Lesson 01-B Flashcards
What are the core functions of a motherboard?
The core functions of a motherboard include compute, storage, and networking
The motherboard houses sockets for devices that implement these functions.
What is the role of the CPU in a PC?
The CPU processes software and data by running instructions
This is referred to as the compute or processing function of a PC.
What type of memory is nonpersistent and loses data when the power is off?
Random-access memory (RAM)
RAM provides additional storage for running programs and open data files.
What is the purpose of the motherboard’s system clock?
It synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU.
What are common manufacturers of motherboards?
- AOpen (Acer)
- ASRock
- ASUSTek
- Biostar
- EVGA Corporation
- Gigabyte
- Intel
- MSI
What safety measure should be taken before opening a PC case?
The PC must be disconnected from the power supply.
What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?
A sudden release of static charge into a circuit by touching it.
How should sensitive components be handled to prevent ESD?
Handle components by their edges or plastic parts and use an anti-ESD wrist strap.
What is the shape of a CPU socket?
Square.
What does the motherboard’s chipset support?
- Processor choice
- Type and maximum amount of RAM
- Support for integrated interfaces/ports
What does RAM stand for?
Random-access memory.
What types of drives can be connected using SATA ports?
- Solid state drives (SSD)
- Hard disk drives (HDD)
- Removable drives (e.g., tape drives, optical drives)
What is the M.2 interface used for?
Connecting SSDs in an adapter card form factor.
What is a key drawback of eSATA compared to USB or Thunderbolt?
Power is not supplied over the eSATA cable.
What is the primary interface for modern adapter cards?
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe).
What does ‘up-plugging’ refer to in PCIe?
Fitting a card into a port with an equal or greater number of lanes.
Which bus type has been superseded by PCIe?
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI).
What is the standard form factor for most desktop PC motherboards?
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX).
What is the size of a Mini-ITX motherboard?
6.7 inches (170 mm x 170 mm) square.
What is the general procedure for installing a motherboard?
- Familiarize with the documentation
- Adjust jumper clips if necessary
- Position standoffs
- Secure the motherboard
What should be checked before placing the motherboard on standoffs?
Alignment and standoff location.
What components connect to headers on the motherboard?
- Power button
- Speakers
- Fans
What does the power button on the motherboard do?
Sends a signal interpreted by the OS as a command to shut down rather than switching off the PC
Holding down the power button for a few seconds will cut the power.
What do drive activity lights indicate?
Show when an internal hard disk is being accessed
How are internal USB 2 connections made?
Via 9-pin headers that accept up to two 4-pin port connections
What is the main P1 motherboard power connector format?
A distinctive 2-pin x 12-pin block with square pin receptacles
What types of connectors do fans typically have?
3- or 4-pin Molex KK format
What is a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?
A microprocessor designed and optimized for processing instructions that render 2-D and 3-D images and effects on-screen
What is the typical memory size for mid-range performance graphics cards?
Around 4–6 GB GDDR RAM
What types of video ports might a video card have?
HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt
What is the purpose of a capture card?
Used to record video input and save it as a type of movie or streaming media file
What is an audio jack typically used for?
To connect speakers or headphones to a sound card
What type of sound playback can a sound card support?
Mono, stereo, or surround sound
What is the typical size of audio jacks?
3.5 mm (⅛ inch) mono or stereo jacks
What is the function of a network interface card (NIC)?
To connect a computer to a network
Fill in the blank: A dedicated NIC may provision multiple ports that can be bonded into a single higher _______.
bandwidth link
True or False: Most computers have an Ethernet network adapter already installed as part of the motherboard chipset.
True
What is the role of a Wi-Fi adapter?
To connect to a wireless network
What should you do when disassembling the system regarding header connectors?
Make a diagram of the position and orientation of header connectors
What is the distinguishing feature of 4-pin fan connectors?
Support precise fan-speed control via a PWM signal
What types of expansion cards can be fitted to a PCIe slot?
Sound, video, capture, and network cards
What is the difference between onboard graphics and dedicated graphics cards?
Onboard graphics are integrated into the motherboard or CPU, while dedicated graphics cards are add-on cards installed in PCIe slots
What is the typical bandwidth of a PCIe v2.0 x16 graphics adapter?
[specific bandwidth value not provided in the text]
Can a x8 PCIe storage adapter card fit in a x16 slot?
Yes
