3.2, 3.3 Hardware - sections 5, 7 Flashcards
What is Random Access Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM): Used to load applications and files into a non-persistent and fast storage area. One of the best ways to improve your computer system’s performance. Also called system memory
What is the cpu/processor memory Cache
Memory that is inside the processor itself small but very high-speed memory.
What is Storage
Mass storage deviec that holds more data but is slower than a cache. Permanent storage area. E.g hard drives, USB drives, CD-ROMS, and DVDs
What does RAM Disk Cache do
The memory cache for RAM. Pulls the files from the disc into memory and replaces the old file.
Single Bank Memory
Seen on most modern motherboards. Where you can put any size of module in any slot
Paired Bank Memory
Seen mostly on old motherboards where they required installation of banks in pairs.
Different versions of Dual Data Rate (DDR)
This type of memory is used in most modern systems, DDR3, DDR4, DDR5.
Throughput is calculated based on what
Bus speed and the width of the data bus.
Types of Memory or RAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
What is Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Oldest type of memory that requires frequent refresh. DRAM storage cell is dynamic meaning it needs to be refreshed often
What is Static RAM (SRAM)
Solved the issue of the constant refresh, but was expensive
What is Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
First memory module that operates at the same speed as the motherboard bus.
Types of SDRAM
PC66 (66 MHz bus), PC133 (133 MHz bus), PC266 (266 MHz bus)
Types of DDR SDRAM
DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, DDR4 SDRAM, DDR SDRAM
What is DDR SDRAM
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR SDRAM): Doubles the transfer speed of SRAM module (184-pin connector)
What is DDR2 SDRAM
Double Data Rate 2 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR2 SDRAM): Higher latency and has faster access to the external bus (240-pin connector)
DDR3 SDRAM
Double Data Rate 3 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR3 SDRAM): Runs at a lower voltage and at higher speed than DDR2 (240 keyed pin connector).
DDR4 & DDR5
DDR4 has 12.8 to 25.6 GB/s of throughput 32 GB per module. PC4-16000 (DDR4 module) 16000 MB/s or 16 GB/s
DDR5 has 38.4 to 51.2 GB/s of throughput 128 GB per module.PC5-42000 (DDR5 module) 42000 MB/s or 42 GB/s
What is SODIMM
Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM): Still classified as DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5. SODIMM PC4-16000 (DDR4 SODIMM module) 16000 MB/s or 16 GB/s. Commonly seen in laptops.
What is Multi-Channel Memory on a motherboard
Uses two different memory modules to increase the performance and throughput. Multi-Channel Memory gives way to Interleaving which gives you system increased performance. Multiple modules give faster speeds and add memory for storage.
Channel Types
Single, Dual, Triple, and Quad
Single Channel
Single Channel: Uses one memory module on one bus (64-bit data bus).
Dual-Channel
Dual-Channel: Requires two memory modules and two memory slots on the motherboard (128-bit data bus).
Triple-Channel
Triple-Channel: Uses three memory modules and three memory slots (192-bit data bus).
Quad-Channel
Quad-Channel: Uses four memory modules and four memory slots (256-bit data bus).
What is ECC/ECC memory
Error Correcting Code (ECC): Detects and corrects an error.
What is Non-parity memory
Non-Parity Memory: Standard memory that does not check for errors and allows data to be put in or taken out. This is what most memory is
What is Parity Memory
Parity Memory: Performs basic error checking and ensures the memory contents are reliable. Seen a lot in high-end builds and servers.
What is a Parity Check
Parity Check: is a basic calculation to verify if data is good or not. If the data is good it uses it and if the data is not good an error will occur.
Buffered/Registered Memory
Additional hardware (register) between memory and CPU. The system requires buffing or ride.The system requires butting or registering the data to reduce.
What is Virtual Memory/Page File
Space on a hard drive that is allocated by the OS and pretends to be memory.
The Two types of Virtual Memory
Page File (Windows), Swap Space (Linux Unix/Mac). A page file or a swap space is hidden on a storage device and pretends to be system memory
What is Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): are a form of mass storage device.
What is Mass Storage Device
Mass Storage Device: Non-volatile storage device that holds the data when the system is powered down (GB or TB).
Two types of Mass Storage
Internal Device, External Device
Internal device/Internal mass storage
Internal Device: Device that is placed inside the computer case or tower. Includes, hard disk drives, solid state devices, optical drives
External device/External mass storage
External Device: Device that is placed outside the computer case or tower and connected to an external port. Includes external USB hard drive, or an eSATA drive.
Mass Storage device Sizes
2.5 inch drive, 3.5 inch drive, 5.25 inch drive
2.5 inch drive mass storage device
2.5 inch drive: Reserved for internal HDDS and SSDs
3.5 inch drive mass storage device
3.5 inch drive: Reserved for internal HDDs and SSDs
5.25 inch drive mass storage device
5.25 inch drive: Reserved for optical drives, backup tape drives, and floppy disc drives.You can use an adapter to put a smaller device into a larger bay.
What are the parts of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Platter, Spindle, Read/Write Head, Actuator
How does a HDD seek and retrieve data
Seeking or Retrieving Data: Movement of the actuator an the read/write head to read the data. Speed that is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) gives better drive performance.
HDD speeds
5400 RPM(slowest, workstations and PCs), 7200 RPM(Faster performance, modern computers), 10,000 RPM(high-performance drive, gaming PCs), 15,000 RPM(Highest RPM most expensive, not commonly seen)
What is a Buffer size/HDD Buffer size
Buffer Size: Internal buffer or cache on a hard disc drive (8 MB to 256 MB). The larger the buffer the better performance.
Connector cables for HDD’s
7-pin(Data Connector that is a L-shaped cable), 15-pin(Power Connector that is a L-shaped connector), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) Supports either 7 0r 15 devices in a daisy chain).
What is a Solid State Drive(SSD)
Solid State Drive (SSD): Uses flash memory technology to implement persistent mass storage.
Types or form factors of SSD
2.5(Large/medium laptop or small desktop), 1.8(inside small laptops), M2(small sleek memory chip used more often that 1.8)
Types of SSD Cable Connectors
SATA, mSATA, NVMe
SATA SSD Connector
Old, seen on 2.5’s, and 1.8 SSDs
mSATA SSD Connector
mSATA: Allows the SSD to be used as an adapter card that can be plugged into a combined data and power port on the motherboard.
Non-volatile Memory Express(NVMe) SSD Connector
Non-volatile Memory Express (NVMe): A communication protocol used with the M2 form factor to plug directly into the motherboard.
What is RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): Combination of multiple physical hard disks that is recognized by the operating system. Provide redundancy and high-availability.
Raid Types
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Raid 0
RAID 0: Striping. And is also great for speed but provides no data redundancy. And has no loss of space on the disks. 2 disks
RAID 1
RAID 1: Mirroring and Redundancy. Provides full redundancy, but loss of space on the disks. 2 disks
RAID 5
RAID 5: Parity. Can lose one disk and still operate. Most commonly seen in server rooms, and used by small businesses. 3 or more disks, but minimum of 3 disks
RAID 6
RAID 6: Striping with Dual Parity. Can lose two disk and still operate. 4 disks
RAID 10
RAID 10: Mirror and Striping. Good for speed and redundancy, but using 4 disks.
Raid configuration categories
Failure Resistant, Fault Tolerant, Disaster Tolerant
Failure Resistant Raids
Failure Resistant: Protection against the loss of erased data ( RAID 1/RAID 5).
Fault Tolerant Raids
Fault Tolerant: Raid can function even a component fails (RAID 1/RAID 5/RAID 6).
Disaster Tolerant Raids
Disaster Tolerant: RAID with two independent zones with full data access (RAID 10).
What is Removable Storage
Removeable Storage: Basically external storage. Any storage device that can be moved from computer to computer without have to open up the case to remove the storage device.
What are Hot-Swappable storage drives
Hot-Swappable: Capable of being removed or replaced without disruption or powering off the device. Hot-swappable drives are safe to remove without losing the data. This feature gives us the ability to add/remove additional storage.
Types of Hot-Swappable storage drive connectors
USB, Thunderbolt, eSATA
What is Advanced Host Controller Interface(AHCI)
Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI): Technical standard developed by intel that allows hot-swappable capability with SATA devices.
What is a Drive Enclosure
Drive Enclosure: Takes an internal hard drive and put it in an enclosure.
What is a Secure Digital Storage Card
Secure Digital (SD): The original secure digital cards had a maximum capacity of 2 GB. A storage card with only 2 GB of space
Types of SD(Secure Digital) Storage Cards
SD, MiniSD, MicoSD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick
What is a Tape Storage Drive
Tape Drive: a tape drive uses a magnetic tape and is placed into a reader.
Types of Tape Drives
Standard Type(stores 140 GB), LTO Ultrium Tape(3 TB data)
Types of Optical Drives
Compact Disk(CD), Digital Versatile Disc(DVD), BD(Blu-ray Disc), CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and BD-ROM are all read only disks
What is a CD
CD (Compact Disc): Oldest form of optical drive that stores 74 to 80 minutes of music (650-700 MB).
What is a DVD
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Stores 4.7 GB or 8.4 GB (DL). Could store a whole movie
What is Blu-ray
BD (Blu-ray Disc): Stores 25 GB or 50 GB (DL). Again could store a whole movie.
Different Versions of Optical Drives
Read-only(ROM), Write-once(R), Write-many/Erasable(RW/RAM/RE)
Read-only(ROM)
Read-only(ROM): Version of optical drives that can only read, e.g, CD, DVD, BD
Write-once(R)
Write-once(R): Version of optical drives that allows writing that cannot be erased, e.g, CD-R, DVD-R, DV+R, BD-R
Write-many/Erasable (RW/RAM/RE)
Write-many/Erasable(RW/RAM/RE): Version of optical drives that allows to write and erase the file to creae a new one. e.g, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-RAM, BD-RE