with more RAM by purchasing a better RAM device - or RAM stick - that offers larger storage capacity. This includes mini laptops, which are gaining popularity among students and young professionals in India. However, depending on your computing activities, you might not use all available RAM, so it’s important to understand how much RAM is ideal for your PC based on its primary use (work, gaming, etc.).

Although a damaged RAM stick might not necessarily prevent your computer from working, it will hinder its performance over time. This can result in program crashes, unexpected decreases in available RAM, and boot failures, among other issues.

5. Storage device

A storage device provides the memory for installing programs and saving files. Unlike RAM, a storage device’s content is secured in non-volatile memory. This means that data is saved permanently inside its memory bank, preserving it even after you turn off the PC (unless manually deleted or uninstalled).

PCs typically use two common types of internal storage devices: hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). HDDs are the cheaper option but suffer from slower transfer speeds, while SSDs are their superior counterparts but are more expensive. These devices are attached to your computer using dedicated SATA cables, which are replaced by SAS cables for large servers and workstations.

Other secondary storage devices exist, such as USB flash drives and portable HDDs. However, these peripherals are not installed inside computers. Instead, they are connected to the PC via alternative channels like USB ports or external disk drives, depending on the specifications.

Even though storage devices do not impact your computer’s boot-up process, start-up programs like Google Chrome or Microsoft Office applications are loaded directly from your HDD or SSD. Therefore, a damaged storage device can interrupt the whole process, potentially corrupting your files. If this occurs, you will need to replace your hard drive immediately, sometimes requiring a complete system reformat or Windows reinstallation, which can be a significant inconvenience.

HP desktops with excellent benchmarks for Indian users

Understanding the major components of your computer helps gauge your expectations of what your PC is capable of doing. It’s clear that an office notebook is not the right choice for gaming due to its unsuitable specifications. This notion holds true for every computer, as they are all built for different purposes with distinct specifications.

Premium PCs are designed to handle a variety of tasks: work, streaming, gaming, and more. If you’re looking for high-performance PCs that offer first-rate specifications and unbeatable performance, here are some exceptional HP desktops available in the Indian market to consider:

HP All-in-One 27-cr0407in PC

The HP All-in-One 27-cr0407in PC is a sleek and modern desktop perfect for Indian professionals and home users alike. Boasting a complete package, this All-in-One might look unassuming from the outside, consisting of a basic setup. However, its powerful hardware lies hidden inside the monitor itself, maximising your desk space for optimum comfort and tidiness.

Its impressive 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor provides fast processing speeds, allowing you to work without suffering on-screen lags or stutters. The integrated Intel® UMA graphics are suitable for everyday tasks and light media consumption.

With 16GB of RAM, you can easily load your favourite apps or software. The 1TB SSD offers ample storage for your files and ensures quick program start-ups and fast data transfer speeds.

• 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1335U processor

• 16GB DDR4 RAM

• 1TB SSD storage

• 27-inch Full HD display

This All-in-One PC is perfect for Indian households or small offices, offering a balance of performance and style without taking up too much space.

HP Desktop PC M01-F3787in

The HP Desktop PC M01-F3787in is a powerhouse designed for users who need top-tier performance. Featuring the latest 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, this desktop can handle demanding tasks with ease, making it ideal for professionals in fields like graphic design, video editing, or data analysis.

The Intel® UHD Graphics 770 provides capable integrated graphics performance for most tasks. With 16GB of RAM, multitasking becomes a breeze, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns.

Storage-wise, this desktop offers both speed and capacity with a 256GB SSD for quick boot times and application loading, complemented by a 1TB HDD for ample file storage.

• 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor

• 16GB DDR4 RAM

• 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage

• Windows 11 Home Single Language

This desktop is perfect for Indian professionals or power users who need a reliable, high-performance machine for their daily work or intensive computing tasks.

OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop PC GT16-0007in

For hardcore gamers in India, the OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop PC GT16-0007in is the ultimate gaming rig to enjoy unlimited in-game framerates and breathtaking cinematic graphics. Featuring top-of-the-line specs, you can't go wrong with the 14th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor at the helm of your setup, running at blazing-fast speeds of up to 5.4 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.

Its NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 graphics card is a powerhouse, capable of handling ray tracing and demanding games with ease. The graphics card comes equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 dedicated memory, delivering a leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics.

With this beast of a PC, 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking while running demanding games or applications. The 1TB PCIe® Gen4 NVMe™ M.2 SSD offers lightning-fast load times, efficient storage, and ample space for your game library.

• 14th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-14700F processor

• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)

• 16 GB DDR5 RAM

• 1 TB PCIe® Gen4 NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage

With the OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop PC GT16-0007in, you're looking at a machine capable of handling current and future AAA gaming titles. It also features DTS Headphone:X Technology for immersive 3D sound, making it a worthy investment for serious gamers in India who demand top-tier performance and audio quality.

Summary

Computer components are made from high-grade materials designed to withstand extreme heat and last for years. However, they are still susceptible to damage from both external and internal sources, such as rough handling or malware attacks. This is particularly relevant in India, where factors like power fluctuations and dust can pose additional challenges to computer hardware.

Learning about the five major components of a computer means you’re more aware of how your PC functions, making it easier to identify issues that might be affecting your computer’s performance.

If your computer starts to slow down after a few years, a hardware upgrade might be needed, unless you know of certain hacks to improve your PC’s performance without dipping into your pockets. Regular computer maintenance is not always cheap, especially in India where genuine parts can be costly, so it’s best to care for your PC properly before repair bills start piling up.

For more useful advice tailored to the Indian market, such as tips on how to free up your hard drive quickly or how to protect your device from the unique challenges of India’s climate, stay tuned to HP® Tech Takes!