Alternatively called a box, main unit, and system box, a system unit is the case containing all the main parts of a computer. Below is a picture of a computer with each of the main components that help make up a computer. In the picture, you can see the system unit, flat-panel display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. We’ve also labeled each of the input devices and output devices.
Is there a difference between a computer, desktop, and system unit?
No. When referring to the case that holds all the main parts of the computer (e.g., CPU, motherboard, hard drive, and RAM), all these terms are synonymous.
What are the parts of a system unit?
As the computer has developed to what it is today, many parts make a system unit. See our computer definition for a complete list of all the computer components.
- What does the inside of a computer look like?
- Computer connections.
Chassis, Desktop, Enclosure, Hardware terms
Related information
- How to learn more about computers.
- How to set up a new computer.
