3.4, 3.5 Hardware - sections 3, 4 Flashcards
Motherboards
Motherboard: Printed circuit board that contains computer components and provides connectors.Is the central communication backbone connectivity point and is going to be used by all the other components. And external peripherals to interconnect and transfer data back and forth between themselves.
Four basic functions of a computer
Input, output, processing, storage
Two types of Storage
Temporary Storage/Non-persistent Storage, Permanent Storage/Persistent Storage.
How is data transferred across motherboards
Data transferred across the motherboard measures the speed of data in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz).
What does the Form Facotor of a motherboard describe
Describes its shape, layout and the type of case and power supply that can be used with that particular motherboard, as well as the number and type of adapter cards that can be installed within that motherboard.
Types of motherboard form factors
Motherboard Form Factors: The two main categories of form factors for motherboards are ATX and ITX. ATX, Mini-ATX, Micro-ATX/mATX, ITX/Mini-ITX
Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX)
Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX): Full-size motherboard and measures 12” x 9.6” in size (305mm x 244 mm). Came out in the 1990s, these motherboards are considered a full size motherboard. Will have expansion slots running parallel to the shorter side of the board. And will have a rear report cluster. Only works in larger towers and cases
Mini-ATX
Mini-ATX: Smaller than ATX but contains the same features measuring at 11.2” x 8.2” / 284mm x 208mm). Won’t see mini-ATX used very often, because it is not really that much smaller than the ATX board and so ATX is much more popular.
Micro-ATX or mATX
Micro-ATX or mATX: Measures at 9.6 inches squared (244mm x 244mm) Has all the same features as an ATX except that it only has 4 expansion card slots unlike the ATX which has 7 expansion card slots.
Information Technology eXtended (ITX or Mini-ITX)
Information Technology eXtended (ITX or Mini-ITX): Measures at 6.7” x 6.7” with only one expansion slot (170mm x 170mm) ITX was designed as a replacement for the ATX but never produced and went straight to mini-ITX. Other Types of ITX: These form factors don’t have a designated shape or size because they are built for embedded systems and portable devices. e.g, Nano-ITX, Pico-ITX,Mobile-ITX
What is the CPU
CPU: Central Processing Unit or which is commonly referred to as the processor, is the brains of your computer.
Three main CPU Architectures
X86(IA-32), X64, Advanced RISC Machine(ARM)
X86 (IA-32) CPU Architecture
X86 (IA-32): Developed by Intel with an 8-bit, 16-bit, and up to 32-bit instruction set. X86 can only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. 32-bit processors can only run 32-bit programs.
X64 CPU Architecture
X64: Supports 64-bit instruction set. 64-bit processors can run both 64-bit programs and 32-bit programs as well.
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) CPU Architecture
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM): Used for low-power devices (tablets and cell phones). Unlike 32, and 64-bit processors ARM has extended battery life and produces less heat. Used a lot in smart TVs and smart speakers, as well as newer laptops. RISC systems use code to do tasks.
Only two manufacturers of CPUS
Intel, AMD
What is Zero Insertion Force(ZIF)
Zero Insertion Force (ZIF): Inserts the CPU without pressing down and giving no pressure. This allows you to insert the CPU without having to press down on it. This helps with avoiding bending or breaking any of the pins on the CPU.
Two Types of CPU Sockets
Land Grid Array(LGA), Pin Grid Array(PGA)
Land Grid Array(LGA) Socket
Land Grid Array (LGA): Form factor that positions all pins to connect the CPU processor into the socket. The processor itself doesn’t have pins on it. The pins are connected to the socket. You line up the pins on the socket with the holes on the CPU Uses ZIF, Used and made by Intel
Pin Grid Array(PGA) Socket
Pin Grid Arry (PGA): Form factor where the processor has the pins and the socket has the holes. Vice versa the CPU has the pins and the socket has the holes. Uses ZIF. Used and made by AMD.
Mother Socket Architecture Types
Single Socket, Multi-Socket
Single Socket MothB architecture
Single Socket: a single socket architecture on desktop motherboards can only support one physical processor. Mainly see on desktop computers
Multi-Socket MothB architecture
Multi-Socket: a multi-socket can have multiple CPU’s or processors installed on the motherboard. Seen on servers
Intel Desktop Socket Types
LGA 2011, LGA 1151, LGA 2066
AMD Desktop Socket Types
AM2, AM3, AM4
What is the Simultaneous Multithreading(SMT) CPU feature?
Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)/Hyper-Threading: Single stream of instructions is being sent by a software application to a processor. Mainly seen in desktop Computers
What is the Multiple Parallel Threads CPU feature?
Multiple Parallel Threads: Manufacturers developed a way to allow software to run multiple parallel threads at the same time. Allows a processor to perform multiple things at once or at the same time.
What is the Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) CPU feature?
Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): Traditional workstation and servers have multiple processors. Mainly seen in servers. Can only be done with a motherboard that has multiple processor sockets. And all the processors need to be the same type and speed. And with an operating system that knows how to use more than one processor.
What is a multi-core processor
Multi-Core Processor: A single CPU with multiple processors inside of it. Multiple processors have multiple cores inside the CPU.
Types of Multiple-Core Processors
Dual-core, Quad, Hexa, Octa
What is Virtualization
Virtualization: Being able to emulate that there’s hardware there that really doesn’t exist. The ability to have a computer pretend that it’s running multiple other computers inside of itself. Virtualization allows running multiple systems on a single physical host.
Types of Virtualization tech
VT (Intel), AMD-V(AMD). Both VT and AMD provide processor extensions to support virtualization.
SLAT of Virtualization
These are second level address translation or SLAT features of software virtualization that are then underlying and supported by that hardware processor to allow better virtual memory management. And give you increased performance when it comes to using memory inside of a virtual machine
Types of Second Level Virtualization
Extended Page Table (EPT)
Intel
and
Rapid Virtualization Indexing (RVI)
AMD
Five types of Expansion Slot/Port Types
PCI, PCI-X, Accelerated Graphics Port(AGP), PCIe, Mini PCIe
PCI Expansion Slot
PCI: 32-bit expansion slot/port first 32-bit expansion slot/port developed in the 90’s. Only supports a maximum bus speed of 33 MHz or 133 MBps
PCI-X Expansion Slot
PCI-X: 64-bit expansion slot/port (133 MHz). PCI-X 2.0: 266 MHz up 533 MHz. PCI and PCI-X were mainly used for just networking and audio
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Expanison Slot
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP): A dedicated port that could only be used for Video Graphics cards. They made this port for PCI was to slow to handle 3D games that were coming out in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. You don’t see AGP much anymore in modern computers.
Multiple types of AGP slots/ports
AGP 1x, AGP 2x, AGP 4x, AGP 8x
PCIe (PCI Express) Expanison Slot
PCIe (PCI Express): Replaced PCI, PCI-X, and AGP. Which is common for modern computers. All PCIe slots provide 25 Watts of power. Multiple PCIe slot sizes.
PCIe Slot Sizes
PCIe (PCI Express): Replaced PCI, PCI-X, and AGP. Which is common for modern computers. All PCIe slots provide 25 Watts of power.
PCI x16: Used for high end graphics cards. You really don’t see PCIe x4, or x8 in modern computers. PCIe x16 and x1 are common for they maximize the number of lanes used on a motherboard. But PCIe x16 card slots provide up to 75 Watts of power. PCIe x4, PCIe x8 not common
Mini PCIe Expansion Slot
Mini PCIe: Standard PCIe card with smaller form factor. Mainly seen in laptops, specifically for wireless networking.
What is a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) card
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) card: Connects to the bus to get data to and from the motherboard for external devices.PCIe bus is determined by the motherboard and its form factor.
16 PCIe Lanes
24 PCIe Lanes
32 PCIe Lanes
What is up-plugging and down-plugging expansion cards
Up-plugging: Putting smaller cards in a larger slot.
Down-plugging: Putting a larger card in a smaller slot. Down-plugging is not usually recommended, for down-plugging can cause performance issues.
What are Expansion Cards
Expansion Cards: Are used to add functions or ports that are not supported by default, as an integrated part of your motherboard.
Types of Expansion cards
Video/graphics cards, Capture cards, Sound cards, network interface cards, Riser cards
Video Card/Graphic Adapter card
Video Card/Graphic Adapter: Gives quality signal for monitors. Comes with Graphics Processing Unit(GPU)
High Speed Memory
Graphical Ports
Video Capture Card
Video Capture Card: Takes video signals and processes them inside the computer. Video capture cards are used for recording footage and for security devices.
TV Capture Cards: Cables are plugged into a computer to get all cable TV Channels. Not really seen anymore today.
Sound/Audio Card
Sound/Audio Card: Gives better output through audio. Not really seen anymore today, for most motherboards have a pretty good setup to be able to provide at least 5.1 output. Or possibly an optical output using a fiber optic cable.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Network Interface Card (NIC): Used to improve your network speed, to be able to use fiber optic cable, and give your motherboard wireless network capabilities.
Riser Card
Riser Card: Special type of expansion card on a motherboard. Allows you to take cards that you would plug in vertically up and down, it will allow you to plug in cards horizontally.
Types of PC/Computer cooling
Passive Cooling, Active Cooling, Liquid Cooling
Passive Cooling for PC cooling
Passive Cooling: Type of cooling that doesn’t rely on moving parts or power and is silent when operating. Idea of passive cooling is spreading heat across a bigger surface area to cool to the ambient temperature.
Examples
Heat Sink: Finned metal device that radiates heat away from the processor.
Thermal Paste: Compound that ensures heat transfer by eliminating air gaps.
Active Cooling for PC cooling
Active Cooling: Uses a fan to cool down the heat from the device. Drawback to fans is that fans can get dust build up. Common practice is to remove excess dust from the fan every three to six months.
Examples
Processor Fan: Fan to cool down CPU
Case Fans: Fans to cool down case
Power Supply Fan: Fan to cool down your power supply
Graphics card Fans: Fans to cool down your graphics card.
Two types of liquid cooling systems
Closed loop system, and Open loop system
Water and liquids are more effective coolants than air convection.
Closed Loop System liquid cooling
Closed Loop System: Cooling of a single component. Cools one single component.
What is the Open Loop liquid cooling system
Open Loop System: Liquid cooling based system of different components. Cools multiple components all at the same time.
Parts of an Open Loop System
Water Looper Tubing, Pump, Liquid Reservoir, Water block/Water bracket, and Radiator.
Water Looper Tubing for liquid cooling
Water Looper Tubing: Tubing that the water/or liquid moves in throughout the system
Pump for liquid cooling
Pump: Helps push/pump the water/liquid through the tubing.
Liquid Reservoir for liquid cooling
Liquid Reservoir: Holds all the water/liquid as it expands and contracts
Water block/Water bracket for liquid cooling
Water block/Water bracket: Attached to each component to help remove the heat by using convection and putting the liquid against that device.
Radiator for liquid cooling
Radiator: Cools down the water/liquid coolant as it comes away from the components
What is Direct Current power
Direct Current (DC): the type of power that computers use.
3.3 Volts
5 Volts
12 Volts
What is Alternating Current power
Alternating Current (AC): The power type that wall outlets provide. Alternating current is cycled between positives and negatives repeatedly.
110 to 120 Volts in the USA
230 to 240 in Europe and Asia
What is Thermal Load
Thermal Load: Heat from different components inside the computer.
What is the Power Supply Unit or PSU for a computer
Power Supply Unit or PSU: Power Supply gives all the computer systems and components the direct current (DC) that they need to operate. The main purpose of power supply is to deliver DC to all components inside the PC when receiving an AC power supply.
Modular PSU/Modular Power Supply Unit for a computer
Modular PSU/Modular Power Supply Unit: Allows to unhook unused connectors and detach them from the unit. Helps with wire/cable management. Modular power supply frees up space inside of the computer.
Multiple Power supplies
Multiple Power supplies: Some work stations or servers use multiple power supplies. By doing this if one power supply goes out there are back-ups to keep the system running, and allows you to replace that failed power supply without having to turn off the system. Have to use a motherboard that supports multiple power supplies.
What is the main board/motherboard adapter on a motherboard
Main Board/Motherboard Adapter: Provides power to the motherboard. Standard ATX form factor motherboard has a 24-pin power connector for 12 volt power supply.
20+4 Pin power supply connector
20+4 Pin power supply connector: Some power supplies today will give you what is called a 20+4 pin connector. Which is two connectors are coupled together before plugging into a 24-pin connector.
24-pin connector power supply
24-pin connector: Modern power supplies today will just have one 24-pin connector, for most modern motherboards today just have the one 24-pin power port, instead of the two, one 20-pin port and the one 4-pin port.
Processor Power/CPU Power connector
Processor Power/CPU Power: Has a four, six or eight-pin connector.
PCI Express (PCIe) adapter card power ports
PCI Express (PCIe) adapter card power ports: Used to power graphics cards and other expansion cards. Older cards will have a six-pin port and newer cards with have eight. So modern power supplies will give you a 6+2-pin connector.
SATA Power Connector
SATA Power Connector: Used to power the SATA Drives.
These are going to be an L-shaped connector that has 15-pins. And essentially they look just like SATA data cables.
Molex Connector
Molex Connector: a Molex connector is a legacy connector. Was mainly used for older IDE and PATA hard disks, CDs, and DVD drives. You won’t see a Molex connector in modern systems. But most modern power supplies will still provide a Molex pin connector.
Y Connector
Y Connector: One connector that can support multiple devices. Basically turns one connector into two connectors.
Voltage Sensing/ Dual Voltage Power Supplies
Voltage Sensing/ Dual Voltage Power Supplies: Detects the outlet and converts it into the voltage of DC.
Various Voltages in computer systems that are all DC or direct current
3.3 volts
5 volts
12 volts: is the most important. Is the most commonly used voltage in modern PC’s.
What is wattage rating
Wattage Rating: Power Supply’s output capacity or capability.Every device inside a computer requires power from a power supply. Amperage to Wattage: A x V, I x V
Power supply Increments
Power supplies come in increments of 50 or 100 watts.
Always good to buy a power supply that is bigger than the calculated wattage that you need. Another thing to think about when it comes to power is how much power is being drawn out of your wall outlet.
Power Supply Efficiency
Power Supplies are not 100% efficient
A 500 watt power supply that is 70% efficient will draw 714 watts.
The other 30% is heat from the power supply changing AC power to DC power.
A 500 watt power supply that is 80% efficient will draw 635 watts.
