100 Common Abbreviations Seen in Hardware: ROM, CMOS, Hz, UPS and More

Ever looked at a motherboard or a PC part spec sheet and thought, “What do all these random letters even mean?” From CPU to PCIe, these abbreviations pop up everywhere in computer hardware. Here’s a full list of 100 common ones you’ll actually see — and what they mean in simple terms.

1. CPU – Central Processing Unit
The brain of your computer that handles all the calculations and tasks.

2. GPU – Graphics Processing Unit
Handles visuals, gaming, and rendering graphics.

3. PSU – Power Supply Unit
Provides power to every component inside your PC.

4. RAM – Random Access Memory
Temporary memory your PC uses to store data while running programs.

5. ROM – Read Only Memory
Stores essential system data that usually doesn’t change.

6. BIOS – Basic Input Output System
The system that initializes hardware when your PC starts.

7. CMOS – Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
A chip that stores BIOS settings and real-time clock info.

8. SSD – Solid State Drive
Fast storage using flash memory — way quicker than HDDs.

9. HDD – Hard Disk Drive
Traditional storage using spinning disks and magnetic data writing.

10. PCIe – Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
The high-speed connection slot for GPUs, SSDs, and other expansion cards.

11. SATA – Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Connects storage drives like SSDs and HDDs to the motherboard.

12. NVMe – Non-Volatile Memory Express
A super-fast storage protocol used by modern SSDs.

13. USB – Universal Serial Bus
The standard connection for peripherals like keyboards, mice, and flash drives.

14. HDMI – High-Definition Multimedia Interface
Used to transmit high-quality audio and video to displays.

15. VGA – Video Graphics Array
An older display connector found on older PCs and monitors.

16. DVI – Digital Visual Interface
A display connector that came between VGA and HDMI generations.

17. LAN – Local Area Network
A network connecting computers in the same area (like your home or school).

18. WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network
A LAN that works wirelessly — basically your Wi-Fi.

19. Wi-Fi – Wireless Fidelity
Lets your devices connect to the internet without cables.

20. BT – Bluetooth
Wireless connection for short-range data sharing between devices.

21. MHz – Megahertz
Measures the clock speed of CPUs and other components (millions of cycles per second).

22. GHz – Gigahertz
One billion cycles per second — faster than MHz.

23. Hz – Hertz
Basic unit of frequency used in refresh rates and CPU speed.

24. RGB – Red Green Blue
Lighting setup that lets components glow in customizable colors.

25. PCB – Printed Circuit Board
The green board that holds and connects all electronic components.

26. PCBA – Printed Circuit Board Assembly
A PCB that already has components soldered on and ready to use.

27. IC – Integrated Circuit
A tiny chip that contains many electronic components for specific tasks.

28. MOSFET – Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor
Controls voltage and current in circuits — important for power delivery.

29. PSU – Power Supply Unit
Converts AC power from the wall into DC power your PC can use.

30. ATX – Advanced Technology eXtended
A common motherboard form factor used in most desktop builds.

31. mATX – Micro ATX
A smaller version of the ATX motherboard, with fewer slots.

32. ITX – Information Technology eXtended
Tiny motherboard form factor for compact builds.

33. E-ATX – Extended ATX
Larger than standard ATX with more expansion slots and power phases.

34. DIMM – Dual Inline Memory Module
The physical stick of RAM used in desktops.

35. SODIMM – Small Outline DIMM
Compact RAM modules used in laptops.

36. AIO – All-In-One
Usually refers to water cooling systems or PCs with everything built into one unit.

37. TDP – Thermal Design Power
Indicates the heat output or power draw a CPU or GPU is designed for.

38. FPS – Frames Per Second
The number of images shown per second in games and videos.

39. RTX – Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme
NVIDIA’s GPU tech for realistic lighting and reflections.

40. G-Sync – Graphics Sync
NVIDIA’s tech that reduces screen tearing by syncing monitor refresh rate with GPU output.

41. FreeSync – Adaptive Sync
AMD’s version of variable refresh rate tech for smoother visuals.

42. VRAM – Video Random Access Memory
Memory inside GPUs dedicated to storing textures and graphics data.

43. API – Application Programming Interface
A bridge that lets software communicate with hardware or other software.

44. I/O – Input/Output
Refers to all connections and ports on a device.

45. RPM – Revolutions Per Minute
Speed at which HDD platters spin — higher means faster read/write speeds.

46. DB – Decibel
Unit to measure sound level — often used for fan noise or speaker output.

47. UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply
Provides backup power when electricity cuts off suddenly.

48. PSU – Power Supply Unit
(Same abbreviation repeated but essential) — powers your whole system.

49. VR – Virtual Reality
Immersive tech that simulates 3D environments for gaming and exploration.

50. AR – Augmented Reality
Blends digital elements with the real world through a camera or headset.

51. TB – Terabyte
A storage measurement equal to 1,000 gigabytes.

52. GB – Gigabyte
Storage measurement used for RAM, SSDs, and files.

53. MB – Megabyte
Smaller data measurement — 1,000 kilobytes.

54. KB – Kilobyte
Basic data measurement unit — 1,000 bytes.

55. AI – Artificial Intelligence
Used in GPUs, CPUs, and software for smart tasks like optimization and predictions.

56. ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
Part of the CPU that performs math and logic operations.

57. FPU – Floating Point Unit
Handles complex decimal calculations inside the CPU.

58. GPU-Z – Graphics Processing Unit Info Utility
A tool to check your GPU specs and temperatures.

59. CPU-Z – Central Processing Unit Info Utility
Software that shows CPU details like cores, speed, and cache.

60. LGA – Land Grid Array
Socket type where pins are on the motherboard (Intel CPUs use it).

61. PGA – Pin Grid Array
Socket type where pins are on the CPU (AMD uses it).

62. BGA – Ball Grid Array
Soldered directly onto the motherboard — not removable.

63. BIOS – Basic Input Output System
The firmware that starts up before your OS boots.

64. UEFI – Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
Modern replacement for BIOS with better UI and faster boot.

65. OS – Operating System
The main software that manages hardware and applications.

66. SATAe – SATA Express
A faster version of SATA that never really caught on.

67. DP – DisplayPort
Connector for video output, often used for high-refresh monitors.

68. M.2 – Mini Module Connector 2
Slot for SSDs or Wi-Fi cards directly on the motherboard.

69. QVL – Qualified Vendor List
List of parts (like RAM) tested to work with a specific motherboard.

70. OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer
Company that makes parts for another brand’s products.

71. DOA – Dead On Arrival
When hardware is faulty right out of the box.

72. VRM – Voltage Regulator Module
Controls and stabilizes voltage for the CPU and GPU.

73. RMA – Return Merchandise Authorization
Process for returning defective products to the manufacturer.

74. ECC – Error-Correcting Code
RAM feature that detects and fixes data errors — used in servers.

75. RAID – Redundant Array of Independent Disks
Combines multiple drives for speed or data protection.

76. NIC – Network Interface Card
Component that connects your PC to the internet or network.

77. MAC – Media Access Control Address
Unique hardware ID for network interfaces.

78. IP – Internet Protocol
The address system for devices on a network.

79. DNS – Domain Name System
Translates website names into IP addresses.

80. DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

81. WPA – Wi-Fi Protected Access
Encryption standard that keeps your Wi-Fi secure.

82. WPS – Wi-Fi Protected Setup
Quick method to connect devices to Wi-Fi using a button.

83. SoC – System on Chip
Combines CPU, GPU, and memory into a single chip — used in phones and embedded boards.

84. RTC – Real Time Clock
Keeps track of time even when the computer is off.

85. TPM – Trusted Platform Module
Chip that handles encryption and system security.

86. DLP – Digital Light Processing
Used in projectors to display bright, clear images.

87. LED – Light Emitting Diode
Used for lighting, indicators, and displays.

88. OLED – Organic Light Emitting Diode
Display tech with better contrast and colors.

89. LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
Common display tech used in monitors and laptops.

90. CRT – Cathode Ray Tube
Old display tech used before flat screens became common.

91. AIU – Automatic Identification Unit
Used for identifying connected devices or sensors.

92. TPM – Trusted Platform Module
(Yes, again — because it’s that important for modern systems).

93. POST – Power-On Self-Test
Diagnostic test your PC runs when booting up.

94. SLI – Scalable Link Interface
NVIDIA’s tech for using multiple GPUs together.

95. CF – CrossFire
AMD’s version of linking multiple GPUs.

96. HBM – High Bandwidth Memory
Super-fast memory used in high-end GPUs.

97. GDDR – Graphics Double Data Rate
Type of RAM used in graphics cards.

98. DPMS – Display Power Management Signaling
Allows monitors to go into power-saving mode automatically.

99. SMC – System Management Controller
Used mainly in Apple devices to manage power and thermal control.

100. PCBA – Printed Circuit Board Assembly
A PCB that already has all electronic components installed and ready to go.

This really took me a lot of time to list down and research about, so please at least comment on this post! 😁