Power supply unit (PSU)
The PSU powers the entire system. It is responsible for converting alternating currents from the outlet, into direct current energy, which powers the components of the computer. PSUs were not affected too much by the shortage in 2020, as there were many brands available at the time.
Central processing unit (CPU)
Beneath the fan in the original image, is the CPU. The CPU is known as the brains of the computer, and performs tasks, such as processing instructions given to the computer by the user. Popular brands of CPUs are AMD and Intel, and these companies both faced CPU shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was very high demand, and low amounts made.
Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay
Fan
The fan is an absolutely crucial piece in a computer. As other parts of the computer, such as the CPU and GPU are used, they produce massive amounts of heat due to the operations they produce. Fans inside of PCs can be cheap, but they can also be on the expensive side, especially when the fans have fancy lights on them for visual aesthetics. Computer fans never faced issues with being shorted in the 2020 pandemic.
Graphics processing unit (GPU)
The GPU's main function is to handle graphics related processes, such as video materials. For those who game on computer, having a good GPU is necessary in order to run your favorite games.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, GPUs were one of the hardest parts to come across. Some people used GPUs to mine crypto, a digital currency which would help them earn some extra cash during the job shortages.
Random-access memory (RAM)
RAM is another necessity for those who like to multitask, or game on their computer. RAM serves as temporary storage instructions that get sent to the CPU. The more RAM you have installed, the more programs you can run at once.
RAM was not too heavily affected during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shortage, as there are many brands of RAM, meaning there was an abundance being produced.
Hard drive (HDD)
The purpose of the HDD is to store files, data, and programs long-term. Many HDDs can be installed into one system, allowing more storage for your needs. HDDs are very important to have, as it backs up your computer in the case of something happening to it.
HDD demand is actually declining, as a newer form of technology, SSD (solid state drives) are seen as superior. SSDs are more durable, compact, and consume less energy usage.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer. This board holds the slots for RAM, CPU, and more. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, motherboard were one of the most shorted components due to companies, such as ASUS, MSI, and others. These companies were not able to keep up production, due to such high demand due to more people working from home.
Image by Alexandre Debieve
Computer shortage
Zane Hardison
Created on February 17, 2024
Computer parts and their functions for JOUR 3550.
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Transcript
Power supply unit (PSU)
The PSU powers the entire system. It is responsible for converting alternating currents from the outlet, into direct current energy, which powers the components of the computer. PSUs were not affected too much by the shortage in 2020, as there were many brands available at the time.
Central processing unit (CPU)
Beneath the fan in the original image, is the CPU. The CPU is known as the brains of the computer, and performs tasks, such as processing instructions given to the computer by the user. Popular brands of CPUs are AMD and Intel, and these companies both faced CPU shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was very high demand, and low amounts made.
Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay
Fan
The fan is an absolutely crucial piece in a computer. As other parts of the computer, such as the CPU and GPU are used, they produce massive amounts of heat due to the operations they produce. Fans inside of PCs can be cheap, but they can also be on the expensive side, especially when the fans have fancy lights on them for visual aesthetics. Computer fans never faced issues with being shorted in the 2020 pandemic.
Graphics processing unit (GPU)
The GPU's main function is to handle graphics related processes, such as video materials. For those who game on computer, having a good GPU is necessary in order to run your favorite games.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, GPUs were one of the hardest parts to come across. Some people used GPUs to mine crypto, a digital currency which would help them earn some extra cash during the job shortages.
Random-access memory (RAM)
RAM is another necessity for those who like to multitask, or game on their computer. RAM serves as temporary storage instructions that get sent to the CPU. The more RAM you have installed, the more programs you can run at once.
RAM was not too heavily affected during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shortage, as there are many brands of RAM, meaning there was an abundance being produced.
Hard drive (HDD)
The purpose of the HDD is to store files, data, and programs long-term. Many HDDs can be installed into one system, allowing more storage for your needs. HDDs are very important to have, as it backs up your computer in the case of something happening to it.
HDD demand is actually declining, as a newer form of technology, SSD (solid state drives) are seen as superior. SSDs are more durable, compact, and consume less energy usage.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer. This board holds the slots for RAM, CPU, and more. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, motherboard were one of the most shorted components due to companies, such as ASUS, MSI, and others. These companies were not able to keep up production, due to such high demand due to more people working from home.
Image by Alexandre Debieve