Lesson 6 Chapter 2 - Upgrading and Installing Motherboards

Question 1

When determining what motherboard you need, what are 4 good questions to ask yourself?

brain, brain, install, extra

Answer 1

1. What CPU do I want?
2. Is the CPU compatible with the motherboard?
3. What RAM do I want to install?
4. Are there extra RAM sockets to upgrade in the future?

Question 2

All motherboards come with a technical manual, better known as….?

Answer 2

a motherboard book

Question 3

What are standoffs?

Answer 3

Standoffs are the bronze (non-conductive) connectors that hold a motherboard in place (to the case) with screws

Question 4

It’s better not to take any chances and remove any unused ____ you won’t be using for the new motherboard

Answer 4

standoffs

Question 5

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

Answer 5

1. It helps to verify that they all work together
2. It helps prevent flexing the motherboard as the case doesn’t provide sufficient support when forcing components in
3. It can be hard to mount certain components (CPU fan) depending on where the mount is (on the bottom, in a tight space, etc)

Question 6

What are the “header” connections on a motherboard? (3)

tron, pussycat dolls, ship

Answer 6

1. LEDs
2. Power button
3. Front-mounted ports (like speakers)

Question 7

Besides installing CPU, CPU fan, and RAM on an unmounted motherboard, what else is sometimes easier to install on an unmounted motherboard?

Answer 7

Headers

Question 8

What are the 3 rules you need to follow when installing the header wires?

electrons, guess, need

Answer 8

1. LEDs have a negative and a positive. If it doesn’t work one way, switch it around.
2. 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)
3. The only connection you need to power on the system is the power button

Question 9

What do you do if the function of each header wire isn’t printed on the motherboard? (2)

Answer 9

1. Follow the wire leads from the front of the case to the appropriate pins on the motherboard
2. Refer to the motherboard book to look up the locations

Question 10

Modern motherboards require # connectors from the power supply

Answer 10

Motherboards require 2 connectors for power

Question 11

What is the main and secondary power connector for the motherboard called? How many pins do they have?

Answer 11

Main: P1 and has 24 pins
Secondary: P4 and has 4 pins (or 6, or 8)

Question 12

What other numbers of pins might there be for a motherboard power supply connector? (2)

Answer 12

6 pins and 8 pins

Question 13

Why is using a POST card beneficial?

Answer 13

You can verify the system can boot and function without connecting the rest of the peripherals (keyboard, monitor, speakers)

Question 14

How does the POST process work? (5)

insert, go, watch, code, research

Answer 14

1. Install the POST card in an expansion slot
2. Power on the system
3. Watch to see if the POST takes place
4. The code on the POST card’s LED changes as the motherboard succeeds at every boot-up phase
5. If it stops on a certain code, look up the code in the POST card’s manual

Question 15

What do you have to do if you don’t have a POST card to allow you to boot up the system? (4)

Answer 15

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?)

Question 16

What do you do if you get power to the fans but see nothing on the screen? (2)

Answer 16

1. CPU, RAM or video card might not be connected properly
2. Check the connections to the RAM and video card before checking the more complicated CPU connection

Question 17

What are the steps to installing a motherboard? (7)

1. what
2. fit
3. re
4. twist
5. install
6. fight the
7. verify

Answer 17

1. Determine what motherboard you need
2. Select a case that fits your motherboard
3. Remove all of the expansion cards and unplug all cables, including anything that might get in the way of installation (hard drive, PSU)
4. Unscrew the motherboard from the standoffs (keep track of your screws!)
5. Install components onto the motherboard before installing (RAM, CPU, CPU Fan, Header wires)
6. Connect the primary P1 and secondary P4 power connectors
7. Verify computer operation with POST card or connect main components (keyboard, speaker, video card, monitor)