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CompTIA A+ > Section 4: Cooling and Power > Flashcards

Section 4: Cooling and Power Flashcards

1
Q

What is the thermal load in a computer system?

A) The amount of RAM installed.
B) The heat generated by all components.
C) The speed of the processor.
D) The capacity of the power supply unit.

A

B) The heat generated by all components.

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2
Q

What is the main difference between passive and active cooling systems?

A) Passive cooling uses fans, while active cooling relies on heat sinks.
B) Active cooling doesn’t require power, while passive cooling does.
C) Passive cooling is only used for processors, while active cooling cools all components.
D) Active cooling creates airflow using fans, while passive cooling relies on natural convection.

A

D) Active cooling creates airflow using fans, while passive cooling relies on natural convection.

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3
Q

What is the primary function of thermal paste in passive cooling systems?

A) To provide power to the heat sink.
B) To fill air gaps for improved heat transfer.
C) To generate airflow within the case.
D) To regulate the speed of the fan.

A

B) To fill air gaps for improved heat transfer.

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4
Q

Which component is responsible for pushing hot air out and bringing cooler air into the computer case?

A) Processor fans
B) Case fans
C) Power supply fans
D) Graphics card fans

A

B) Case fans

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5
Q

Why is regular cleaning of computer cases important for maintaining efficient cooling?

A) To increase the speed of the processor.
B) To prevent the accumulation of dust on fans, ensuring they operate efficiently.
C) To reduce the capacity of the power supply unit.
D) To improve the performance of the graphics card.

A

B) To prevent the accumulation of dust on fans, ensuring they operate efficiently.

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6
Q

What is the recommended size of thermal paste to apply when installing a new CPU?

A) The size of a walnut
B) The size of a grape
C) The size of a green pea
D) The size of a cherry tomato

A

C) The size of a green pea

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7
Q

What is a primary advantage of liquid cooling over fan-based cooling systems?

A) It requires less maintenance.
B) It disperses heat more effectively with less power and noise.
C) It is easier to install and cheaper to maintain.
D) It is suitable for all types of systems, regardless of thermal load.

A

B) It disperses heat more effectively with less power and noise.

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8
Q

What characterizes a closed loop system for liquid cooling?

A) It can cool multiple components simultaneously.
B) It is a self-contained system designed to cool a single component.
C) It is typically used for cooling power supplies.
D) It is the most complex type of liquid cooling system.

A

B) It is a self-contained system designed to cool a single component.

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9
Q

Which of the following statements best describes an open loop system?

A) It requires less technical knowledge to install and maintain.
B) It is designed for single-component cooling.
C) It involves multiple components such as tubing, pumps, reservoirs, and radiators.
D) It is typically used for corporate environments due to its simplicity.

A

C) It involves multiple components such as tubing, pumps, reservoirs, and radiators.

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10
Q

What is the function of a water block in a liquid cooling system?

A) It drives the coolant through the tubing to ensure circulation.
B) It stores coolant to accommodate expansion and contraction.
C) It facilitates heat transfer by attaching to components like processors or graphics cards.
D) It cools the heated liquid by passing air over it, similar to a heat sink.

A

C) It facilitates heat transfer by attaching to components like processors or graphics cards.

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11
Q

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of liquid cooling?

A) Quieter operation compared to fan-based systems.
B) Higher performance for systems with significant heat generation.
C) Easier installation and lower maintenance requirements.
D) More efficient heat dispersion compared to air-based systems.

A

C) Easier installation and lower maintenance requirements.

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12
Q

Which statement accurately reflects typical applications of liquid cooling systems?

A) Liquid cooling is most commonly used in corporate environments due to its cost-effectiveness.
B) Liquid cooling is generally reserved for high-end gaming PCs and specialized workstations.
C) Liquid cooling is typically used for low-power devices to maintain quiet operation.
D) Liquid cooling is a traditional cooling method used in most personal computers.

A

B) Liquid cooling is generally reserved for high-end gaming PCs and specialized workstations.

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13
Q

Why might fan-based cooling still be the standard for most personal and corporate computers?

A) Liquid cooling is costlier and more complex to work with.
B) Fan-based cooling is a newer technology with higher efficiency.
C) Liquid cooling is louder and less efficient than fan-based cooling.
D) Fan-based cooling is generally less effective at heat dispersion.

A

A) Liquid cooling is costlier and more complex to work with.

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14
Q

What is the purpose of applying thermal paste on top of the CPU before installing the heatsink?

A) To provide electrical insulation between the CPU and heatsink.
B) To secure the CPU in the motherboard’s processor socket.
C) To ensure optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink.
D) To prevent dust buildup on the CPU surface.

A

C) To ensure optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink.

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15
Q

Where should you install case fans to ensure proper airflow within the case?

A) Underneath the motherboard.
B) Inside the power supply unit.
C) At the rear, top, and front of the case.
D) Behind the graphics card.

A

C) At the rear, top, and front of the case.

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16
Q

How should you connect case fans to the motherboard for power and control?

A) Using USB connectors.
B) Directly to the power supply unit.
C) Using SATA connectors.
D) By plugging them into the motherboard’s system fan connectors.

A

D) By plugging them into the motherboard’s system fan connectors.

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17
Q

What should you verify before completing the installation of CPU components and case fans?

A) The color of the thermal paste used.
B) The correct order of installation for CPU components.
C) The presence of rubber knobs on the case fans.
D) The ambient temperature inside the room.

A

B) The correct order of installation for CPU components.

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18
Q

What is the typical pin configuration for modern motherboard power connectors?

A) 20 pins
B) 24 pins
C) 8 pins
D) 6 pins

A

B) 24 pins

19
Q

Which configuration is commonly used for modern CPU power connectors?

A) 4 pins
B) 8 pins
C) 20 pins
D) 24 pins

A

B) 8 pins

20
Q

What is the purpose of PCIe power connectors?

A) Connecting external graphics cards
B) Powering SATA drives
C) Powering the motherboard
D) Connecting IDE/PATA drives

A

A) Connecting external graphics cards

21
Q

Which type of drives are typically powered by SATA power connectors?

A) External graphics cards
B) SSDs and HDDs
C) IDE/PATA drives
D) Optical drives like CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives

A

B) SSDs and HDDs

22
Q

What is the primary function of a Molex connector?

A) Powering the CPU
B) Powering SATA drives
C) Connecting IDE/PATA drives
D) Splitting one connector into multiple for legacy devices

A

D) Splitting one connector into multiple for legacy devices

23
Q

What is the purpose of Y connectors and adapters in power supply units?

A) To power the motherboard
B) To split one connector into multiple or convert between different types
C) To connect external graphics cards
D) To power SSDs and HDDs

A

B) To split one connector into multiple or convert between different types

24
Q

What is the primary function of Power Supply Units (PSUs) in a computer system?

A) Converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
B) Providing direct current (DC) power to computer components.
C) Regulating voltage levels in the motherboard.
D) Connecting peripherals to the computer system.

A

B) Providing direct current (DC) power to computer components.

25
Q

Which components are typically found in Power Supply Units (PSUs) to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC)?

A) Capacitors, resistors, and inductors.
B) Transformers, regulators, and filters.
C) Diodes, transistors, and relays.
D) Microprocessors, memory modules, and expansion cards.

A

B) Transformers, regulators, and filters.

26
Q

Why are cooling mechanisms like fans integrated into Power Supply Units (PSUs)?

A) To regulate voltage levels effectively.
B) To convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).
C) To maintain optimal efficiency and dissipate heat generated during conversion.
D) To provide additional storage capacity for computer components.

A

C) To maintain optimal efficiency and dissipate heat generated during conversion.

27
Q

How are traditional Power Supply Units (PSUs) different from modular PSUs in terms of cable management?

A) Traditional PSUs have detachable connectors for better cable management.
B) Modular PSUs feature soldered cables for easier installation.
C) Traditional PSUs offer better airflow due to detachable connectors.
D) Modular PSUs offer detachable connectors for improved cable management and airflow.

A

D) Modular PSUs offer detachable connectors for improved cable management and airflow.

28
Q

Why might critical systems like workstations or servers use redundant power supplies?

A) To increase the overall power consumption of the system.
B) To decrease the efficiency of the power supply units.
C) To ensure uninterrupted operation in case of power supply failure.
D) To reduce the need for cooling mechanisms in the system.

A

C) To ensure uninterrupted operation in case of power supply failure.

29
Q

What is a typical input voltage for power outlets in the United States?

A) 230V AC
B) 120V AC
C) 12V DC
D) 3.3V DC

A

B) 120V AC

30
Q

What are the potential consequences of using a single voltage power supply in the wrong outlet?

A) It may result in a power outage.
B) It can damage the device or cause a fire.
C) It increases the device’s efficiency.
D) It allows the device to function optimally.

A

B) It can damage the device or cause a fire.

31
Q

Which of the following DC voltages are typically provided by power supplies for computer components?

A) 120V
B) 230V
C) 3.3V, 5V, and 12V
D) 12V, 24V, and 36V

A

C) 3.3V, 5V, and 12V

32
Q

Why is the +12V DC rail considered critical for modern computers?

A) It powers low-power components like fans.
B) It is primarily used for lighting accessories.
C) It powers components requiring high power, such as the motherboard.
D) It has no significant role in computer operation.

A

C) It powers components requiring high power, such as the motherboard.

33
Q

Introduction to Power Supply Installation:
What is the primary function of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?

A) To provide cooling for the CPU.
B) To store data in storage devices.
C) To provide power to various components.
D) To manage network connections.

A

C) To provide power to various components.

34
Q

Selection and Specifications
Which factor determines the wattage requirement when selecting a power supply unit (PSU) for a gaming PC?

A) The color of the PSU.
B) The size of the PSU.
C) The power requirements of the PC components.
D) The number of USB ports on the PSU.

A

C) The power requirements of the PC components.

35
Q

Components and Cable Connections
Which connector is commonly used to provide power to storage drives such as HDDs and SSDs?

A) 24-pin connector
B) 8-pin connector
C) PCIe connector
D) SATA connector

A

D) SATA connector

36
Q

Installation Process
What is the recommended orientation for the PSU fan during installation for optimal airflow?

A) Facing upwards
B) Facing downwards
C) Sideways
D) It doesn’t matter

A

B) Facing downwards

37
Q

Voltage Settings
What is the purpose of verifying voltage settings in a power supply unit (PSU) during installation?

A) To increase the speed of the CPU.
B) To prevent damage to components.
C) To improve network connectivity.
D) To enhance graphics card performance.

A

B) To prevent damage to components.

38
Q

What are the key steps involved in installing a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?

A) Installing additional storage drives.
B) Securing the PSU in the case, routing cables, and connecting them to motherboard components.
C) Installing more RAM modules.
D) Adjusting the monitor settings.

A

B) Securing the PSU in the case, routing cables, and connecting them to motherboard components.

39
Q

What component in a computer typically consumes the most power?

A) CPU
B) RAM
C) Dedicated graphics card
D) Storage devices

A

C) Dedicated graphics card

40
Q

When installing or replacing a graphics card, what should be compared to ensure compatibility with the power supply?

A) RAM capacity
B) The number of PCIe slots
C) The wattage rating of the power supply
D) The type of SATA connectors available

A

C) The wattage rating of the power supply

41
Q

What would likely be the consequence if the SATA 15-pin power cable was forgotten to be connected during a computer setup?

A) The computer would fail to pass the POST.
B) The motherboard’s LED would not be lit.
C) The hard drive would remain off, causing an inability to load the operating system.
D) The CPU would not receive power.

A

C) The hard drive would remain off, causing an inability to load the operating system.

42
Q

If the CPU power cable was unplugged during a computer setup, what would be the expected outcome?

A) The computer would fail to pass the POST.
B) The CPU would not receive power, causing the system to shut down immediately.
C) The motherboard’s LED would not be lit.
D) The hard drive would remain off, causing an inability to load the operating system.

A

A) The computer would fail to pass the POST.

43
Q

What would happen if the motherboard power cable was not connected during a computer setup?

A) The computer would fail to pass the POST.
B) The CPU would not receive power.
C) The motherboard’s LED would not be lit.
D) The fans would not be spinning.

A

C) The motherboard’s LED would not be lit.

CompTIA A+ (7 decks)

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