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CompTIA A+ 1101 (Core 1) (Retired) > 3.4 - Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards > Flashcards

3.4 - Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards Flashcards

1
Q

Meaning of ATX?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor - ATX

A

Advanced Technology eXtended

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2
Q

2 most popular motherboard form factors?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor

A
  • ATX
  • ITX
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3
Q

Meaning of ITX?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor - ITX

A

Information Technology eXtended

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4
Q

What motherboards do desktops mainly use?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor

A

ATX

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5
Q

How are most motherboards attached to the system unit (case)?

MOBO’s like ATX & ITX

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A

via screws

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6
Q

What devices mainly use ITX MOBOs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor - ITX

A

Small devices

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7
Q

3 types of ITX MOBO form factors?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard form factor - ITX

A
  • Mini-ITX
  • Nano-ITX
  • Pico-ITX
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8
Q

Meaning of PCI?

``

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCI

A

Peripheral Componenet Interconnect

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9
Q

What are PCI & PCIe slots used for?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCI

A

Connecting expansion cards

i.e. sound, network, & video cards

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10
Q

Meaning of PCIe?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

PCI Express

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11
Q

What PCIe slots connect to the processor?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

PCIe x16 slots

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12
Q

What do PCIe x16 slots connect to?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

The processor

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13
Q

What PCIe slots connect to the chipset?

Chipset = MOBO circuits that coordinates communication between hardware

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

PCI x1 slots

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14
Q

What do PCIe x1 slots connect to?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

The chipset

Chipset = MOBO circuit that coordinates communication between hardware components (i.e. CPU, memory, storage, expansion slots, etc.)

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15
Q

How does PCIe differ from PCI?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - PCIe

A

By employing a serial connectoin instead of a parallel connection

Which eliminates the need to wait for other devicees

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16
Q

Identify expansion bus:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A

PCI

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17
Q

Identify expansion bus:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A

PCIe x16

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18
Q

Identify expansion bus:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A

PCIe x1

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19
Q

Identify connector:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - Power connectors

A

24-pin ATX connector

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20
Q

Identify connector:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - Power connectors

A

4-pin ATX connector

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21
Q

What mainly uses SATA connectors?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - SATA

A

Storage drives

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22
Q

What is eSATA?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - eSATA

A

External interface for connecting SATA drives

Allows to connect storage drives outside a com;uter.

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23
Q

What are MOBO headers?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - Headers

A

Pins used to expand a computer’s connection options

Type of headers include, audio, game port, network adapter, serial & parallel ports, etc.

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24
Q

Where do buttons on a system unit connect to?

i.e. power & reset buttons

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - Headers

A

MOBO headers

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25
Q

What standards does M.2 support?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard connector types - M.2

A
  • SATA
  • PCIe
  • NVMe
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26
Q

Meaning of AMD?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard compatibility - CPU sockets

A

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

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27
Q

2 primary CPU manufacturers?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard compatibility - CPU sockets

A
  • Intel
  • AMD
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28
Q

what are CPU sockets designed fo?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard compatibility - CPU sockets

A

Specific CPU or series of CPUs

CPU sockets must be campatible with the CPU to be mounted on a MOBO

AMD A4 CPU socket

Once you choose an AMD or Intel motherboard, you can’t swap the CPU type later.

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29
Q

How do MOBOs designed for server/high-end systems differ from those designed for desktops?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Motherboard compatibility - Server

A

Having multiple CPU sockets & more memory & expansion slots

MOBO with 2 CPUs, expansion slots, & 4 RAM slots
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30
Q

Meaning of BIOS?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings

A

Basic Input/Output System

31
Q

Meaning of UEFI?

(proncounced as ‘you-fee’)

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings

A

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface

32
Q

What does boot options/order do in BIOS/UEFI?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Boot options

A

Determines boot device & order

determines what device the system will boot from and the order

i.e. hard drive, USB, optical drive, or network

33
Q

What may be the issue if a system boots like this:

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A

Boot order

34
Q

Meaning of TPM?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A

Trusted Platform Module

35
Q

What is a TPM?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A

hardware that provides cryptographic functions

Not all MOBOs support TPM. TPM enables secure boot, key storage, etc

TPM’s inherent security safeguards data from hacks, including brute force attacks.

36
Q

2 primary forms of a TPM?

2 ways TPMs exist?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A
  • Microchip
  • Module
Microchip (left), Module (right)

  • Microchip = Integrated into the MOBO
  • Module = Seperate component added to the MOBO
37
Q

Where can changes to TPM be done from?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A

BIOS/UEFI

It can also be enabled/disabled from there

38
Q

Meaning of CMOS?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor

39
Q

How can BIOS/UEFI config. settings be wiped/resetted?

(including passwords)

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Encryption - TPM

A

Via CMOS clear jumper/button or re-installing the CMOS battery

Blue module = CMOS clear jumper
40
Q

Where can computer fans be controled from?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings | Cooling - Fans

41
Q

Which firmware interface supports secure boot?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Secure Boot

A

UEFI

(pronounced as you-fee) (also needs a TPM)

42
Q

What does an OS need to bypass secure boot?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Secure Boot

A

Valid digital signature

Invalid or no signature = no boot | Signature is checked during startup

This means that the public key for the manufacturer of that OS already has to be available in the BIOS itself

43
Q

What is secure boot?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Secure Boot

A

Security standard that prevents malicious boot loader tampering

Ensures only trusted firmware, OS, and drivers run during device startup

44
Q

How to configure Secure Boot on a UEFI device without OS support?

Meaning you cant configure it through the OS

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Secure Boot

45
Q

How should UEFI systems be secured?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Secure Boot

A

With Secure Boot & a TPM

46
Q

Purpose of a Boot password?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Boot Password

A

Verify user before allowing the OS to start

To reset a boot password, you may need a backdoor BIOS password from the provider, firmware flashing, or CMOS battery removal or specialized software.

47
Q

How to reset BIOS on systems without flash memory?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: BIOS/UEFI settings - Boot Password

A

By reinserting the CMOS battery

48
Q

Meaning of HSM?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Encryption - HSM

A

Hardware Security Module

48
Q

What is an HSM?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Encryption - HSM

A

Device with a specialized cryptoprocessor for cryptography

Can be a device, adapter card, or small device like a smart card & USB

49
Q

2 common CPU architectures?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - x64/x86

A
  • x64/x86
  • ARM
50
Q

What is 32-bit software aka?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - x64/x86

A

x86

64-bit is aka x64

it’s known as x86 in honor of Intel’s 8086 processors

51
Q

What apps can a x86 OS run?

(32-bit)

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - x64/x86

A

Only x86 apps

52
Q

What apps can a 64-bit OS run?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - x64/x86

A

64-bit & x86 apps

53
Q

What are the terms x86 & x64?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - x64/x86

A

Identifiers for Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs)

The x in either term represents an ISA version

54
Q

Meaning of ARM?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - ARM

A

Advanced RISC Machine

55
Q

How do single-core CPUs differ from multicore CPUs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Singlecore/Multicore

A

By only having 1 processing unit (core) on a single chip

56
Q

How do multicore CPUs differ from single-core CPUs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Singlecore/Multicore

A

By having multiple processing units (cores) on a single chip

57
Q

How are multicore CPUs better than single-core CPUs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Singlecore/Multicore

A

They can handle multiple tasks simultaneously

offering better performance & multitasking capabilities

58
Q

What does multithreading mean?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Multithreading

A

Running multiple threads simultaneously

59
Q

What is a thread?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Multithreading

A

The smallest unit of execution within a process

Its the smallest execution entity in a process

60
Q

How to check if virtualization is supported on Intel CPUs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Virtualiazation support

A

Look for Intel VT on BIOS/UEFI

61
Q

How to check if virtualization is supported on AMD CPUs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: CPU architecture - Virtualiazation support

A

Look for AMD-V on BIOS/UEFI

62
Q

Where are expansion cards commonly installed on a MOBO?

i.e. sound card, video card, capture card, NIC, etc.

Capture cards

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Expansion cards

63
Q

4 types of expansion cards?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards

A
  • Sound card
  • Video card
  • Capture card
  • NIC
64
Q

purpose of capture cards?

A

Capture & stream display content

65
Q

Meaning of NIC?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Expansion cards - NIC

A

Network Interface Card

66
Q

Purpose of NICs?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Expansion cards - NIC

A

To add network interfaces

i.e. RJ45 & Fiber

67
Q

4 cooling methods?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling

A
  • Fans
  • Heat sink
  • Thermal paste/pads
  • Liquid
68
Q

How does a heat sink work?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling - Heat sink

A

Draws heat from a component & disperses it into the surrounding air

Component like the CPU. Heat sinks can become HOT

69
Q

Purpose of thermal paste/pad?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling - Thermal paste/pads

A

To establish efficient heat transfer between component & heat sink

70
Q

Where is thermal paste/pad placed?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling - Thermal paste/pads

A

Between the heat sink & the hot component

71
Q

How do thermal paste & pads differ from each other?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling - Thermal paste/pads

A

Thermal paste is liquid while thermal pads are solid.

Thermal pads are also a one-time use

72
Q

How does liquid cooling cool the CPU?

3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards: Cooling - Liquid

A

By moving liquid through a heatsink & releasing the heat outside the case

(releases heat via a radiator)

CompTIA A+ 1101 (Core 1) (Retired) (23 decks)

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