CPUS and RAM

Question 1

CPU

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit (The brain of the computer). It runs programs.

Every CPU has internal features to process commands.

CPUs use pipelines to optimise the processing of commands

Question 2

Binary

Answer 2

is a system where numbers and values are expressed 0 or 1
or on and off

Question 3

Byte

Answer 3

a group of binary digits or bits (usually eight) operated on as a unit.

Question 4

Modern CPUs

Answer 4

A newer CPU built on a more modern architecture could perform faster in real terms than an older model claiming a faster clock speed frequency since it is likely to be splitting tasks across multiple cores and benefiting from increased CPU cache memory

Question 5

clock speed

Answer 5

The clock speed measures the number of cycles your CPU executes per second, measured in GHz (gigahertz).

Question 6

Hertz

Answer 6

The unit of measurement called a hertz (Hz), which is technically one cycle per second. It is used to measure clock speed. (1 task per second)

1 Megahertz = 1 million cycles per second
1 gigahertz = 1 billion cycles per second

Question 7

CPU Cores

Answer 7

CPU Cores are multiple processors on 1 chip

Question 8

Dual Core

Answer 8

A CPU chip that contains two distinct processing units that work in parallel.

Question 9

Quad Core

Answer 9

A quad-core processor is a chip with four independent units called cores that read and execute central processing unit (CPU) instructions

Question 10

Arm Chips

Answer 10

advanced risc machines. Used for a set of instructions. Which can make it faster to do certain task.

Question 11

APU

Answer 11

An APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is a type of processor that combines both a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) onto a single chip.

Question 12

IA-32

Answer 12

IA-32 is the 32-bit version of the x86 instruction set architecture, designed by Intel and first implemented in the 80386 microprocessor in 1985.

(Intel Architecture, 32 bit)

Question 13

64 bit vs 32 bit

Answer 13

The bit version of your Windows PC indicates how it handles data. A 32-bit PC processes data in smaller chunks, while a 64-bit PC can handle larger chunks, which often results in better performance and compatibility with certain software.

Question 14

Overclocking

Answer 14

Overclocking is the term for increasing a component’s CPU (Central Processing Unit or computer hardware) to speed up its performance. Increasing the clock rate causes the component to run at a higher speed and perform more operations per second.

Question 14

Breaking down CPU:
Intel Core i9 12900K

Answer 14

Brand: Intel
Tier: Core i9
Generation: 12
Model: 900
Suffix: K

Brand: AMD
Tier: Ryzen 9
Generation: 5
Model: 900
Suffix: X

K in the Suffix means the CPU is unlocked. There is no speed limiter. (Can overclock)

F in the Suffix means that there is no integrated graphics at all. (Can add your own graphics card).

X in the Suffix means the base clock speed is higher. This means it slightly come overclocked straight out of the box. You don’t have to do much to overclock that chip.

G in the Suffix means it includes integrated graphics. There is no speed limiter. (Can overclock).

Question 15

CPU Generation & Architecture review

Answer 15

Intel & AMD are the main brands for CPU

The higher the CPU tier the better the performance

The generation gives a good indication of the CPUs age

The model refers to the performance of the CPU

The suffix denotes whether the CPU is unlocked or has integrated graphics.

Question 16

intermittent shutdown

Answer 16

Random irregular computer shutdowns

Question 17

Heat sink

Answer 17

Heat sinks have a thermal conductor that carries heat away from the heat source into fins or pins that provide a large surface area for the heat to dissipate throughout the rest of the computer. This is why a heat sink is designed to maximize its surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding it.

Question 18

Thermal Paste

Answer 18

Thermal paste is a thermally conductive chemical compound, which is commonly used as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources such as high-power semiconductor devices. The main role of thermal paste is to eliminate air gaps or spaces from the interface area in order to maximize heat transfer and dissipation.

Question 19

Thermal pads

Answer 19

In computing and electronics, thermal pads are pre-formed rectangles of solid material commonly found on the underside of heatsinks to aid the conduction of heat away from the component being cooled and into the heatsink. (Used to fill in airgaps)

Question 20

Liquid Cooling

Answer 20

A liquid-cooled system places a water-cooled heat exchanger near the heat source. This exchanger then removes the heat and reduces the air temperature. Because of water’s higher density, liquid cooling can efficiently absorb heat.
Water cooling also provides lower power consumption. Fan speeds are decreased because they don’t have to move a large amount of air. This also lowers the system’s noise levels and power consumption.

(Higher thermal transfers than air/fan cooling)

Question 21

ESD Protection (Electrostatic Discharges)

Answer 21

It is the ability for equipment to properly operate in its electromagnetic environment by limiting the reception of electromagnetic energy that may cause physical damage.

(Always use ESD Protection when handling a CPU)

Question 22

Pin Grid Array (PGA)
Land Grid Array (LGA)

Answer 22

Two most common types of CPU sockets

Question 23

ZIF (Zero insertion force)

Answer 23

is a type of IC socket or electrical connector that requires very little (but not literally zero) force for insertion.

Question 24

Before installing a CPU, what’s the best way to protect it?

ESD mat

orientation notch

thermal paste

OEM fan

Answer 24

ESD mat

An electrostatic discharge (ESD) mat protects chips and electronics from electrostatic discharges while you’re installing the equipment. A fan keeps the chip cool after it has been installed. Thermal paste helps transfer heat from the CPU to the heat sink/fan after it has been installed. The orientation notch identifies which direction the CPU should face so that it seats correctly in the socket.

Question 25

What is a benefit of liquid cooling over fan cooling?

cool-looking fins

overclocking

ZIF sockets

quieter operation

Answer 25

quieter operation

Liquid cooling is quieter and more powerful than traditional air/fan cooling. Liquid cooling may help overclock a CPU, but overclocking is not an automatic benefit of liquid cooling. ZIF sockets are the type of sockets that CPUs lock into when installed on the motherboard; they have nothing to do with cooling. Both air fans and liquid cooling units have cool-looking fins that draw hot air away, so it’s not a benefit of liquid cooling over air-cooled systems.

Question 26

Which of the following is not an example of an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?

x64

x84

x86

x86-64

Answer 26

x84

x84 is not an ISA standard. x64, x86, and x86-64 are all ISA standards.

Question 27

When an instruction is sent to the CPU in a binary pattern, how does the CPU know what instruction the pattern means?

Code Book

Register

Translator

External Data Bus

Answer 27

Code Book

The CPU has an internal code book that identifies each instruction pattern. A register is a memory location inside a CPU. The external data bus is the set of wires that carry data and instructions between the CPU and RAM. In this context, translator is a made-up term.

Question 28

In the following example, which part of the CPU information corresponds to the generation?
Intel Core i9 12900K

Intel

900

12

Core i9

Answer 28

12

12 corresponds to the generation. Intel is the brand, Core i9 is the tier, 900 is the model, and K is the suffix.

Question 29

RAM

Answer 29

Random-access memory, or RAM, is one of the most important parts of your computer. It provides high-speed, short-term memory for your computer’s CPU

Question 30

DDRAM

Answer 30

Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory is a double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory class of memory integrated circuits used in computers.

DDR - Clock speed x2

DDR2 is double DDR (so x2 of DDR)

PC Speed rating always multiple by 8

PCR = DDR
PCR2 = DDR2

We measure RAM speed by DDR or PC ratings

Multiply DDR speed by 8 to get the PC Speed

Question 31

RAM Capacity

Answer 31

Ram can be single or double sided

RAM should be identical capacity in the same channels

(channels are like slots for RAM)

Question 32

RAM Features

Answer 32

Parity and EEC RAM contains extra chips to check for RAM errors

EEC RAM is only on motherboards that support it

Almost every RAM has a SPD chip that stores information about a RAM stick.

Tools like CPU-Z read SPD information.

Question 33

Virtual Memory/RAM

Answer 33

AKA Swap file

Virtual memory is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were a part of the RAM.

Should only be used if RAM is exhausted or full.

Question 34

You are using the CompTIA Troubleshooting Methodology to determine the cause of some faulty RAM. You theorize that one or more RAM modules might not be properly seated. You test the theory, and it seems like a probable assumption. What is your next step?

Implement the solution by reseating the RAM .

Remove the RAM and replace with new modules.

Identify the problem by removing all hardware components from the motherboard.

Verify full system functionality by rebooting the PC .

Answer 34

Implement the solution by reseating the RAM .

CompTIA’s Troubleshooting Methodology offers a simplified list of steps that can help you troubleshoot and resolve almost any issue that you will run in to. After establishing and testing a theory, the next step would be to establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution. Since we surmised that our RAM sticks weren’t seated properly, the solution to the would be to reseat the RAM.

Question 35

In what order should memory slots be filled?

whatever order the motherboard manual specifies

alternate slots starting farthest from the CPU

closest to the CPU to farthest from the CPU

farthest from the CPU to closest to the CPU

Answer 35

whatever order the motherboard manual specifies

The best practice is to follow whatever the motherboard manual specifies. Every motherboard is slightly different, so what works in one may not work in another.

Question 36

Which type of RAM sticks have 240 pins?

SDRAM

DDR7

DDR2

DDR4

Answer 36

DDR2

DDR2 (and DDR3) RAM sticks have 240 pins. SDRAM has 128 pins, and DDR4 has 288 pins DDR7 isn’t a type of RAM.

Question 37

How many pins do DDR4 RAM modules have?

288

240

168

184

Answer 37

288

DDR4 RAM sticks have 288 pins. SDRAM has 128 pins, DDR has 184 pins, DDR2 and DDR3 have 240 pins.

Question 38

Which types of RAM can function even if one of its memory chips fails?

Double-sided RAM

SO-DIMMs

ECC

Dual-Channel RAM

Answer 38

ECC

Error correction code (ECC) RAM and parity RAM can function with a failed memory chip. SO-DIMMs are small outline (form factor) memory modules. Dual-channel is technology that supports simultaneous access to multiple RAM modules. Double-sided RAM are RAM modules that are organized into 4 bits.

Question 39

Which RAM would typically be installed into a laptop computer?

ECC

SO-DIMMs

SPD RAM

SDRAM

Answer 39

SO-DIMMs

Laptops and other small form factor motherboards typically use SO-DIMM memory modules. ECC RAM is usually found in server-grade computers. SDRAM is an early generation of RAM technology but it is not specific to laptops. There is no such thing as SPD RAM.