CompTIA A+ Exam 220-901: Motherboard Components

CompTIA A+ Certification (Exam 220-901) - Motherboard Components

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Objectives

• Case Types and Access: Identify various computer case types and methods for accessing internal components.

• Motherboard Form Factors: Differentiate between ATX, ITX, and proprietary motherboard form factors.

• Motherboard Components: Identify motherboard components and explain the functions of the chipset.

• Expansion Bus Slots and Cards: Identify expansion bus slots and cards and understand the features of various bus standards.

System Case Types

• Tower: A common computer case type.

• Small Form Factor (SFF): A smaller case type.

• All-in-one (All-in-one PC): A computer case with integrated components like the monitor and input devices.

Motherboard Layout (Example)

• CPU Slot: A designated location for installing the central processing unit.

• Memory Slots: Designated locations on the motherboard to install RAM.

• Expansion Slots: Locations for installing expansion cards for additional functionality.

• Input/Output (I/O) Ports: Ports for connecting peripherals like USB devices and display ports.

Motherboard Form Factors

• ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): A standard motherboard with dimensions of 12" x 9.6". Includes 7 expansion slots.

• Micro ATX: A smaller motherboard with dimensions of 9.6" x 9.6". Includes 4 expansion slots.

• Mini-ITX: An even smaller motherboard with dimensions of 6.7" x 6.7". Includes a single expansion slot.

Front Panel Connectors

• Power Button/Reset: Controls the computer's power.

• Power Light: Indicates whether the computer is on or off.

• Drive Activity Lights: Indicate hard drive activity.

• USB Ports: Connections for USB peripherals.

• Audio Ports: Connections for audio output/input devices.

• Jumper Settings: Settings for configuring the computer.

Power and Fan Connectors

• Typical motherboard connectors for power supplies, CPU fans, chassis fans and more

Bus Architecture

• Motherboard Wiring: The wiring within the motherboard that connects components.

• Data, Address, Power: Signals for transferring data, addressing locations, and providing power.

• Internal and External: Connections for internal and external devices.

• System Clock and Bus Speed: The timing and transfer rate of data across the bus.

• Parallel versus Serial: Different methods for transferring data signals.

Data Units and Transfer Rates

• Binary Values: Data is represented as 0's and 1's.

• Bit Multiples: Conversion units from bits to bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.

• Kilo vs. 1000: The difference between using 1024 and 1000 to represent kilo and larger units.

• Transfer Speeds: Units for measuring transfer speeds, including bits per second (bps) and bytes per second (Bps).

CPU Socket

• CPU Socket Location: Position where the CPU is installed on the motherboard.

Chipset and Memory Architecture

• Detailed diagram illustrating the connections between different components.

• Highlighting the role of the chipset and memory in communications.

System RAM Slots

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Memory used for quick access by the CPU.

• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module): A standard RAM module type used in modern computers.

System Firmware and Battery

• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Essential software for booting the computer.

• POST (Power-On Self-Test): A diagnostic test run when the computer is powered on.

• RTC (Real-Time Clock): Keeps track of time and date.

• Setup Menus: Enables configuration of system parameters.

• UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): A modern BIOS replacement.

• CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor): Stores settings for the BIOS.

• NVRAM (Non-volatile RAM): Stores settings even without power.

Expansion Slots

• Plug-in Cards: Adds functionality to the motherboard.

• Legacy Standards: Older expansion bus standards like ISA and Pre Plug-and-Play.

• Modern Standards: PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express.

PCI Bus

• Bus Width and Clock Speed: Specification for the PCI bus, including data width and the speed.

• Adapter Card and Slot Form Factors: Specifications for common adapter card and slot types.

PCI Express (PCIe)

• Serial, Point-to-Point Bus: Communication method for high-speed transfer.

• Links and Lanes: High speed bus architecture specification.

• Power: Supply for connected devices.

• Versions: Varying speed capabilities across versions for this bus standard.

Labs

• Lab 1: Identifying PC components. This is a hands-on lab that puts the concepts in practice.

Test your knowledge on motherboard components relevant for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-901. This quiz covers various case types, motherboard form factors, and essential components, helping you prepare effectively for the exam. Hone your skills and ensure you're ready for certification.