Motherboards Flashcards
What is the primary function of a motherboard?
To connect and allow communication between computer components.
What are common motherboard form factors?
ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
What is the purpose of the chipset on a motherboard?
Manages data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals.
What is the difference between a northbridge and a southbridge?
Northbridge connects CPU to high-speed components; southbridge handles I/O and slower devices.
What is a motherboard standoff?
A spacer that prevents the motherboard from touching the case.
What is the function of the CMOS battery?
Maintains BIOS/UEFI settings and system time when the computer is powered off.
What is the purpose of the PCIe slots on a motherboard?
To connect add-on cards like GPUs, network cards, and sound cards.
What is the function of the CPU?
To execute instructions and perform calculations for the computer.
What are common CPU socket types?
LGA, PGA, and BGA.
What does LGA stand for, and what is its characteristic?
Land Grid Array; the pins are on the motherboard.
What does PGA stand for, and what is its characteristic?
Pin Grid Array; the pins are on the CPU.
What is the purpose of thermal paste?
To improve heat transfer between the CPU and the heatsink.
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs?
64-bit CPUs can handle more memory and process larger data chunks.
What is overclocking?
Increasing a CPU’s clock speed beyond its rated specifications for better performance.
What is a multicore processor?
A CPU with multiple cores that can process instructions simultaneously.
What is the purpose of a graphics processing unit (GPU)?
To handle rendering of images, video, and 3D graphics.
What is the function of a network interface card (NIC)?
To provide a wired or wireless connection to a network.
What is the purpose of a sound card?
To improve audio quality and provide additional audio features.
What is the purpose of a RAID controller card?
To manage and configure RAID storage setups.
What is the purpose of a TV tuner card?
To allow the computer to receive TV signals.
What is a capture card used for?
To record video input from external devices like cameras or gaming consoles.
What is the purpose of a storage controller card?
To provide additional connectivity for storage devices like SATA or NVMe.
What should you do before installing a CPU?
Ensure compatibility with the motherboard socket type.
What tool is commonly used to secure the motherboard to the case?
A screwdriver.
What precaution should you take before installing components on a motherboard?
Use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage.
What should you check before installing an add-on card?
Verify that the card is compatible with the motherboard’s PCIe slots.
What is the purpose of the I/O shield?
To provide access to the motherboard’s ports and protect against dust.
What is the purpose of BIOS/UEFI settings during installation?
To configure and recognize installed hardware components.
What should you do after installing a new CPU?
Verify that it is seated correctly and check temperatures during operation.
What is the purpose of updating the BIOS/UEFI?
To ensure compatibility with new hardware or improve system stability.
