Section 3 - Motherboard Flashcards
Motherboard
Printed circuit board that contains computer components and provides connectors
What is input
Process of accepting data in a form that the computer can use
What is output
Process of displaying the processed data or information
What is processing
Action performed by the CPU when receiving information
Which components are in charge of processing
GPU or CPU
What is storage
Process of saving or retaining digital data, temporarily or permanently
What is temporary storage also known as and why
Non-persistant because the data will be lose after the pc is turned off
What is permanent storage also known as and why
Persistant because the data will be kept after the PC is turned off
What is data transferred across the motherboard measured in, in terms of speed
MHz, GHz
In terms of speed, describe non-volatile storage
Speed decreases rapidly, MHz
In terms of speed, describe volatile storage
Speed is fast, GHz
What does form factor describe
Its shape, layout and type of case and power supply that will be used by system
form factors for motherboards
ATX, Mini-ATX, Micro-ATX
Explain ATX
Advanced Technology eXtended, Full-size motherboard, measures 12’’ x 9.6’’ in size
Explain Mini-ATX
Smaller than ATX with same features 11.2’’ x 8.2’’ - not very common
Explain Micro-ATX
9.6’’ x 9.6’’ - 4 expansion card slots
Explain ITX
Designed as a replacement for the ATX but never produced
Mini-ITX
Measures 6.7’’ x 6.7’’ with 1 expansion slot - Small cases, very common in small form factor PCs
3 other form factors of ITX
Nano-ITX, Pico-ITX, Mobile-ITX
Explain the x86 architecture (aka IA-32)
Developed by intel with an 8-bit,16-bit and up to 32-bit instruction set
Explain x64
Supports 64-bit instruction set
Explain the x86 limitation in terms of ram
allows for a max of 4GB of RAM
Explain 32 and 64 bit systems in terms of the programs they can run
64-bit can run 32 & 64 bit programs however 32-bit systems can only run 32-bit programs
What is Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) used for
Used for low-power devices (tablets and cell phones)
Advantages of ARM/RISC systems
Less power consumption and produces less heat
Explain RISC/ARM in terms of completing tasks
They use code to perform tasks
What is a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) Mechanism
Involves inserting the CPU without pressing down and applying any pressure
Explain LGA (Land Grid Array by Intel)
Form factor socket that positions all the pins on the motherboard to connect into the holes of the CPU
Explain PGA (Pin Grid Array by AMD)
Form factor where the processor has the pins and socket has the holes