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