Hårdvaru

Hårdvaru is the term used to describe the tangible, physical components of computer systems and other electronic devices. In everyday use it contrasts with software, the programs and data that run on hardware. Hårdvaru encompasses the devices that can be touched and assembled into a functioning system, such as processors, memory, storage, and periphery.

Typical components include central processing unit (CPU), memory modules (RAM), storage drives (hard disk drives and solid-state drives), motherboard, power supply, and cooling solutions (fans, heatsinks). The chassis or enclosure is also part of hardware. Expansion cards (graphics, sound, network) and connectivity interfaces (PCIe, USB, SATA, NVMe) extend capabilities. Input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, speakers), and networking equipment (network interface cards, routers) are common hardware elements. Embedded hardware, comprising microcontrollers and system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices, forms the core of many consumer electronics, industrial equipment and vehicles.

Hardware interacts with software through firmware and device drivers, enabling communication between components and higher-level programs. Compatibility and form factors—such as ATX, microATX, ITX, and laptop variants—shape system design. Form factors also influence power consumption, heat dissipation, and expandability.

Historically, hardware has evolved from electromechanical devices to transistors and integrated circuits, to modern multi-core processors and specialized accelerators (GPUs, AI accelerators). Ongoing trends include modular systems, higher energy efficiency, increased integration, and advances in storage technologies and networking.

See also: software, firmware, embedded systems.