ArtOfTesting
Computer
Block Diagram of
Computer System
Last updated on May 5, 2025
Hello friends! in this article, we will
explain the block diagram of a
computer and its various
components.
With technology upgrading rapidly,
computers have now become part of
our daily lives.
From performing basic operations
like watching a movie to high-level
functions like manufacturing a car.
The computers are doing it all.
But have you ever thought about
how a computer works? What
processes go inside it? What are the
fundamentals of a computer? Just
like the other machines, the
computer also has a basic
architecture. It comprises multiple
elements. These elements process
the input and produce the desired
output.
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Let us look at the basic block diagram
of the computer. Then, we will
understand how each part
contributes to its functioning.
Block Diagram of
Computer:
Explained with
Components
A block diagram of a computer shows
its main parts and how they work
together. It makes it easy to
understand how data moves
between the CPU, memory,
input/output devices, and storage.
The components in a block diagram
of a computer typically include:
1. Input Unit – Devices like a
keyboard and a mouse that
send data to the computer.
2. Central Processing Unit
(CPU) – The brain that
processes data, including:
Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU) – Performs
calculations and logical
operations.
Control Unit (CU) –
Manages data flow and
instructions.
3. Memory Unit – Stores data
and instructions, including:
Primary Memory (RAM) –
Temporary storage for
active processes.
Secondary Memory
(HDD/SSD) – Permanent
storage for data.
4. Output Unit – Devices like
monitors and printers that
display or produce results.
These components are connected to
show data flow (input → CPU →
memory → output).
Block Diagram of a Computer
Input
All the data received by the computer
goes through the input unit. The
input unit comprises di%erent
devices like a mouse, keyboard,
scanner, etc. In other words, each of
these devices acts as a mediator
between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is
put through the input unit. The
computer accepts the raw data in
binary form. It then processes the
data and produces the desired
output.
Major Functions of the Input
Unit
The 3 major functions of the input
unit are-
Take the data to be processed
by the user.
Convert the given data into
machine-readable form.
And then, transmit the
converted data into the main
memory of the computer. The
sole purpose is to connect the
user and the computer. In
addition, this creates easy
communication between
them.
CPU – Central Processing
Unit
Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is
the brain of the computer. It works
the same way a human brain works.
As the brain controls all human
activities, similarly the CPU controls
all the tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the
arithmetical and logical operations in
the computer.
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Now the CPU comprises of two units,
namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
and CU (Control Unit). Both of these
units work in sync. The CPU
processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what particular tasks are
assigned to both units.
ALU – Arithmetic Logic
Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of
two terms, arithmetic and logic.
There are two primary functions that
this unit performs.
1. Data is inserted through the
input unit into the primary
memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operations on it,
like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of
calculations required on the
data. Then, it sends back data
to the storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for
performing logical operations
like AND, OR, Equal to, Less
than, etc. In addition to this, it
conducts merging, sorting,
and selection of the given
data.
CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name
suggests is the controller of all the
activities/tasks and operations. All
this is performed inside the
computer.
The memory unit sends a set of
instructions to the control unit. Then
the control unit in turn converts
those instructions. After that these
instructions are converted to control
signals.
These control signals help in
prioritizing and scheduling activities.
Thus, the control unit coordinates
the tasks inside the computer in sync
with the input and output units.
Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed
or has been processed is stored in
the memory unit. The memory unit
acts as a hub of all the data. It
transmits it to the required part of
the computer whenever necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with
the CPU. This helps in faster
accessing and processing of the
data. Thus, making tasks easier and
quicker.
Types of Computer Memory
There are two types of computer
memory-
Primary Memory
This type of memory cannot store a
vast amount of data. Therefore, it is
only used to store recent data. The
data stored in this is temporary. It
can get erased once the power is
switched o%. Therefore, is also called
temporary memory or main memory.
RAM stands for Random Access
Memory. It is an example of primary
memory. This memory is directly
accessible by the CPU. It is used for
reading and writing purposes. For
data to be processed, it has to be first
transferred to the RAM and then to
the CPU.
Secondary Memory
As explained above, the primary
memory stores temporary data. Thus
it cannot be accessed in the future.
For permanent storage purposes,
secondary memory is used. It is also
called permanent memory or auxiliary
memory. The hard disk is an example
of secondary memory. Even in a
power failure data does not get
erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by
what the output unit is used for. All
the information sent to the computer
once processed is received by the
user through the output unit. Devices
like printers, monitors, projectors,
etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data
either in the form of a soft copy or a
hard copy. The printer is for the hard
copy. The monitor is for the display.
The output unit accepts the data in
binary form from the computer. It
then converts it into a readable form
for the user.
Also, check – Full Form of
Computer
Summary
Let us finally look at what the data
flow looks like inside the computer
step by step-
1. The data is accepted by the
input unit. It is given by the
user. It is then converted into
binary form for the computer
to read it.
2. The information is then sent to
the memory unit for storage
and processing.
3. The required data, that needs
to be processed is accessed by
the CPU. It is accessed from
the primary storage. The
arithmetic and logical
operations are then performed
on the data. The control unit
schedules all the activities for
the smooth working of the
computer.
4. The data is then sent to the
storage unit. It is used for
storing or further processing
purposes.
5. Then the output unit receives
the final processed output.
With this, we have come to the end of
this tutorial on the block diagram of a
computer and its components. I hope
this will help you with your
understanding of computers.
FAQs
! What are the main
components depicted in a
computer system block
diagram?
The main components in a
computer system block diagram
are the CPU, memory,
input/output devices, and
storage.
" What is the difference
between primary memory and
secondary storage?
" How do input and output
devices interact with the CPU?
" Can you explain the flow of
data within a computer
system?
" How can knowledge of the
block diagram assist in
troubleshooting computer
issues?
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Types of
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23 thoughts on “Block
Diagram of Computer
System”
Brian khaemba nabiswa
October 2, 2022 at 10:14 am
It is very true and well
explained
Reply
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prudhvi
August 8, 2023 at 8:54 am
yes
Reply
Nandan.p
September 10, 2023 at 10:16 am
Thank you so much for this
information it helped so
much and saved my time
once again thank you so
much
Reply
Kajal mishra
October 29, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Really It is simple and great
language for understanding.
Thanks a lot
Reply
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elisa
November 23, 2022 at 10:36 pm
simple, clear enough
Reply
akash vaddapelli
December 1, 2022 at 11:43 am
pefect explanation……any
body can understand easily
Reply
Gagan
December 11, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Tq so much sir its really very
much helpful and its helped
me a lot tq so much
Reply
Pintu sah
April 4, 2023 at 1:50 pm
I think it’s a best answer with
perfect with perfect format
thanks a lot of u sir/madam
for best format answer
Reply
Kajela nugusekejela@gmail.com
May 26, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Draw the schematic
diagram showing the
components of the
computer system
Reply
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Sahil chugh
January 6, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for explaining brother
Reply
Malik
January 31, 2023 at 8:08 am
Reply
Aju Shirsat
February 15, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Nice Information
Reply
Rahul singh
March 20, 2023 at 9:09 am
So easy to understand.
Best content related to
computer.
Reply
Nishant thakur
April 26, 2023 at 8:04 pm
Very nice explanation
Reply
Darla Santhosh
May 23, 2023 at 9:47 pm
Easy To Understand
Reply
Bharath
June 27, 2023 at 7:39 pm
Very easy and understable
Reply
Agau
August 6, 2023 at 6:10 pm
Brief and well organized
Reply
Riyaj Gyawali
August 20, 2023 at 3:37 pm
I just loved it
Reply
Tanavi desai
August 13, 2023 at 11:58 am
Thank you for this.
Reply
Rose Kawani
October 5, 2023 at 7:03 pm
this is good, thanks a lot
Reply
Asif Raza
October 22, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Best and easy explanation….
Reply
Shivam tiwari
November 28, 2023 at 9:50 pm
What a simple language
mention all required thing
Reply
Devender Singh
January 16, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Very well explained, Thank
you! It’s helped a lot for
revision purpose.
Reply
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Kuldeep Rana
Kuldeep is the founder and lead author
of ArtOfTesting. He is skilled in test
automation, performance testing, big
data, and CI-CD. He brings his decade
of experience to his current role where
he is dedicated to educating the QA
professionals. You can connect with
him on LinkedIn.
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