Knowledge Base
PC Hardware Encyclopedia
Every hardware term, explained clearly. From basic specs to deep architecture breakdowns — the reference guide for understanding PC components.
31 terms · Updated March 2026
Core Concepts
11 termsFundamental hardware terms and specifications
VRAM (Video RAM)
Dedicated memory on a graphics card used to store textures, frame buffers, and render data. More VRAM allows higher resolutions and more detailed textures.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
The maximum amount of heat a CPU or GPU generates under load, measured in watts. Determines cooling requirements and power supply sizing.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
A specialized processor designed for parallel computation, primarily used for rendering graphics but increasingly important for AI and compute workloads.
Clock Speed
The frequency at which a processor executes instructions, measured in GHz (billions of cycles per second). Higher clock speeds generally mean faster single-threaded performance.
CPU Cores and Threads
A core is an independent processing unit within a CPU. Threads are virtual cores created via simultaneous multithreading (SMT/Hyper-Threading), allowing each core to handle two tasks at once.
Memory Bandwidth
The rate at which data can be read from or written to memory, measured in GB/s. Critical for GPU performance and AI workloads. Determined by memory type, bus width, and clock speed.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
A storage device using flash memory chips instead of spinning platters. Dramatically faster than traditional hard drives, with NVMe SSDs offering the best performance.
Motherboard
The main circuit board connecting all PC components — CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. Determines which components are compatible with your build.
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
Converts AC wall power to the DC voltages your PC components need. Rated by wattage and efficiency (80 Plus certification). Critical for system stability.
Refresh Rate
How many times per second a monitor updates its display, measured in Hz. Higher refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz) make motion look smoother and reduce input lag in games.
Response Time (Monitors)
How quickly a pixel can change from one color to another, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting in fast-moving scenes.
How It Works
4 termsDeep explanations of hardware technologies
Ray Tracing
A rendering technique that simulates how light physically behaves — bouncing, reflecting, and refracting — to produce photorealistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
CPU Cache (L1, L2, L3)
Ultra-fast memory built into the CPU die that stores frequently accessed data. L1 is fastest and smallest; L3 is largest. Critical for gaming performance.
CUDA Cores
NVIDIA's term for the parallel processing units in their GPUs. More CUDA cores generally means more rendering and compute power. AMD's equivalent are Stream Processors.
IPS vs VA vs OLED (Monitor Panels)
The three main display panel technologies. IPS has the best color accuracy, VA has the deepest blacks, and OLED combines the best of both with instant response times.
Technology
8 termsSpecific architectures, protocols, and standards
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
NVIDIA's AI-powered upscaling technology that renders games at lower resolution and uses neural networks to reconstruct near-native image quality at much higher frame rates.
FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution)
AMD's upscaling technology that boosts frame rates by rendering at lower resolution and reconstructing detail. FSR 4 uses AI on RDNA 4 hardware; older versions work on any GPU.
PCIe (PCI Express)
The high-speed interface connecting GPUs, SSDs, and expansion cards to your CPU and motherboard. Each generation doubles bandwidth per lane.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
A storage protocol designed for SSDs that communicates directly through PCIe lanes, delivering dramatically faster speeds than older SATA connections.
DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5)
The latest generation of system memory offering higher bandwidth and capacity than DDR4. Standard for new PC builds in 2026 with typical speeds of 5600-6400 MT/s.
GDDR6 and GDDR7
Types of graphics memory (Graphics DDR) used on GPUs. GDDR7 offers ~50% more bandwidth per pin than GDDR6, enabling faster texture streaming and higher-resolution rendering.
Chipset
The controller chip on a motherboard that manages communication between CPU, storage, USB, and expansion slots. Determines which features your motherboard supports.
XMP and EXPO (RAM Profiles)
Pre-configured RAM overclocking profiles that let you run your memory at its advertised speed with one BIOS toggle. XMP is Intel's standard; EXPO is AMD's.
Practical Knowledge
8 termsGuides for choosing, building, and upgrading
Overclocking
Running a CPU, GPU, or RAM at speeds higher than the manufacturer's rated specifications to extract more performance. Increases heat output and power consumption.
Undervolting
Reducing the voltage supplied to a CPU or GPU to lower temperatures and power consumption while maintaining the same clock speeds. Free efficiency gains.
Bottleneck
When one component (usually the CPU or GPU) limits the performance of the system because it can't keep up with the other. Causes wasted potential in the faster component.
Form Factor (ATX, mATX, ITX)
The physical size standard for motherboards, cases, and PSUs. ATX is standard full-size, mATX is compact, and Mini-ITX is for small form factor builds.
Thermal Paste
A thermally conductive compound applied between a CPU/GPU and its cooler to fill microscopic air gaps and improve heat transfer. Essential for proper cooling.
How to Build a PC
Building a PC involves selecting compatible components, assembling them in a case, installing an operating system, and configuring drivers. It's simpler than most people think.
Air Cooling vs Liquid Cooling
Two methods of CPU cooling. Air coolers use heatsinks and fans. Liquid coolers (AIOs) circulate coolant through a radiator. Performance is similar; liquid is quieter and more aesthetic.
Running AI Locally
Running large language models and AI on your own hardware instead of cloud services. Performance depends on VRAM, RAM bandwidth, and quantization — not CPU speed.
About This Knowledge Base
Hardwarepedia's knowledge base is a living encyclopedia of PC hardware terminology. Every entry is written by hardware enthusiasts who actually build PCs — not auto-generated filler. Each term links to relevant products in our database so you can go from understanding a spec to finding the right component in one click.
Whether you're building your first PC, choosing a GPU for AI workloads, or trying to understand what "3D V-Cache" actually means — this is your reference.