Install and configure motherboards Flashcards
What is the bandwidth of a PCIe v2.0 x16 graphics adapter?
8 GBps in each direction (full-duplex).
PCIe v2 supports 500MBps per lane.
What type of motherboard socket is used to install system memory?
Dual inline memory module(DIMM)
How many storage devices can be attached to a single SATA port?
One. It is a serial connection.
You have a x8 PCIe storage adapter card - can you fit this in a x16 slot?
Yes - this is referred to as up-plugging. On some motherboards it may only function as a x1 device though.
What type of motherboard is displayed here?
This is a mini-ITX formfactor which measures 6.7 inches squared.
Note that the micro-ATX is 9.6 inches x 9.6 inches.
What category of adapter card is shown here?
This is a sound card. It can be identified by the distintive 3.5mm audio jacks for connecting microphones and speakers.
Electrical Safety
This means that the PC must be disconnected from the power supply before opening the case. Additionally, hold the power button for a few seconds after disconnecting the power cord to ensure that all internal components are drained of charge.
CPU Sockets
The CPU socket has a distinctive square shape. When the CPU has been installed, it is covered by a thermal paste, heat sink, and fan.
The function of the CPU is supported by the motherboard’s chipset. The chipset is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The type of chipset on the motherboard determines the choice of processor; the type and maximum amount of RAM; and support for integrated interfaces/ports, such as video, sound, and networking.
System Memory Slots
System memory uses a type of memory technology called random-access memory (RAM). System RAM is volatile; it loses its contents when power is removed.
System RAM is normally packaged as a dual inline memory module (DIMM) fitted to a motherboard slot. There are successive generations of RAM technologies, such as DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5. A DIMM form factor is specific to a particular DDR version.
M.2 Interface
An SSD can be provisioned in an adapter card form factor. These often use an M.2 interface. An M.2 port is oriented horizontally. M.2 supplies power over the bus, so there is no need for a separate power cable.
Headers
Components on the front and rear panels of the case connect to headers on the motherboard:
-Power button
-HDD lights
-Audio Ports
-USB ports
Power Connectors
The motherboard also contains various connection points for the power supply and fans.
-The main P1 motherboard power connector is a distinctive 2-pin x 12-pin block with square pin receptacles.
-Fan connectors are 3- or 4-pin Molex KK format. There will be one for the CPU and one or more for the case fans and components such as memory and video adapters. 4-pin fan connectors support precise fan-speed control via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal carried by the blue wire. 3-pin fans are controlled by varying the voltage.
Expansion Card
adds functions or ports that are not supported by the integrated features of the motherboard. An expansion card can be fitted to an appropriate PCIe or PCI slot.
video Card
The video card (or graphics adapter) generates the signal to drive a monitor or projector. Low-end graphics adapters are likely to be included with the motherboard chipset or as part of the CPU itself. Most modern cards use a PCIe x16 interface.
Video cards are distinguished by the following features:
-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)—A microprocessor designed and optimized for processing instructions that render 2-D and 3-D images and effects on-screen.
-Graphics memory—3-D cards need a substantial amount of memory for processing and texture effects.
-Video ports—The type and number of connectors, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
Sound Cards
Audio playback is achieved via speakers or headphones, which are connected to a sound card via an audio jack. Sound cards are also used to record input from a microphone.
