Computer Components

1. Input Devices

Input devices let a person give information or commands to a computer.

Keyboard

A keyboard lets you type letters, numbers and commands into a computer. It is one of the most common ways to control a computer.

$28.25 CAD – $949.19 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Mouse

A mouse lets you move a pointer around the screen and select things by clicking. A mouse can also have buttons and a scroll wheel.

$14.68 CAD – $180.74 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Scanner

A scanner copies a physical document or picture and turns it into a digital file that the computer can use.

$79.09 CAD – $146.89 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Microphone & Headset

A microphone sends sound into the computer. A headset usually combines headphones for hearing sound with a microphone for speaking.

$79.09 CAD – $90.39 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada / Canada Computers.

Gaming Controllers / Joysticks

A controller gives the computer buttons, sticks and other controls that are useful for games and simulations.

$83.59 CAD – $100.54 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Graphics Tablet / Stylus

A graphics tablet lets someone draw on a flat surface with a stylus. The computer turns the pen movements into digital drawings.

$101.64 CAD – $958.23 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Newegg Canada.

Gesture Recognition Technology

Gesture recognition uses cameras or sensors to detect movements such as hand gestures. The computer can use those movements as commands.

$46.32 CAD – $160.43 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Newegg Canada.

BCI (Brain-Computer Interface)

A BCI uses sensors to measure brain activity and can turn certain signals into computer commands. This technology is mainly used in research and specialized applications.

No qualifying price found

Checked Canada Computers, Best Buy Canada and Newegg Canada.

2. Output Devices

Output devices give information from the computer to the user. This can include pictures, printed pages, sound or an immersive visual experience.

Printer

A printer takes a digital document or image and puts it onto paper or another physical material.

$56.49 CAD – $225.99 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Monitor / Display

A monitor shows the computer's visual output, such as programs, text, pictures and games.

$107.34 CAD – $2,485.99 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Speakers / Sound Bar

Speakers turn digital audio from the computer into sound that people can hear. A sound bar is a longer speaker system often used with displays.

$18.07 CAD – $2,485.99 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Canada Computers / Best Buy Canada.

VR Headset

A VR headset places screens close to the user's eyes to create a virtual environment. It can also track head movement.

$790.99 CAD – $1,693.51 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada / Newegg Canada.

AR Devices

Augmented reality devices add computer-generated information to the real world. Smart glasses are one example.

$8,786.70 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Newegg Canada.

Holographic Display

A holographic display creates a 3D-looking image that appears to have depth. These displays are usually much more expensive than normal monitors.

$492.21 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Newegg Canada.

3. Processing Devices

Processing devices handle instructions and calculations. They are a major part of how the computer turns input into useful results.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board. It connects the CPU, RAM, storage and other hardware so they can communicate.

$107.34 CAD – $1,988.79 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

CPU

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, follows instructions and performs calculations. It is often described as the main processor of the computer.

$141.23 CAD – $1,073.49 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada / Newegg Canada.

iGPU / dGPU

A GPU processes graphics. An iGPU is built into another processor, while a dGPU is a separate graphics card. Dedicated GPUs are usually much more powerful for demanding games and 3D work.

$395.49 CAD – $4,519.99 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada / Newegg Canada.

Modem

A modem connects a computer or home network to an internet service by translating signals between the network and the service provider.

$14.68 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

4. Power Devices

Power devices provide electricity in a form that computer components can safely use.

Power Supply

A power supply unit, or PSU, changes electricity from the wall into the voltages needed by the computer's components.

$169.15 CAD – $271.19 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada / Canada Computers.

5. Memory / Storage Devices

Memory and storage hold information for the computer. Some memory is very fast and temporary, while storage keeps files even after the computer is turned off.

RAM

RAM is short-term memory used by the computer while programs are running. More RAM can help a computer handle more programs and information at once.

$395.49 CAD – $2,406.89 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Canada Computers.

Hard Disk / Solid State Drive (HDD / SSD)

HDDs and SSDs store files, programs and the operating system. SSDs have no moving parts and are generally faster, while HDDs are often cheaper for large amounts of storage.

$90.39 CAD – $1,073.49 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Canada Computers.

CD / DVD (Optical) Drive

An optical drive reads or writes information on CDs and DVDs using a laser. They are less common in modern computers but can still be useful.

$48.58 CAD – $67.79 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is a small portable storage device. It is useful for moving files between computers.

$16.94 CAD – $56.49 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Canada Computers / Best Buy Canada.

USB-C / Thunderbolt Docking Station

A docking station lets one laptop connect to several devices through one connection. It can provide ports for monitors, USB devices, networking and other accessories.

$169.49 CAD

Lowest/highest found: Best Buy Canada.

Price Summary