Computer Architecture: Chipsets Overview

Chipsets

• North Bridge: Controls high-speed devices like the processor and RAM; located close to the processor; includes a graphics processor; also known as GMCH (Graphic Memory Controller Hub).
• South Bridge: Manages low-speed devices such as I/O ports and slots; situated near the expansion slots; referred to as IOCH (Input Output Controller Hub).

IDE and SATA Connectors

• IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics): Connects hard disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs using IDE/EIDE cables.
• SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment): Uses SATA cables to connect storage devices to SATA ports.

CMOS Battery

• Powers the CMOS memory, maintaining system settings and time.

Hard Disk

• Utilizes magnetic media for data storage; classified as non-volatile and permanent mass storage.
• Common interfaces include SATA.

Hard-Disk Drive

• Stores extensive amounts of data on a non-removable disk; capable of holding billions of characters.
• IDE: A standard interface connecting the motherboard with storage devices.

Hard Disk Size Measurement

• Bit: Represents a binary value (0 or 1).
• Byte: Comprises 8 bits, with larger units defined as:
  • 1 Kilobyte (kB) = 1,024 Bytes
  • 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,024 kB
  • 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 MB
  • 1 Terabyte (TB) = 1,024 GB
  • 1 Petabyte (PB) = 1,024 TB
  • 1 Exabyte (EB) = 1,024 PB

Data Storage on Hard-Disk

• Data is recorded as positive and negative polarities on magnetic media.

Memory in Computing

• Refers to physical devices storing data and program instructions for processing.

CD/DVD Data Storage

• Data on CDs/DVDs is encoded as lands (reflecting laser beams) and pits (absorbing laser beams), representing binary 1s and 0s.

Video Card and Sound Card

• Video Card: Enhances display capabilities of a computer.
• Sound Card: Improves sound output through speakers.

Modem

• Sends and receives data over telephone lines to and from computers.

Power Supply

• Provides electrical power to the computer components with color-coded wires:
  • Yellow: 12 volts
  • Red: 5 volts
  • Black: Ground

Computer Software

• Represents instructions or data stored electronically. Examples include MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Types of Software

• System Software: Consists of the operating system and utilities for computer operations.
• Application Software: Enables users to perform specific tasks.

Types of Computer Memory

• Primary Memory: Includes RAM and ROM.
• Secondary Memory: Supplements primary storage.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Acts as primary storage for the CPU using integrated circuits; volatile memory that loses data when powered off.
• Types include various forms of SDRAM and DDR RAMs (e.g. DDR2, DDR3).

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• Stores firmware; retains data without power, essential for booting processes.
• Faster than other types of memory due to its capability to carry startup instructions.

BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

• Executes Power On Self Test (POST) during booting; identifies hardware and loads the operating system into RAM.

Floppy Disk Drive and CD/DVD Drive

• Floppy Disk Drive: Used for data retrieval from floppy disks.
• CD/DVD Drive: Reads information from compact discs and digital versatile discs.