Computer Hardware
Bus
Definition
In computer architecture, a bus is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer, or between computers. This expression covers all related hardware components (wire, optical fiber, etc.) and software, including communication protocols.
Why It Matters
The bus is the highway for data inside your computer. The speed and width of the bus determine how quickly data can move between the CPU, RAM, GPU, and other components, which has a major impact on overall system performance.
Contextual Example
The Front-Side Bus (an older term) was the main pathway between the CPU and the main memory. Modern CPUs have an integrated memory controller, but the concept of high-speed busses, like PCIe, remains crucial.
Common Misunderstandings
- Bus speed is measured in MHz, and its width is measured in bits (e.g., a 64-bit bus). A faster, wider bus can transfer more data at once.
- PCI Express (PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard that connects components like GPUs and SSDs to the motherboard.