Lesson 6 Chapter 2 - Upgrading and Installing Motherboards Flashcards
When determining what motherboard you need, what are 4 good questions to ask yourself?
brain, brain, install, extra
- What CPU do I want?
- Is the CPU compatible with the motherboard?
- What RAM do I want to install?
- Are there extra RAM sockets to upgrade in the future?
All motherboards come with a technical manual, better known as….?
a motherboard book
What are standoffs?
Standoffs are the bronze (non-conductive) connectors that hold a motherboard in place (to the case) with screws
It’s better not to take any chances and remove any unused ____ you won’t be using for the new motherboard
standoffs
Why is it better to install the CPU, CPU fan, and RAM into the motherboard before installing the motherboard into the case? (3)
werk, muscles, task
- It helps to verify that they all work together
- It helps prevent flexing the motherboard as the case doesn’t provide sufficient support when forcing components in
- It can be hard to mount certain components (CPU fan) depending on where the mount is (on the bottom, in a tight space, etc)
What are the “header” connections on a motherboard? (3)
tron, pussycat dolls, ship
- LEDs
- Power button
- Front-mounted ports (like speakers)
Besides installing CPU, CPU fan, and RAM on an unmounted motherboard, what else is sometimes easier to install on an unmounted motherboard?
Headers
What are the 3 rules you need to follow when installing the header wires?
electrons, guess, need
- LEDs have a negative and a positive. If it doesn’t work one way, switch it around.
- Sometimes the connectors are labeled, but if not you can experiment with attaching cables as it doesn’t hurt the computer (refer to motherboard book)
- The only connection you need to power on the system is the power button
What do you do if the function of each header wire isn’t printed on the motherboard? (2)
- Follow the wire leads from the front of the case to the appropriate pins on the motherboard
- Refer to the motherboard book to look up the locations
Modern motherboards require # connectors from the power supply
Motherboards require 2 connectors for power
What is the main and secondary power connector for the motherboard called? How many pins do they have?
Main: P1 and has 24 pins
Secondary: P4 and has 4 pins (or 6, or 8)
What other numbers of pins might there be for a motherboard power supply connector? (2)
6 pins and 8 pins
Why is using a POST card beneficial?
You can verify the system can boot and function without connecting the rest of the peripherals (keyboard, monitor, speakers)
How does the POST process work? (5)
insert, go, watch, code, research
- Install the POST card in an expansion slot
- Power on the system
- Watch to see if the POST takes place
- The code on the POST card’s LED changes as the motherboard succeeds at every boot-up phase
- If it stops on a certain code, look up the code in the POST card’s manual
What do you have to do if you don’t have a POST card to allow you to boot up the system? (4)
You must connect the required peripherals
1. Keyboard
2. Speaker
3. Video card
4. Monitor
(Then do you see BIOS, manufacturer logo, or other text on the screen?)