CompTIA A+: Working with Motherboards, CPUs, & Add-On Cards Flashcards
(27 cards)
differentiate between the ATX, MATX, ITX and MITX motherboard form factors
ATX: advanced tech extended: 1995 by Intel Corp.
12” x 9.6” motherboard size
Full-Length expansion cards
MATX: Micro atx works in standard ATX cases 9.6" x 9.6" in size smaller design requires some trade offs in output. lower memory / expansion slots
ITX : info technology extended: developed by VIA corp. Mini - ITX 6.7" sq Nano - ITX 4.7" sq Pico 3.9x2.8" Mobile 2.4" sq
These smaller ones are function specific
differentiate between PCI, PCIe, riser card, socket, SATA, IDE, front panel, and internal USB connectors
PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect: install peripherals 32-Bit slots.
PCI-e: replace both AGP and PCI.
4 versions: 1.x / 2.x / 3.0 / 4.0.
Riser: allow different configuration to install cards.
Socket: square arrangement of columns/rows of holes and pins: Zero-insertion force socket:
IDE / SATA: rare to see IDE. Sata is
list BIOS/UEFI settings such as boot options, firmware, and interface configurations
Basic Input / Output System.
Refers to physical chip
Allows the operating system to interact with hardware.
configuration interfaces: upon boot up _ gives options / configs etc.
UEFI:
unified extensible firemare interface: new BIOS system:
has access to hardware so it can update.
What is the P.O.S.T
Power-on Self-Test:
a diagnostic testing sequence that is run by the BIOS to ensure that your hardware is working correctly
How do you update the BIOS chip?
Firmware Updates:
you have to flash the chip in order to update it.
Why are UEFI updates safer?
because they access the network card and update the system over the internet.
Vs. BIOS update which is computer specific and requires booting from a flash drive.
describe the importance of BIOS security, including passwords and drive encryption
Password protect the BIOS to prevent unauthorized users from making changes.
Set supervisor password / User Password
What is TPM in laptops?
Trusted Platform Module
adds crypotgraphic functions that can be used to enter and decrypt data.
Windows PC: utilised bitlocker
What is LoJack?
anti0theft security package that is embedded into BIOS
allows electronic tracking
What is SecureBoot
ensures PC’s boot using a trusted firmware.
enabled or disabled through the BIOS
CMOS Batteries:
Complementary Metal-Oxide semiconductor
built directly into the motherboard.
allows settings to be saved
-non rechargable lithium-
`
How do you replace the CMOS Battery?
- Remove old battery
- replace with new
- Enter CMOS values -
differentiate between single core and multicore CPUs
Single Core: microprocessor with a single chip
only run a single thread at any one time
Refers to multitasking
Dual-Core Processors:
Two processing cores that can operate on multiple tasks at the same time.
Multi-Core: run multiple processors depending on the size of the core..eg QUAD core
What is Hyper-Threading
Also called SMT: Simultaneous multithreading
Physical CPU cores are split into virtual cores
virtual cores appear to the operating system as separate logical processing cores
each physical core is processing two threads. 1 CPU, 4 cores, 8 threads.
Multi Processor vs Hyper Threading
Multi: one core can process at the exact same time as another
Hyper: logical coupling of two threads being processed @ same time…
NOT AS GOOD AS MULTI
Combination of both is optimal
Advantages of Hyper Threading
Improved system performance
Throughput
Reaction time / response time
Increased thread level parallelism
what is Overclockign
CPU configured to run at higher speeds then advertised
What is Integrated GPU
embedded on the same die as the processor
ideal for high end gaming or graphic design systems
list different cooling mechanisms
Heat Sync: incorporates either a fan to reduce heat
modern PC’s use them
Water-Based Microprocessor Coolers
water is circulated through the system
Thermal Paste: high heat conducted paste that produces better heat conduction between components
Active and Passive Heat Syncs
Active : utilizes the computers power suppply and a fan
Reffered to as HS + Fan
Passive; no mechanical components : 100% reliable
dissipates heat through convection (airflow)
requires steady airflow
Components of a Water-Based Microprocessor COoler
water reservoir tank
water pump
condesner coil radiator
CPU Cooling BLOCK
Components of a Refrigerated Cooling System
evaporator condenser compressor flow control / expansion device insulated tubing
Expansion Cards - Video Cards
No good for gaming
connects to the MB using expansion slots such as
PCIexpress: most common
AGP: accelerated Graphics Port
PCI Card: approx 3” long
what does a Sound Card do?
Used to produce sound on a comp
connects using PCIe or PCI cards
