Computer Hardware Basics

What is the primary function of hardware in a computer system?

Provide the physical infrastructure necessary to run the system

What is the role of the motherboard in a computer system?

To act as the backbone that ties all components together

What is the primary function of software in a computer system?

To provide instructions that the hardware executes

What is the CPU Socket used for on a motherboard?

To insert the central processing unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the transfer of data between parts on a motherboard?

Bus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the physical components of a computer?

Hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the BIOS/UEFI chip on a motherboard?

To initialize the hardware during the booting process Signup and view all the answers

What type of socket varies depending on the CPU architecture?

CPU socket Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the input/output (I/O) panel on a motherboard?

To connect external devices such as keyboards and displays Signup and view all the answers

What type of expansion slot is commonly used for graphics cards?

PCI Express Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RAM slots on a motherboard?

To insert memory (RAM) modules Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the older type of expansion slot that is sometimes found on motherboards?

AGP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having more RAM in a computer?

Ability to run more programs simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What type of RAM is faster and more reliable but also more expensive?

SRAM Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) over Solid State Drives (SSD)?

Cost-effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) compared to Solid State Drives (SSD)?

Slower speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism used by Hard Disk Drives (HDD) to store data?

Rotating magnetic disks Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of storage devices that allows them to retain data even when powered off?

Non-volatility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

To perform arithmetic and logic operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU?

To direct all processor operations Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is Cache Memory considered to be?

Volatile Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of combining an SSD and an HDD in modern computers?

To increase the speed of the operating system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a GPU?

To accelerate the processing of images and videos Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having multiple cores in a CPU?

Increased performance and multitasking capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for clock speed?

Gigahertz (GHz) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the small processing units within a GPU?

To perform parallel processing tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Registers in a CPU?

To store data temporarily Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of VRAM in a GPU?

To store data temporarily while it is being processed Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of a GPU having its own CPU and memory?

It frees up the CPU and RAM for other tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of a GPU?

It cannot completely replace the CPU and RAM Signup and view all the answers