as sockets and Voltage Regulator
Modules (VRMs) are mounted.
PCIe (OR PCI-E) – Peripheral
Component Interconnect Express. A
high-speed slot design used in modern
computers for add-in cards.
Pixel – A single element or dot on a
computer screen.
PSU – Power Supply Unit. A box-like
component with cables that provides a
computer with power.
R
RAID – Redundant Array of
Independent Disks. A set of drives
configured in an array for improved
performance and reliability.
RAM – Random Access Memory. The
computational workspace of a
computer system. It’s volatile, meaning
the data it stores is lost when the
system is reset or turned off.
RAMDAC – Random Access Memory
Digital to Analogue Converter. Converts
image data into signals that can be
displayed on a monitor.
Razer – Razer Inc. is a gaming
hardware company with headquarters
in San Francisco and Singapore. Razer’s
entire product catalogue is gaming
oriented. Known especially for its
gaming laptops.
RJ-11 – An old-style telephone
connector that looks like a narrow
Ethernet (RJ-45) connector. Also used
for analog modems.
Roccat – A German peripheral
manufacturer that specializes in input
devices such as mechanical keyboards
and mice, as well as headphones.
ROM – Read-Only Memory. An area of
protected memory that contains
specialized instructions.
Router – A hub that manages wired
and wireless connections to a network.
S
SATA – Serial ATA. A data transport
protocol used for storage devices.
Screen burn – The afterimage left on
certain types of displays, such as
OLEDs, after displaying static images
for extended periods of time. Can cause
permanent hardware damage.
SLC – Single-Level Cell NAND
memory. The quickest, priciest and
most expensive NAND implementation.
SO-DIMM – The type of DDR memory
module used in laptop systems. Uses a
smaller form factor than standard
memory sticks.
Solid state – Used to describe a
device with no moving parts.
SSD – Solid-State Drive. A storage
A battery-backup power source that
enables a computer system to continue
functioning in the case of a power
outage or other problems.
USB – Universal Serial Bus. A small
hot-swappable data connector that’s
capable of high performance when
using the latest specifications.V
VA panel – Vertical Alignment panel.
An LCD display that delivers high
contrast ratios, deeper black levels, and
more accurate colors.W
WAP – Wireless Access Point. The
place you log into a wireless network.
Watt – A measure of electrical power.
Webcam – A usually USB-based PC
camera that provides live video for use
with conferences, game streaming and
other media projects.
WPA2 – Wi-Fi Protected Access 2. The
most robust security protocol currently
provided for many Wi-Fi networks.X
XMP – Extreme Memory Profile. An
Intel-derived DRAM settings standard
that provides several fail-safe memory
configurations beyond the default
setting, allowing easy configuration of
high-speed memory modules.drive made of non-volatile memory cells
instead of a moving magnetic platter.
Much faster than hard disk drives.
SteelSeries – High-end Danish
gaming peripheral manufacturer
known for headsets, mice, and
mechanical keyboards.
Stream processors – Limited
instruction processors used in GPUs to
perform specialized functions. Used for
high-performance applications.T
TDP – Total Dissipated Power. The
maximum wattage a part will allow
before shutting down or throttling to
avoid damage or overheating. Can be
used as a rough indicator of in-
generation performance or efficiency.
TN panel – Twisted Nematic panel. An
older style of LCD display that offers low
price and very high speed, but is also
notable for washed-out colors and poor
viewing angles.
Touchpad – A small flat pad that
registers mouse-style pointer
movement when you slide a fingertip
across it. Used for laptops.U
Ultrawide display – A computer
monitor that sports a cinema-like 21:9
aspect ratio. Available in 2560x1080
and 3440x1440 resolutions.
UPS – Uninterruptable Power Supply.Ultrawide Display