---
title: "What essential parts make up a desktop computer?"  
description: "What essential parts make up a desktop computer?"  
author: "Baishakhi Ghosh"  
published: 2023-10-07  
updated: 2023-10-08  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102353/what-essential-parts-make-up-a-desktop-computer  
category: "hardware"  
tags: ["hard disk drives"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What essential parts make up a desktop computer?



## Answers

### Answer by Saumya Mishra

The essential parts that make up a desktop computer are:

- [**Computer**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102343/what-is-a-computer-power-button-used-for) **case:** The computer case is the metal or plastic box that contains all of the other components of the computer.
- [**Motherboard**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102324/what-is-a-motherboard)**:** The motherboard is the main circuit board in the computer. It connects all of the other components of the computer together and provides power to them.
- [**CPU**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102316/what-is-a-cpu) **([central processing](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102430/explain-the-significance-of-a-computer-s-central-processing-unit-cpu) unit):** The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is responsible for carrying out the instructions of computer programs.
- [**RAM**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102314/what-is-ram-and-why-is-it-important) **([random access](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102433/can-you-detail-the-functions-of-a-computer-s-random-access-memory-ram) memory):** RAM is used to store data that is currently being used by the computer.
- [**Storage device**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102318/what-is-ssd-in-computers)**:** The storage device is used to store data that is not currently being used by the computer, such as [operating systems](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/332551/operating-systems-trends-and-innovations-in-2023), programs, and files.
- **Power supply:** The power supply provides power to all of the other components of the computer.

These are the essential parts that are needed to build a working desktop computer. However, there are a number of other components that are commonly used, such as:

- **[Graphics card](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102429/how-does-a-computer-s-graphics-card-impact-gaming-visuals):** A graphics card is used to **render graphics** and display them on the monitor.
- **Sound card:** A sound card is used to generate and play sound.
- **Network card:** A network card allows the computer to **connect to a network.**
- **Optical drive:** An optical drive allows the computer to read and write CDs, DVDs, and **Blu-ray discs**.
- **Monitor:** The monitor is a device that displays images and text.
- **Keyboard:** The keyboard is a device that allows users to enter text and data into the computer.
- **Mouse:** The mouse is a device that allows users to control the cursor on the monitor and interact with programs and files.

These additional components are not essential for a working desktop computer, but they can [add additional](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/51610/can-i-add-additional-or-custom-ringtones-to-the-iphone) functionality and performance.


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102353/what-essential-parts-make-up-a-desktop-computer

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