Core 1 Flashcards
What is the 1st step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 1: Identify the problem
What is the 2nd step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 2: Establish a theory of probable cause
What is the 3rd step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 3: Test the theory to determine cause
What is the 4th step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 4: Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
What is the 5th step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 5: Verify fill system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventative measure
What is the 6th step to the CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory?
Step 6: Document findings, actions, and outcome
Hardware: GPU stands for what?
Graphics Processing Unit
What is BIOS?
Basic Input/Output Services, firmware written on a chip connected to the motherboard that allows communication with the assumed hardware of the computer before the OS loads.
Backup BIOS
A second BIOS chip incase of failure or corruption.
POST
Power-On Self-Test: a part of the BIOS that requests all parts of the computer to run self diagnostics to make sure everything is working properly before booting up.
CMOS
System Setup
POST Card
A system card that displays a hexadecimal 2 digit readout while going through POST and will display an error code if one is found. Only codes displaying during POST are valid none after boot.
Beep Code
A code given through beeps from a small built in speaker that can indicate a system problem before getting to display diagnostics.
Display Code
POST error code shown on the screen.
UEFI
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
System Setup
Allows us to make changes to our BIOS
PROM
Programable Read-Only Memory
CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Single flash ROM chip
RTC
Real-Time Clock
CMOS Battery
Almost all are a CR2032 Button style battery, it keeps your RTC going if your computer is unplugged from power
A common indication of a CMOS Battery loosing power is…
The Clock starts running slower and falls behind.
Form Factors
Standardized size/form for computers to allow compatibility with many different types. Motherboards/Cases/Power Supply
ATX Form Factor
Biggest common form factor 12” x 9.6”
MicroATX Form Factor
Similar to ATX but slightly smaller and square. 9.6” x 9.6”
Mini-ITX Form Factor
Smallest common standard computer motherboard form factor
ITX Form Factor
Larger version of the Mini-ITX very uncommon
I/O area & I/O Shield
Where you will find the majority of the external ports on a motherboard, it has a very strict form factor standard
Northbridge/Southbridge Chipsets
An early version of the Chipset Northbridge handled faster things, Southbridge handled slower things. Modern chipsets are Southbridge with the CPU handling Northbridge.
Chipsets
Combine the functions from many single-function chips and define RAM capacity, USB capabilities, and more
PCPartPicker.com
Good website for computer part specs/reviews/compatibility checking
Power Supplies
PC Power Supplies are step-down transformers that convert AC power to DC power
Volt types & colors
12 Volt - Yellow
5 Volt - Red
3.3 Volt - Orange
ATX12V
Extensions to the origional ATX power that allow more electricity to the motherboard.
Molex
Oldest power connector still on computers, provides both 12V & 5V connections.
Mini Connector
Originally designed to run a floppy drive, but still in use for other things.
SATA
Used for Hard Drives or Optical Media Drives
PCIe Connector
For Video Cards that need extra power.
Modular Power Supply
Allows for the use of only the cables you need.
What are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a PSU (Power Supply Unit)?
Get one with a little more wattage than you need. Look for higher-efficiency power supplies. Modular PSUs cut down on cable clutter.
To keep your PC cool practice proper…
Cable Management
BIOS settings
Cleaning (canned air or PC blower)
Power Supply Tester or ATX tester
Checks a PSU for functionality and gives you a readout to check against your owner’s manual values.
