3.0 Hardware Flashcards
Notes:
Network Cables
Transmission Speeds
- Copper cables: achieve speeds of up to 40 Gigabits
- Fiber cables: achieve speeds above 100 Gigabits
Transmission Distance
- Copper cables: can reach distances of 1,000 meters (3,609 feet)
- Fiber cables: can reach distances of 40 kilometers (25 miles)
Copper or Fiber cable?
Cable that has transmission speeds of up to 40 Gigabits.
Copper cable
Copper or Fiber cable?
Cable that has transmission speeds above 100 Gigabits.
Fiber cable
Copper or Fiber cable?
Cable that has transmission distances of 1,000 meters (3,609 feet).
Copper cable
Copper or Fiber cable?
Cable that has transmission distances of 40 kilometers (25 miles).
Fiber cable
The loss of signal strength in networking cables or connections
Attenuation
A condition when signals from a device or cable leak out and disrupt signals of another device or cable
EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference)
What type of cables protect against EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference)
a) Fiber cables
b) Copper cables
c) Shielded cables
c) Shielded cables
Which cables are highly susceptible to interference?
a) Fiber cables
b) Copper cables
c) Shielded cables
b) Copper cables
Cable type that consist of eight wires that are twisted into four pairs.
Twisted Pair cables
Notes:
Twisted Pair Types
STP (Shield Twisted Pair): Has shielding to protect against EMI
- Direct-burial cable: is a special type of electrical wiring or cable that is designed to be buried in a trench under ground.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): Does NOT have shielding to protect against EMI
Twisted Pair connector that has 4-pin connector and is usually found on dial-up modems and analog telephones
a) RJ11 connector
b) RJ45 connector
a) RJ11 connector
Twisted Pair connector that has 8-pin connector and is usually found on computer networks
a) RJ11 connector
b) RJ45 connector
b) RJ45 connector
Notes:
Twisted Pair Categories
Cat 5
– Speed: 100 Mbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Used in older networks
Cat 5e
– Speed: 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: More twist per foot allows it to handle disturbances to achieve faster speeds
Cat 6
– Speed: 10,000 Mbps / 10 Gbps
– Speed: 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps
– Distance: 55 meters
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Includes a piece of plastic to separate the 4 wire pairs which minimizes crosstalk
Cat 6e
– Speed: 10,000 Mbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Thicker wires to carry a more powerful signal for longer distance
Which Cat cable has:
– Speed: 100 Mbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Used in older networks
a) Cat 5
b) Cat 5e
c) Cat 6
d) Cat 6e
Cat 5
Which Cat cable has:
– Speed: 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: More twist per foot allows it to handle disturbances to achieve faster speeds
a) Cat 5
b) Cat 5e
c) Cat 6
d) Cat 6e
Cat 5e
Which Cat cable has:
– Speed: 10,000 Mbps / 10 Gbps
– Speed: 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps
– Distance: 55 meters
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Includes a piece of plastic to separate the 4 wire pairs which minimizes crosstalk
a) Cat 5
b) Cat 5e
c) Cat 6
d) Cat 6e
Cat 6
Which Cat cable has:
– Speed: 10,000 Mbps
– Distance: 100 meters
– Description: Thicker wires to carry a more powerful signal for longer distance
a) Cat 5
b) Cat 5e
c) Cat 6
d) Cat 6e
Cat 6e
A round cable often used for cable in and satellite television connections. It’s thick outer jacket makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Coax (Coaxial Cable)
What is the most common type of coax (Coaxial Cable) cable?
RG-6
Notes:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Coax cable
Advantage:
- Shielding protects against EMI
- Long transmission distance (1100 meters)
- More affordable than fiber optic cables
Disadvantage:
- More expensive than twisted pair cables
- Copper core can snap if mishandled
Notes:
Coax Connectors
BNC Connector – secure locking connector (commonly used in the old bus and ring networks)
Twisting hand screw (commonly found on cable modems)
Cable that transmits data using light over flexible glass or plastic. (Commonly used by WAN carriers and service providers’ networks because of their needs for long-distance connections.)
Fiber Optic cables
Notes:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic cable
Advantage:
- Is NOT susceptible to EMI
- Longest transmission distance up to 40km
- Fastest speeds up t 255 Tbps
Disadvantage:
- Most expensive cable
- Most difficult to install
- Difficult to troubleshoot issues
- Expensive tools needed for installation
- Can’t easily repair cables in the filed
Notes:
Fiber Optic cable Connectors
ST Connector:
- ST (straight tip)
- 1980s and 1990s
- Used in SMF (single mode fiber) installations
LC Connector:
- LC (Lucent connection / local connection / little connector)
- Snaps-in style connector
- Small form-factor connector
- Used in SMF and MMF (multi-mode fiber) installations
SC Connector:
- SC (standard connector / square connector)
- Snaps-in style connector
- Used in SMF and MMF installations
Dual LC Connector:
- Dual LC
- Snaps-in style connector
- Small form-factor connector
- Used in SMF and MMF installations
What are the four types of connectors for Fiber Optic Cables?
1) ST connector (straight tip)
2) LC connector (local/little connector)
3) SC connector (standard connector)
4) Dual LC connector
Difference between SMF and MMF?
SMF – Single Mode Fiber is just one strand of fiber that’s generally sending OR receiving, never both at the same time.
MMF – Multi Mode Fiber allows you to send and receive data at the same time
Notes:
Summary Network Cable Specs
Connector – BNC and F
EMI Protection – Shielding
Max Speed – 1 Gigabit
Max Distance – 1100 meters
Conductor – Copper
Cost – $$$
Connector – RJ-45 & RJ-11
EMI Protection – Shielding
Max Speed – 10 Gigabits
Max Distance – 100 meters
Conductor – Copper
Cost – $$
Connector – RJ-45 & RJ-11
EMI Protection – None
Max Speed – 10 Gigabits
Max Distance – 100 meters
Conductor – Copper
Cost – $
Connector – ST, SC, & LC
EMI Protection – Not susceptible
Max Speed – less than 100 Gigabits
Max Distance – 40 kilometers
Conductor – Glass
Cost – $$$$$$
Connector – SC & LC
EMI Protection – Not susceptible
Max Speed – less than 100 Gigabits
Max Distance – 500 meters
Conductor – Glass
Cost – $$$$$
A cable connector used to attach storage such as HHDs, SSDs, and optical drives.
SATA (Serial ATA)
Notes:
SATA versions
SATA 1 – 1.5 Gbps / 150 MB/s
SATA 2 – 3 Gbps / 300 MB/s
SATA 3 – 6 Gbps / 600 MB/s
SATA cable connector replaced what older connectors?
PATA/IDE connectors
Notes:
Older Drive Cables
SCSI
- 320 MB/s max data rate
- 80-pin ribbon connectors
- 1 connector supports many drives
- (mostly on servers)
IDE/PATA
- 166 MB/s max data rate
- 40-pin ribbon connector
- 1 connector supports 2 drives
Notes:
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
HD and UHD audio AND video
- Most common connector for connecting computers to monitors and televisions
- An active HDMI cable is required for connections longer than 25 ft
- HDCP (High-Definition Copy and Protection) support is required for some HD and UHD content like Blue-ray video and some streaming services
Notes:
DisplayPort
- HD and UHD audio AND video
- Support HD digital video and audio signals
- Popularized by Apple and commonly used by gamers to achieve very high refresh rates.
- Can be combined with USB and Thunderbolt ports
How to visually tell the difference between an HDMI port and a DisplayPort
DisplayPort bigger and squarer, has one notch (3 sharp corners, 1 slanted corner)
HDMI medium sized, has two notches (2 sharp corners, 2 slanted corners)
Notes:
VGA (Video Graphics Array)
- Older / legacy
- SD and HD analog video
- 15 pin D-SUB
- Normally colored blue
Notes:
DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
- SD and HD analog and digital video
- Normally colored white
Can be used to change a video connector from one type to another. They are simple devices so they cannot convert analog to digital or vice versa
Video adapter
Notes:
Connector types (7)
1) RJ11 – ethernet used to connect telephones
RJ45 – ethernet used to connect networks
2) F type – coax
3) ST Straight tip – fiber optic
SC subscriber connector – fiber optic
LC lucent connector – fiber optic
4) Punchdown block – hub for cables
5) microUSB, miniUSB, USB-C
6) Molex – power up IDE hard drives
7) Lightning port – Apple charger
Notes:
USB
USB – Universal Serial Bus
- Supports keyboards, mouse, storage devices, printers, scanners, webcams, gamepads, ethernet, Wi-Fi, displays, audio devices, touchscreens, etc.
- 127 devices can be plugged into USB (usb hub)
Notes:
USB Versions and Speeds
USB 1.0 – LowSpeed (1.5Mbps) white
USB 1.1 – FullSpeed (12 Mbps) white
USB 2.0 – Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) black
USB 3.0 – SuperSpeed (5 Gbps) blue
USB 3.1 – SuperSpeed+ (10 Gbps) teal
USB 3.2 – SuperSpeed++ (20 Gbps) N/A
USB 4 – SuperSpeed+++ (40 Gbps) N/A
Notes:
USB Connector Types
Type A (host port)
- Computer connector
Type B (guest port)
- Device connector
Type C (host and guest port)
- Computer & device connector reversable
Notes:
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt
- Fastest and most capable connector
- Compatible with DisplayPort and USB devices
- Supports storage devices, displays, audio, networking, and adapters
- 6 thunderbolt devices can be daisy chained using a single thunderbolt port
Notes:
Thunderbolt versions, Speeds, and Port types
Version 1 - 10 Gbps - Mini Display Port
Version 2 - 20 Gbps - Mini Display Port
Version 3 - 40 Gbps - USB Type C
Version 4 - 80 Gbps - USB Type C
Notes:
Serial Port / RS-232 / DB9
Serial Port is one of the oldest ports still in used but for very few occasions
- Most computers do NOT include a serial port, but on can be added via USB, PCI, or PCIe
- Can be used to manage enterprise class network devices, program microcontrollers, or control robotic equipment
Notes:
DDR RAM
Double Data Rate (DDR) is the advanced version of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM)
- The difference between SDRAM (older version) and DDR is how much data is transported with each cycle
- DDR RAM is available in various types (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DDR5 (newest))
- Different type are NOT compatible with each other
- A motherboard that supports one type of DDR will NOT work with any other type
Performance Rating (Formula)
DDR - 266 = PC - 2100
266 (Transfer Rate) x 8 (Bits) = 2128 (Mbps)
Notes:
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is the most common type of system memory used by todays computing devices. All applications that are open on a system require some amount of memory, so the higher capacity of RAM the more applications that can be opened.
- SRAM: Static RAM is memory that is often used as cache inside of CPUs, hard drives, LCDs, and other components. It is soldered directly to the component, so it is NOT a serviceable part.
- DRAM: Dynamic RAM is the memory that we install on the motherboard.
- They vary in capacity from 2GB - 32GB commonly but are available in larger sizes
Difference between volatile memory and non-volatile memory?
Volatile (TEMPERARY STORAGE like RAM) – when the computer loses power it loses the memory
Non-Volatile (PERMANENT STORAGE like HDD or SSD) – when the computer loses power, it keeps the memory
Notes:
DIMM vs. SODIMM
RAM is available in two packages, DIMMs and SODIMMs.
- DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)
- Commonly found in desktops and servers - SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module)
- Commonly found in laptops
Notes:
Memory Channeling
Memory channeling allows a system to access more RAM simultaneously to improve performance.
Channel – Single Channel
Configuration – No requirements
Description – System can access a SINGLE chip at a time
Channel – Dual Channel
Configuration – Matching pairs
Description – System can access TWO chips at once
Channel – Triple Channel
Configuration – Matching threes
Description – System can access THREE chips at once
Channel – Quad Channel
Configuration – Matching fours
Description – System can access FOUR chips at once
Notes:
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided DIMMs
When maxing out RAM on a motherboard verify if it requires single-sided or double-sided memory.
Single-sided memory can be more expensive at higher capacity with no performance benefit.
Notes:
RAM Variations
1) Latency
- Measures how responsive RAM is when data is being read from it
- Reported as CAS level or in milliseconds; lower is better for either
2) ECC (Error checking and correcting) RAM
- Can detect and fix errors in data on RAM
- Makes a system more stable NOT faster
- Commonly found in critical servers
3) Registered and Buffered Memory
- Includes extra chips to allow for more consistent communications between the memory controller and RAM
- Only found in high memory capacity servers
- Unbuffered memory is common for most desktop and portable systems.
Notes:
RAM Considerations
- The CPU chipset determines the features below, consider the following when acquiring RAM for an upgrade or replacement:
- Max capacity is predetermined - RAM type is the most important since only one is supported. - DIMMs are found in desktop and server systems. - SODIMMs are found in laptops and SFF (small form factor) computers - RAM Speed should match motherboard supported speed for best experience, but it is not a requirement for compatibility. - Number of slots will determine how many pieces of RAM can be installed.
Notes:
Storage Terms
Capacity
- Defines how MUCH data can be stored
- Measured in MB, GB, TB
Performance (Throughput)
- Defines how FAST data can be read or written
- Measured in bps, Mbps, Gbps,
- Also known as throughput
Interface (Connector)
- Is how the drive CONNECTS to the computer system
- Internal interfaces: SATA or m.2
- External interfaces: USB or Thunderbolt
- Also known as the connector
Form factor
- Defines the dimensions of the disk
Notes:
HDD )Hard Disk Drive)
- Hard Disk Drives use a magnetic head to read/write data onto spinning metal or ceramic platters
- Available in 2.5” and 3.5” form factors
- Commonly connected to SATA interfaces
- Also found in legacy interfaces such as IDE/PATA and SCSI - Advantages
- Affordable in large sizes up to 22TB
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for mobile since there are so many moving parts (Vibrations can cause the drive head to crash into the platter damaging the drive)
- Slower at reading and writing data then an SSD (Solid State Drive)
Notes:
Flash Memory Devices
- USB Thumb/Flash/Pen Drives
- Faster, larger, and more durable than floppy disks or optical media
- Meant to be used to transport data
- Should NOT be used as persistent storage like HDD - Memory Cards/ Storage Cards
- Used in portable devices (like smartphones, cameras, tablets)
- Many formats exist: microSD, miniSD, etc.
Card readers can be used to connect a storage card is support isn’t included in a device
Notes:
RAID
- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
- Combines identical hard drives to either increase storage capacity and performance, provide data protection or both.
- RAID is not specific to any kind of drive
(IDE, SATA, M.2, PCIe, USB, Thunderbolt)- Hardware RAID - Motherboard built-in RAID - PCI or PCIe RAID controller card - USB/Thunderbolt external RAID encloser - Software RAID - Windows: Dynamic Disk and Storage Spaces - macOS: Disk Utility can be used to create RAID arrays - Linux: Built-in to the Linux kernel as a standard
- Combines identical hard drives to either increase storage capacity and performance, provide data protection or both.
- JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks)
Notes:
RAID 0 (SPEED - NO REDUNDENCY)
RAID 0
- Uses disk striping to combine drives into one larger and faster logical drive.
- Disk Striping is a method of storage that spreads data bits across all disks in the array, increasing performance and capacity.
Advantage:
- Faster read and write because of disk striping (PERFORMANCE – GIVES SPEED NOT REDUNDENCY)
- Larger storage then any single disk
- Only TWO disks are required, but more disks will increase capacity and performance
Disadvantage:
- NO Data Protection!
- If one disk fails all data is lost without a backup.
DIAGRAM:
RAID 0
———– ———–
A1 A2
A3 A4
A5 A6
A7 A8
A1 | A2 |
Notes:
RAID 1 (REDUNDENCY - NO SPEED/CAPACITY)
RAID 1
- Provides data protection by mirroring data across two disk
- Disk Mirroring actively duplicates bits across two disks to prevent data loss.
Advantage:
- Data protection
- If one disk fails, there is NO data loss
- Only TWO disks are required, but more disks will increase protection, but NOT capacity or performance
- No performance lost if a disk fails
- Fast recovery
Disadvantage:
- Max storage capacity is limited to the size of a single disk
- One disk for storage and one for protection
DIAGRAM:
RAID 1
———– ———–
A1 A1
A2 A2
A3 A3
A4 A4
A1 | A1 |
Notes:
RAID 5 (PARITY)
RAID 5
- Uses disk striping to combine drives into one larger and faster logical drive and distributes parity across all disks in the array
- Parity data – is a smaller representative value that can be used to recreate data if data is lost
- Advantage:
- Data protection
- (If one disk can fail, parity will be used to recreate the data)
- Larger storage than a single drive - Disadvantage
- THREE disks are required, but more disks will increase capacity NOT protection or performance
- Parity is SLOW!
- Makes working while a disk has failed slow
- Makes rebuilding the array slow when replacing a degraded disk
DIAGRAM:
RAID 5
———– ———– ———–
A1 A2 P1
A3 P2 A4
P3 A5 A6
A7 A8 A9
Notes:
RAID 10 (SPEED & REDUNDENCY)
RAID 10
- (1+0) combines disk into RAID 1 arrays and then combines those arrays into a RAID 0
Advantage:
- Faster read and write because of disk striping
- Larger storage than any single disk
- More disks will increase capacity, performance, and protection
- No performance lost if a disk fails
- Fast recovery
Disadvantage:
- FOUR disk minimum
- If a RAID 1 array fails all data will be lost
(That’s two disks in a single RAID 1 failing)
DIAGRAM:
RAID 10
———
RAID 0
————– ————–
RAID 1 RAID 1
———– ———– ———– ———–
A1 A1 A2 A2
A3 A3 A4 A4
A5 A5 A6 A6
A7 A7 A8 A8
Notes:
SSD
Solid State Drives (SSD)
- Uses an array of flash chips to read and write data electrically
- Available in SATA and M.2 for factors
Advantages:
- Ideal for mobile since there are no moving parts
- Faster at reading/writing data
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than HDDs
- Limited write cycles
Notes:
SSD Connector
- M.2 connectors have quickly become the preferred SSD form factor
- Smallest drive form factor
- Replaced the older mSATA standard
- Supports SATA and NVMe SSDs
- Formerly NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor)
- M.2 slots are “keyed” to identify what type of device or drive is supported
Key ID – B Key
Device Supported – SATA SSD
Standard – SATA
Key ID – M Key
Device Supported – NVMe SSD
Standard – PCIe x2/x4
Key ID – B + M Key
Device Supported – SATA or NVMe SSD
Standard – SATA or PCIe
Notes:
NVMe
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
- PCIe based SSD drive which provides the best performance
- Fastest SSDs on the market
- Available in different lengths
Which is faster? SATA bus or PCIe bus.
PCIe bus
Notes:
Throttling and Overclocking
1) Throttling
- A CPU is done to reduce power consumption and so the CPU generates less heat. Modern CPUs will reduce their clock speed if they become too hot.
- (Intel calls it throttling technology “SpeedStep” while AMD calls their throttling technology “Cool’n’Quiet”)
2) Overclocking
- A CPU will increase the CPU frequency by increasing the multiplier to get better performance.
- (Supply’s a better cooling solution is a must when overclocking; liquid cooling is recommended – only recommended for gamers)
3) Clock Multipliers
- Are used to change the ratio of the base clock and the external clock often modified to overclock a CPU.
- (CPU clock x Clock multiplier = CPU frequency – 150MHz x 10 = 1,500 MHz/1.5 GHz)
Notes:
Passive Cooling
Passive Cooling - techniques do NOT use any moving parts
1) Thermal Compounds
- Are a paste or grease that’s applied to the top of a chip to assist in moving the heat away from a chip.
- Fills in the microscopic imperfections in the CPU aluminum lid
- Conducts heat away from the CPU and into the heat sink.
- Must be replaced if it becomes dry and brittle.
2) Thermal pads
- Are soft rubber pads that are an alternative to thermal compounds.
- Last longer than thermal compound but not as good at transferring heat.
- Commonly used on memory chips.
- NOT commonly used with CPUs
3) Heat Sinks
- Are blocks of metal that absorb the heat from the chip they sit on.
- Commonly used with CPUs, memory, SSDs, GPUs, and chipsets
- Before you install a heat sink, you must always apply thermal compound
Notes:
Active Cooling
Active Cooling
1) CPU Fan / CPU Cooler
- Includes a heatsink with a FAN mounted on it.
- (If a system is overheating, consider replacing the stock cooler with a more efficient one, Compatibility is based on the CPU socket type)
2) Case Fan
- Intake fans pull in cool air
- Exhaust fans push out the hot air
(Also, the bigger the fan, the quieter the noise)
Notes:
Liquid Cooling
Liquid Cooling
- Uses either water or coolant to transfer heat as quickly as possible and quiet
- Can be very dangerous (leaking)
- Liquid cooling kits can be more efficient, but require more maintenance
- Only recommended if overclocking or gaming
Notes:
CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a core component of all computing devices.
- Processes instructions for the OS, applications, and other components.
- Motherboard chipset and socket define CPU compatibility.
Notes:
CPU Architecture
1) x86 / x64
- Designed for desktop and server systems
- Intel and AMD dominate the market on it
- Consumes lots of power and generates lots of heat
- Large library of compatible software
2) ARM
- Designed for mobile and laptops
- Apple & Samsung are market competition
- Power efficient and generates less heat
- Limited software compatibility
Notes:
Desktop and Server CPU
DESKTOP CPUs
1) PGA (Pin Grid Array) Socket
- Connector with holes to receive the pins from the bottom of the CPU
- Older style still used by AMD
2) LGA (Land Grid Array) Socket
- Connector with pins that contact the pads on the bottom of the CPU
- Intel created and exclusively uses LGA sockets
- Used by AMD for their Ryzen Threadripper and EYPC CPUs
SERVER CPUs
1) Multi-Socket Motherboards
- Some server motherboards have multiple CPU sockets to provide high performance
- Can be either LGA or PGA socket types but never both
Notes: (don’t need to memorize for exam)
Sockets and Processors
Intel
High-Performance CPUs – Corei9
Mainstream CPUs – Core i5 and i7
Budget CPUs – Core i3, Pentium & Celeron
Server CPUs – Xeon
AMD
High-Performance CPUs – Ryzen Threadripper
Mainstream CPUs – Ryzen
Budget CPUs – Athlon and A-Series
Server CPUs – EYPC
Notes:
Mobile CPU Sockets
Mobile CPUs – are designed to be smaller and more power efficient than desktop CPUs to better fit the use of mobile users.
BGA (Ball Grid Array) Socket
- There is no connector, instead balls of solder on are used to attach the CPU to the board
- Intel and AMD use them for their mobile CPUs
True or False? Most processors nowadays are going to come in 2-3 GHz
True
Notes:
Multithreading and Multicore
1) Hyper-Threading
- Is an Intel based technology which allows a CPU core to process multiple instructions instantaneously
- Referred to as Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) by other manufactures like AMD
2) A multicore processor
- Is a single chip that has two or more processor cores attached
- Provides enhanced performance and reduced power consumption
- Enables more efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks
- Dual-Core, Quad-Core, Hexa-Core, and Octa-Core processor are common in all computing devices
Notes:
CPU Technology (Virtualization)
Virtualization Support – allows for a system to host VMs (virtual machines)
- Not all CPUs support this feature, check manufacturers’ documentation
- Can be enabled or disabled in the BIOS/UEFI utility
- Intel Virilization Technology (Intel VT)
- AMD Virtualization Technology (AMD-V)
Notes:
Expansion Cards
1) Sound card
2) Video card (GPUs)
3) Capture card
4) NIC card
What does SLI (Scalable Link Interface) allow you to do?
SLI allows you to bond two cards (Graphics cards) together
Notes:
PCI
PCI (Peripheral Computer Interconnect)
- Expansion slots are used to attach hardware devices to expand the capabilities of a computer system beyond what’s integrated into the motherboard.
- PCI slots are the oldest and slowest slots so should only be used for the sake of compatibility (32-bit bus allows for 266 MB/s).
- Mini PCI slots can be found in older mobile computers but are not common.
Notes:
PCIe
PCIe (Peripheral Computer Interconnect Express)
- Expansion slots are used to attach hardware devices to expand the capabilities of a computer system beyond what’s integrated into the motherboard.
- PCIe slots are the latest and fastest slot
- Available in different sizes (x1, x4, x8, x12, x16, and x32)
- Bigger slots offer more lanes to transfer data so offer increased performance over the smaller slots.
- Smaller cards will ALWAYS work in a bigger slot
- Bigger cards can SOMETIMES work in a smaller slot - Mini PCIe is a common internal expansion for laptops and desktops
- Mostly used for WiFi adapters and SSD storage
Notes:
Computer Firmware – BIOS / UEFI
A BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or a UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware) is included on every motherboard to initiate the boot process and to manage integrated hardware.
- ROM (read-only memory) chip is used to store the BIOS/UEFI
- UEFI Only Features:
- Secure boot: Blocks untrusted code from running at boot up
- Faster startup: Loads an operating system faster than a BIOS
- Mouse and keyboard interaction: BIOS only support keyboard interactions
Notes:
CMOS
The CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) is used to store configuration changes done to the BIOS/UEFI.
- CMOS/BIOS/UEFI Setup Utility can be accessed by pressing “Delete” or “F2” during boot, but it does vary by system
- RTC (Real-Time Clock) is part of the CMOS and is used to provide the time to the computer system.
- A “boot time password” can be configured to be required before the operating system loads.
- CMOS is physically located on volatile memory.
- Volatile memory requires power to store information
- CR2032 coin batteries keep power to the CMOS
- If the battery dies or is removed the CMOS will reset back to its default settings
Notes: (don’t have to memorize for exam)
CMOS settings
Common CMOS settings
- Manage Integrated features
1) Boot Device Priority
2) Boot Time Passwords
3) Enable/Disable access to ports
4) Wake-on-LAN (WoL)
5) Virtualization Support
6) CPU multipliers and voltages
7) RAM timing and voltages
Notes:
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
A PSU (Power Supply Unit) is a critical component since they provide power to the motherboard and all other components attached to it.
1) Watts – identify the total amount of power a PSU can deliver
- (500 watts is what CompTIA recommends as a standard PSU)
- (Match the wattage when replacing a PSU or get one with a higher wattage, never lower)
2) Non-Modular PSUs (CABLES) – have all the cables permanently attached
- Can take up space and reduce airflow
3) Modular PSUs (NO CABLES) – don’t have any cables attached, just connectors
- Only need to attach the cables that are needed
4) Redundant Power Supplies
Notes:
PSU (Power Supply Unit) Form Factors
ATX vs SFX
Smaller vs Bigger
1) ATX PSUs are used in computer cases that support ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards
2) SFX PSUs are used in computer cases that support Mini-ITX or smaller form factors
Notes:
PSU Cable Connectors
v = volts
1) Molex power connector
- Supplies 5v and 12v
- Used by IDE drives, case fans, etc.
- Also known as the “Standard connector”
2) SATA Drive power connector
- Supplies 5v, 12v, and 3.3v
- Used on SATA drives only
3) PCIe power connector
- Used to give additional power to PCIe video cards
- 6 pin supplies 3 rails of 12v
- 8 pin supplies 4 rails of 12v
4) ATX connector
- Supplies 5v, 12v, and 3.3v
- Gives power to the motherboard
- Comes in a 20 pin and 24 pin version
5) ATX12v
- 4 pin connector also known as the P4 connector
- Connects to the motherboard to give power to the CPU
Notes:
Printer and Multifunction Devices
1) Printers are the oldest output devices and are still in home and businesses today.
a) Most Printers are really “Multifunction Devices (MFD)” which could include things like printing, faxing, scanning, and copying all in one.
2) CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the four-color printing process used by color printers. It can produce thousands of distinct colors.
3) Common Interfaces: USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or NFC
Notes:
Printer – PDL (PCL vs. PostScript)
PCL (Printer Control Language) and PostScript is that they’re both – Page Description Languages (PDL)
1) PCL is trademarked by HP
a) most used
2) PostScript developed by Adobe
a) Mostly used in industrial printers
Notes:
Printer – Public/shared devices
1) Printer share
a) Computer on the network that is sharing it’s printer
b) Computer has to be on
2) Printer server
a) A dedicated computer used to share printers
b) Can be a server in the network or can be done on a large multifunction device (automatic document feeder)
Notes:
Printer Configuration Settings
1) Duplex
a) The ability to flip the page on both sides of page
2) Orientation
3) Tray settings
4) Quality
Notes:
Printer Security
1) User authentication
a) Used to allow only specific individuals or groups to use the printer
2) Badging
a) If supported some devices will required to scan a badge in order to print to the device
3) Audit logs
a) Can display who used it and when
b) Shows any errors both software and hardware issues
4) Secured prints
6) If supported will require input of a code to be able to print
Notes:
Printer Finishers
Finishers take care of the busy work that happens after printing.
1) Duplexers – enable automatic 2-sided printing
2) Collator/Separator – properly orders the pages in a print job and separates each print job
3) Stapler – can staple all the pages in a print job
4) Binder – can print booklets usually with a spiral binding
5) Paper trays – allow a printer to hold more paper and different sizes of paper
Notes:
Laser Printer Kit
Laser Printer Maintenance Kit
1) When a printer prints a certain amount of pages you will need to replace many parts
2) A maintenance kit usually replaces:
a) Fuser Unit
b) Transfer Roller
c) Paper Feed Roller / Separation Roller
d) Pickup Roller
Notes:
Laser Printers
Laser Printers – fuse powered ink onto paper by using very high heat to melt toner on to the page
Advantage:
- Fastest printer
- Lowest cost per-page (ccp) for black and white printing
Disadvantage:
- Highest cost per-page for color printing
Maintenance:
- Replace toner, apply maintenance kit, calibrate, clean
Notes:
Laser Printer Components
1) Toner – the powered ink used
a) Avoid inhaling
2) Imaging Drum – a photosensitive drum that the laser/led write to
a) If the drum gets scratched it will leave visible marks on the print outs.
3) Transfer Belt and rollers
a) Keeps the colors aligned in a laser color printer
4) Erase Lamp – clears the imaging drum
a) If the erase lamp fails it will leave part of the previous print job on the drum which will show up on the next print job, this is called “Ghosting”
5) Pickup Rollers
a) Pickups paper from the tray
b) Can be clean or replaced if needed
6) Separation Pads
a) Separate paper to ensure the printer doesn’t pickup more than one sheet
7) Duplexing Assembly
a) Used to print on two (both) sides of the page
Notes:
Printer Corona and Fuser
1) Primary Corona – Wire charges the imaging drum.
a) If the primary corona wire fails, it may cause the printer to output blank or black pages.
2) Transfer Corona – Wire/Roller pulls the toner onto the paper from the drum
a) If the transfer corona wire fails, it will cause the printer to output blank pages.
3) Laser writes – to the imaging drum
4) Fuser melts – the toner onto the paper
a) If the fuser fails, it will lead to the toner being able to be rubbed of the page
Notes:
Laser Print Process (7 steps)
1) Processing
a) The printer receives and processes the image and stores the page in memory
2) Charging
a) Places a -600VDC charge on teh photosensitive drum using the charging corona.
3) Exposing
a) The laser writes an image onto the photosensitive drum, by lowing voltage (-100VDC)
4) Developing
a) The developing roller has a negative charge and the toner stuck to it. As the rolls the toner toward the photosensitive drum, the toner is attracted to it.
5) Transferring
a) The image is then transferred from the drum to the paper.
6) Fusing
a) The fuser, with a fuser roller and the pressure roller make the image permanent. The paper then exits the printer.
7) Cleaning
a) The print then uses a rubber scraper to clean the photosensitive drum.
Summary:
A) The drum is charged to a negative charge,
B) The laser writes to it, a lesser negative charge,
C) The toner is then going to be attracted to the drum (through the developer roll)
D) The fuser is hot then stamps down the toner
Notes:
Inkjet Printer
Inkjet Printer uses ink in the form of “ink cartridges” – it prints by spraying the ink onto the page.
1) Advantage:
- Most affectable
2) Disadvantage:
- Ink cartridges are expensive and dry up if you don’t use them.
- Every time you install a new ink cartridge you must “recalibrate” the printer which consumes ink and paper
3) Inkjet Printer Components
- Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, carriage belt
4) Maintenance
- Clean heads, replace cartridges, calibrate, clear jams
Notes:
Impact Printer – ribbon (dot matrix / daisy wheel)
Impact Printers – use ink in the form of an “ink ribbon” and print by some mechanism striking the ribbon to transfer an image to the page.
1) “Dot matrix” and “Daisy wheel” printers are the most common impacy printers.
Advantage
a) Can print on carbon backed paper
Disadvantage
a) Slow and loud
b) The tractor feed paper would often jam the printer
2) Impact Printer Components
a) Printer head, ribbon, tractor feed
b) Impact paper
3) Maintenance
a) Replace ribbon, replace print head, replace paper
Notes:
Thermal Printers – recipt
Thermal Printers are the only printer that does no use ink to print. It prints on heat sensitive paper.
1) The “heat sensitive paper” is easy to identify because it has a “shiny” or waxy look
2) Printouts are meant to be “disposable”, so if you want to keep the information for along time you can make a “photocopy or scan” the printout
3) Thermal Printer Components
a) Feed assembly, heating element
b) Special thermal paper
4) Maintenance
a) Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris
Question:
The user has asked for more RAM to be added to his desktop computer. What type of RAM will the technician install?
a) SODIMM
b) DDR5
c) Registered memory
d) SRAM
b) DDR5
a) SODIMM is used in laptop computers.
b) Registered memory is used on servers.
d) SRAM is used on processors or cache memory.
b) DDR5 is the best option here since it can be used on desktop computers.
Question:
The technician is upgrading the user’s workstation to make it faster. Which of the following storage media should the technician use to ensure fast read/write times?
a) SSD
b) HHD
c) SCSI
d) IDE
a) SSD
Solid-state drives (SSD) will be much faster than traditional hard drives since there are no moving parts. SCSI and IDE are interfaces for storage media not storage media types.
Question:
A technician is upgrading an older computer. He wants to install a newer processor but is unable to do so since it will not fit in the processor socket. What should the technician do next?
a) Try to remove as many pins as possible
b) Purchase an adaptor to create a universal socket
c) Change the socket
d) Find a compatible motherboard
d) Find a compatible motherboard
If the processor will not work in a certain motherboard, the only solution would be to purchase a motherboard that supports the processor. It is not possible to remove pins or change the sockets on a motherboard. There is no such thing as a universal socket.
Question:
A technician is building a workstation that is required to have mirrored storage, utilizing two 1TB drives. Which of the following BEST meets these requirements?
a) RAID 0
b) RAID 1
c) RAID 5
d) RAID 10
b) RAID 1
RAID 1 is considered a mirrored RAID. It writes the same data to two disks. If one disk fails, the other one will continue working. This is done for fault tolerance
Question:
A user is trying to open up multiple large spreadsheets but is experiencing performance issues. What should the technician upgrade on this machine?
a) Upgrade the CPU
b) Upgrade to GPU
c) Upgrade the power supply
d) Upgrade the RAM
d) Upgrade the RAM
If a computer is having issues opening up multiple applications at once, it is more than likely due to the lack of RAM. This is especially likely in this scenario since spreadsheets generally consume large amounts of memory due to their size.
Question:
A technician is troubleshooting an issue where a workstation is rebooting or shutting off when under a heavy load. It has a 200 W power supply and a dedicated GPU connected to the PCIe 16X slot. What should the technician check?
a) Check the power supply is set to 220V
b) Check to ensure the power supply has sufficient wattage
c) Replace the video card
d) Install the video card in a normal PCI slot
b) Check to ensure the power supply has sufficient wattage
When installing an add-on video card, it is important to ensure the power supply has enough wants to support them. Many of them require significant power from the power supply. CompTIA standard is 500 W
Question:
A technician has just installed a new motherboard and processor for a large server. Which of the following needs to be enabled for hypervisor virtualization to run?
a) Processor multiplier
b) Hyperthreading
c) CMOS
d) VT-x
d) VT-x
Intel VT-x (Virtualization Technology for x86) is specifically designed to enable hardware-assisted virtualization, allowing the hypervisor to manage virtual machines efficiently by providing direct CPU-level support. Without VT-x enabled, most hypervisors cannot fully utilize the processor’s virtualization features, making it essential for running virtual environments.
Question:
A technician is hearing a strange, repetitive, ticking noise coming from the PC. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?
a) Try to Backup the data
b) Replace the HDD
c) Check the fan
d) Check the DVD tray
a) Try to Backup the data
At ticking noise generally represents imminent failure for a hard drive. If possible it would be best to backup the data as soon as possible.Replacing the HDD will likely be necessary, but the FIRST step is to attempt to backup the data before the drive fails.
Question:
A company has a dot matrix printer that uses carbon paper. Users are reporting that the first page is hard to read but other pages on the form is okay. Which of the following MOST likely needs to be fixed?
a) The print drum is worn and lose
b) The ribbon is low on ink or missing and must be replaced
c) The heating element has failed
d) The wrong type of filament is being used
b) The ribbon is low on ink or missing and must be replaced
A Dot matrix printer utilizes ribbons and ink to print on the first page. It will then use carbon page to print on the other parts of the form.
Question:
An e-commerce site would like to add capacity to support more users. Additional servers have been installed. Which of the following should be used to ensure each new server IS being properly utilized?
a) Virtualization
b) Clustering
c) Load balancer
d) DNS
c) Load balancer
A load balancer will distribute traffic to all servers equally. This would allow more users to use multiple servers in order to browse the e-commerce site.
