3.4 Given a scenario, install & configure motherboards, CPUs, & add-on cards Flashcards
What does the motherboard’s system clock do?
System clock is a function typically generated by a dedicated oscillator circuit or clock generator circuit integrated into the motherboard’s chipset.
Syncs PC operations & provides the CPU’s timing signal
the system clock on the motherboard ensures that all components of the PC operate in sync with each other
What are clock speeds measured in?
Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz)
What do clock multipliers do?
Clock multipliers are a feature found within the CPU itself, not on the motherboard.
Adjusts bus speeds using the system clock signal
What are motherboards designed to support?
Motherboard manufacturers include AOpen (Acer), ASRock, ASUSTek, Biostar, EVGA Corporation, Gigabyte, Intel, & MSI
A particular range of CPUs
PC CPUs are principally manufactured by Intel & AMD
This is because CPU vendors use different socket designs. It’s also due to CPU technology rapidly changing (limiting a MOBO to support a limited number of processor models)
Why should you hold the power button after unplugging a PC?
To drain internal components of charge
Do not attempt to disassemble components that are not field repairable, like the power supply
What is a CPU covered with after being installed?
Heat sink & fan
What is the function of the CPU supported by?
Motherboard’s chipset
Meaning the CPU relies on the MOBO’s chispet to function properly
What does the chipset’s controller manage?
The controller is a circuit
Data flow between the CPU & other MOBO components
i.e. memory, storage devices, expansion cards, & peripherals
Can the motherboard’s chipset be upgraded?
No
It is soldered onto the motherboard
What does the motherboard’s chipset determine?
- Processor choice
- RAM type/maximum
- Support for interfaces
(integrated interfaces/ports like video, sound, & networking)
Interfaces that aren’t supported by the chipset can be installed/upgraded as an adapter card
What do MOBO SATA ports connect to?
- Storage drive(s)
- Removable drives
Removable drives like tape drives & optical drives (DVD/Blu-ray)
SATA devices are installed in a drive bay, connected to a data port with a cable, and powered by a SATA power or Molex connector
What is the main drawback of eSATA?
Doesn’t supply power over the cable
This is not much of an issue for 3.5” drives, which require a separate power supply, but it limits the usefulness of eSATA for 2.5” portable drives
What are PCIe slots/buses used for?
Connecting modern adapter cards
How does data travel through the PCIe bus/interface?
Dedicated links between components
the “link” is a point-to-point serial connection (each component can have a dedicated link to any other component)
Can PCIe links have multiple lanes?
Yes
i.e. x1, x8, x16
What does the transfer rate of each lane in PCIe depend on?
PCIe version
What are PCIe transfer rates measured in?
Gigatransfers Per Second (GT/s)
The transfer rate is represented without considering any encoding or overhead
What is the throughput in PCIe measured in?
GB/s
GigaByte per second
How does the transfer rate differ from the throughput rate in PCIe?
Representing the signaling rate
How does the throughput rate differ from the transfer rate in PCIe?
Represents data rate after encoding & overhead
What does it usually mean if PCIe slots are longer?
They have more lanes
How many lanes do PCIe adapter cards typically support?
- x1
- x4
- x8
- x16
What PCIe slots may an adapter card fit in?
Slots with equal or greater number of lanes
What is up-plugging in PCIe?
Fitting a PCIe adapter into a slot with same or greater number of lanes
its ideal to plug the card in a port that has the same number of lanes.
i.e. a x8 card will fit in a x8 or x16 socket. The card should work at x8 but in some circumstances may only work at x1
What is down-plugging in PCIe?
Fitting a PCIe adapter into a shorter slot
As long as there are no obstructions in the case preventing it from being fully inserted & connected
Where is the number of lanes supported by each PCIe slot indicated?
Label on motherboard
A PCIe slot might physically appear to be able to accommodate more lanes, but it may only support a lower number of lanes as indicated by a label
What label does a PCIe slot have if it’s physically x16 but only supports x8 operation?
“x16/x8” or “x16 @ x8”
Are all PCIe versions backwards-compatible?
Yes
i.e. You can use a PCIe v2 adapter with a v4 motherboard or a v3 adapter with a v2 motherboard. The bus speed matches the lowest component version.
How much power does PCIe supply to a dedicated graphics adapter slot?
Up to 75W
How much power does PCIe slots provide to general-purpose slots?
i.e. PCIe x1, x4, or x16 slots that aren’t specifically designed for graphics cards
Up to 25W
An extra 75W power can be supplied via a PCIe power connector
Why may motherboards also include PCI slots?
To support older technologies
It is superseded by PCIe
What does it mean that PCIe is software compatible with PCI?
PCI ports can be included on a PCIe MOBO
However PCI cards can’t be fitted into PCIe slots
does PCI use serial or parallel communication?
Parallel
What is the typical bit-width for most types of PCI?
32-bit
2 common motherboard form factors?
- ATX
- ITX
Meaning of ATX?
Advanced Technology eXtended
Meaning of ITX?
Information Technology eXtended
What is the standard MOBO form factor for most desktops?
ATX
What are the dimensions of full-size ATX boards?
12” x 9.6” (305mm x 244mm)
How many expansion slots can full-size ATX boards have?
Up to 7
What are the dimensions of Micro-ATX (mATX) boards?
9.6” square (244mm x 244mm)
How many expansion slots can Micro-ATX (mATX) boards have?
Up to 4
Can most Micro-ATX (mATX) boards be mounted in ATX cases?
Yes
What MOBO form factor do SFF PCs often use?
SFF = Small Form Factor
Mini-ITX
SFF PCs are popular as home machines & for use as mini servers
What are the dimensions of Mini-ITX boards?
6.7” square (170mm x 170mm)
How many expansion slots can Mini-ITX boards have?
1
Can most mini-ITX boards be mounted in ATX cases?
yes
What are smaller ITX form factors (smaller than mini-ITX) used for?
(Nano-, pico-, & mobile-ITX form factors)
Embedded systems & portables
No commercial motherboards were ever produced form the original plain ITX specification
How is a motherboard attached to the case?
Using standoffs
Standoffs secure the motherboard, preventing contact with the case. Positioned in aligned holes, they accommodate compatible form factors for both the case and motherboard.
What should you do before installing a motherboard?
Refer to motherboard documentation
What to check in MOBO documentation before installation?
If any jumper clips needs to be adjusted
A jumper is placed over header pins in a particular orientation. i.e. there might be a jumper that enables recovery mode
When installing a motherboard, What do you align it with?
I/O cutout at rear of the case
Prepare the motherboard’s I/O blanking plate by removing caps to expose USB, audio, & video ports. Snap the blanking plate into the case’s cutout.
What to do after aligning MOBO with I/O cutout?
Insert standoffs in case to match MOBO holes
Check if standoffs are threaded or push-down. Ensure the motherboard is supported at corners, edges, and center. Avoid adding standoffs without corresponding motherboard holes.
After verifying alignment and standoff locations, what’s the next step in installing a motherboard?
Place motherboard on the standoffs
Secure standoffs with correct screws, ensuring firmness without over-tightening to prevent board damage. Complete PC setup by adding power and disk devices, installing addon adapter cards, and connecting data and power cables.
4 types of MOBO headers?
- Power button (soft power)
- Drive (HDD) activity lights
- Audio ports
- USB ports
What does the power button (soft power) on a PC do?
Sends a shutdown command to the OS
It doesnt directly turn off a PC
Holding down the power button for a few seconds will cut the power
What MOBO headers do USB 2.0 connections use?
9-pin headers
They accept up to 2 4-pin port connection (the 9th pin is to orient the cable correctly).
What MOBO headers do USB 3.0 connections use?
20-pin headers (2x10)
They can be cabled to 2 ports
What to do with header connectors when disassembling a system?
Diagram the position & orientaiton of header connectors
This helps remember how to reassemble everything correctly later on
If you don’t have a diagram, consult the MOBO documentation or check for labels on the wires and headers. However, these labels may not always be straightforward to follow.
Identify connector
Main P1 motherboard power connector
How many pins does the main P1 motherboard power connector have?
20-24
Purpose of the main P1 motherboard power connector?
Supplies power from PSU to the MOBO
What format do fan connectors on MOBOs come in?
3-pin or 4-in Molex KK format
How do 4-pin fan connectors differ from 3-pin fan connectors?
Enabling fan speed control with PWM signals on the blue wire
PWM = Pulse Width Modulation
How are 3-pin fans controlled?
By varying the voltage
Can fans with a 3-pin connector be used with 4-pin headers?
Yes, but system may be unable to vary the fan speed
(or may need special configuration to be able to do so)
Can fans with a 4-pin connector be used with 3-pin headers?
Yes, but it can’t use PWM
PWM = Pulse Width Modulation
This means it won’t be able to enable precise fan-speed control
What do expansion cards do?
Adds functions/ports not supported by the MOBO
What slots do expansion cards connect to?
PCIe or PCI
4 main types of expansion cards?
- Sound
- Video
- Capture
- NIC
What do video cards do?
Generate the signal for a monitor/projector
Low-end graphics are usually integrated into the motherboard or CPU, known as onboard graphics. For demanding tasks like gaming or design, a more powerful graphics card is needed, installed via PCIe slot. These cards often use chipsets from ATI/AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel
3 features that disitinguish video cards?
- GPU
- Graphics memory
- Video ports
What is a video card’s GPU?
Microprocessor that renders 2D & 3D images
Basic GPU performance is often gauged by its framerate in specific games or applications. Additional performance aspects include its support for various levels of texture and lighting effects.
Meaning of GPU?
Graphics Processing Unit
How much memory do high-end video cards have?
Up to 12GB GDDR RAM
Graphics Double Data Rate (GDDR) memory technology is similar to the DDR modules used for system RAM
How much memory do mid-range video cards have?
4-6GB GDDR RAM
Graphics Double Data Rate (GDDR) memory technology is similar to the DDR modules used for system RAM
What memory do low-end video cards use?
Shared memory
Meaning the adapter uses system RAM
What PCIe interface do most video cards use?
x16 interface
What do Capture cards do?
Record video input as a movie or streaming file
Capture cards record footage from various sources, including PC games, console HDMI outputs, and live camera HDMI sources like camcorders. Some also function as TV tuners, capturing video from broadcast TV. They come in internal PCIe or external USB/Thunderbolt formats.
Purpose of sound cards?
To process & output audio signals
Multi-channel sound cards paired with speakers offer different audio levels, from mono/stereo to surround sound. Basic onboard sound may come with the motherboard, while better quality audio is available through PCIe/PCI expansion cards. Pro-level cards may feature onboard memory and extra input jacks.
What affects built-in audio hardware?
(like onboard sound cards or audio chips integrated into the MOBO)
Noise from other internal components during recording
Most audio interfaces designed for professional use are external units connected via USB or Thunderbolt
How can a multi-port NIC increase bandwidth?
Bonding it into a single higher bandwidth link
Most computers include an onboard Ethernet adapter as part of the motherboard chipset, but you might need to install an add-on NIC or upgrade an adapter for different network types or cabling, like copper versus fiber optic. Additionally, you can add a Wi-Fi adapter for wireless network connectivity, which comes in various 802.11b standards. Some cards can also connect to cellular data networks.
What happens when a software program is run?
Instructions are created via CPUs instruction set & stored in memory
What is a CPU register?
Temporary storage within CPU that holds data during processing
It operates the the CPU’s clock speed
What is a cache?
Small memory block storing frequently used CPU instruction & data
This helps enhance performance
3 CPU architectures?
- x86
- x64
- ARM
What are CPU architectures?
Design & organization of a processor’s components to optimize instruction execution
These architectures are developed to improve the process of fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, executing them, & writing back the results
What is the x86 instruction set?
Set of CPU operating instructions
It defines how a CPU should operate
x86 operates in 32-bit mode
What is the x64 instruction set?
Aka AMD64 or x86-64. Both Intel (as EM64T or Intel 64) & AMD use this instruction set in their modern processors
Extension of x86 to allow for 64-bit operation
Why was the x64 instruction set developed?
CPUs became capable of handling 64-bit instructions
Initially, CPUs were designed to process instructions that were up to 32 bits wide. However, as technology progressed, CPUs became capable of handling instructions that are 64 bits wide, allowing for increased performance and memory addressing capabilities.
What must firmware & software be designed & compiled as to run on x64 CPUs?
As 64-bit software
No 32-bit CPU can run 64-bit software; but a 64-bit CPU can run 32-bit software
What is a device driver?
Code that supports specific hardware for an OS
Meaning of ARM?
Advanced RISC Machine
What does ARM (company) produce?
Unlike Intel & AMD, ARM doesn’t manufatcure CPUs
Designs that hardware vendors customize & manufacure
ARM designs power Apple’s latest hardware, most Android devices (particularly by Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Samsung), many Chromebooks, and select Windows tablets and laptops.
What does a typical ARM design implement?
System-on-Chip (SoC)
What does it mean that ARM designs implement SoC?
SoC = System-on-Chip
All the controllers are part of the CPU
Controllers are the video, sound, networking, & storage
ARM designs feature simpler instructions compared to x86, leading to improved power efficiency and thermal performance, resulting in longer battery life and enabling fanless cooling.
What’s needed to run drivers & OSs on ARM devices?
Redesign & compile them to use the ARM instruction set
However, converting x86/x64 apss to run on a different instruction set is an onerous task
One easy solution to run drivers & OSs on an ARM-based device?
Via emulation
Windows 10 ARM-based devices use emulation to run X86 & X64 apps
The downside to this is that emulation imposes a significant performance penalty
2 ways to improve CPU performance?
- Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)
- Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
What does SMT (aka HyperThreading by Intel) allow?
(SMT = Simultaneous Multithreading) (SMT is a CPU design technique)
Multiple threads to run through the CPU
What is a thread?
Stream of instructions from a software application
How does SMT improve CPU performance?
(SMT = Simultaneous Multithreading) (SMT is a CPU design technique)
Reducing idle time & maximizing work per cycle
This improves efficiency
What does SMT make the OS believe?
(SMT = Simultaneous Multithreading) (SMT is a CPU design technique)
There are multiple CPUs installed
This enhances performance without requiring software to be multithreaded
What does Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) involve?
SMP is a system architecture
Using multiple CPUs to distribute processes across them
SMP is more common in servers & high-end workstations
Unlike SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), SMP (Symmetric Multiprocessing) doesn’t rely on software being multithreaded to deliver performance benefits
What does each core in a CPU act as?
A separate processor
they’re capable of executing instructions independently
i.e. a dual-core CPU has 2 cores on the same chip, effectively acting as 2 processors
What does each core in a CPU have?
Its own execution unit, registers, & cache memory
Theres also a shared cache that all cores can access. This setup is called chip-level multiprocessing (CMP)
What are the capabilities of multicore CPUs denoted by?
By a notation like nC/nT
i.e. 8C/16T CPU
In multi-core CPU specifications, what does the nC in nC/nT mean?
the number of cores the CPU has
i.e. 8C/16T CPU
In multi-core CPU specifications, what does the nT in nC/nT mean?
The number of simultaneous threads each core can handle
i.e. an 8C/16T CPU can handle 16 threads simultaneously because it supports multithreading, even though it has 8 physical cores
How can a computer run multiple OSs?
Via virtualization software
These create virtual machines (VMs), each running its own OS
What is Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT) & AMD’s AMD-V?
Processor features that support virtualization
Making them available across their processor ranges.
these features are also known as hardware-assisted virtualization
What is Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
Virtualization feature for efficient virtual memory management
Intel & AMD have extensions for SLAT (Extended Page Table (EPT) for Intel, Rapid Virtualization Indexing (RVI))
What does CPU packaging refer to?
CPU’s form factor & how it’s connected to the motherboard
Intel & AMD use different socket types, so you can’t install an AMD in a MOBO designed for an Intel CPU (& vice versa)
What insertion mechanism do CPU sockets use?
Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
No pressure is required to insert the CPU, reducing the risk of bending or breaking the pin contacts
What socket form factor do Intel CPUs use?
Land Grid Array (LGA)
The LGA form factor positions the pins that connect the CPU on the socket. The CPU is placed on a hinged plate & then secured to the socket using a locking layer
What socket form factor do AMD CPUs use?
Pin Grid Array (PGA)
PGA CPUs have pins underneath them. To install, gently place the CPU into the socket, then secure it with a locking lever. Be careful to align pin 1 on the CPU with pin 1 on the socket to avoid damaging the pins.
What should you do when removing a CPU with a heat sink & fan assembly?
Twist gently to remove heatsink
To avoid it sticking to the CPU
If reinstalling the same heat sink, clean old thermal grease from the surfaces & apply a small amount of new grease in an X pattern
What happens if too much termal paste is applied between CPU & heat sink?
Excess could damage the socket
What does each new CPU model collectively form?
CPU generation
In each gen., manufacturers offer various models with different specs
What are motherboards specific to?
AMD or Intel CPUs & their generation
CPU compatibility relies on the motherboard’s socket type and chipset. Upgrading CPUs without changing motherboards is uncommon and usually not worthwhile.
What is firmware?
Specialized program code stored in flash memory
What system firmware did PCs use for many years?
BIOS
Meaning of BIOS?
Basic Input/Ouput System
What system firmware replaced BIOS?
UEFI
Meaning of UEFI?
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
Does BIOS support 32-bit or 64-bit operation?
32-bit
BIOS has limited functionality
Does UEFI support 32-bit or 64-bit operation?
64-bit
UEFIhas a full GUI & mouse operation, network functionality, & better boot security. A PC with UEFI may also support booting in a legacy BIOS mode
How can BIOS/UEFI be accessed if a PC boots too quickly?
Shift-click the Restart button from Windows logon screen
What does the Boot options/order in BIOS/UEFI do?
Defines device boot order
Typical options include Fixed disk (HDD/SSD), Optical drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray), USB, Network/PXE, etc.
What do USB permissions in BIOS/UEFI do?
Manages device access & funcitonality
This involves managing USB ports, configuring boot options, and setting security features.
How can PC fans be controlled?
via BIOS/UEFI or OS apps
What is the purpose of boot password?
Require user authentication before loading the OS
2 types of boot passwords PCs typically support?
- Supervisor/Admin/Setup
- User/System
What does the Supervisor/Admin/Setup boot password lock access to?
System setup program
i.e. BIOS/UEFI
What does the User/System boot password lock access to?
Whole computer
This is very secure; nothing can be done until the firmware has initialized the system
What is secure boot?
UEFI feature that prevents malware hijacking
How does secure boot protect a PC from malware?
Configuring firmware with cryptographic keys to identify trusted code
The system firmware verifies the OS boot loaduer using these keys, ensuring it’s digitally signed by the OS vendor. This prevents unauthorized boot loaders or OS installations
Meaning of TPM?
Trusted Platform Module
What is TPM?
Hardware for storing certificates, cryptographic keys, & hashed passwords
“specification” means it’s a set of standards or guidelines defining its functionality, features, and implementation requirements.
What systems support TPM?
Systems with UEFI firmware
How does TPM establish a root of trust?
Using a hardcoded endorsement key in each TPM microprocessor
What hashes does TPM compare during boot?
- Firmware
- Boot loader
- OS kernel
To prevent tampering
TPM chips have secure storage areas where disk encryption programs like BitLocker can store their keys
How can TPM be managed/configured?
via System setup program or OS
Meaning of HSM?
Hardware Security Module
What is HSM?
Device for secure cryptographic key storage & operations
A device like a USB
HSMs provide tamper-resistant hardware-based security, requiring user authentication i.e. password, PIN, or fingerprint) to access stored keys.
What’s used when transferring disks between TPM-lacking systems?
HSM
What is a heat sink?
Block of copper or aluminum with fins
The fins expose a larger surface area to the air around the component to achieve a cooling effect by convection.
How is a heat sink attached to a CPU?
Thermal paste/pad
This ensures the best transfer of heat by eliminating small air gaps
Thermal pads are easier to apply but doesn’t always perform as reliably
What does a liquid-based cooling system refer to?
System of pumping water around the chassis
What components do open-loop, liquid-based cooling systems refer to?
- Water loop/pump
- Water blocks & brackets
- Radiators/fans
Theres closed-loop systems that install to a single component (CPU/GPU)
Open-loop systems require periodic draining, cleaning, and refilling. Ensure fans and radiators are dust-free. Drain the system before relocating the PC.
