Computer Hardware Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the maximum bandwidth of the 32-bit PCI bus?

133 MBps

What does AGP stand for and what was its main advantage over PCI?

Accelerated Graphics Port; it had a higher bandwidth of 266 MBps compared to PCI's 133 MBps.

What major advancement did PCI Express provide over PCI and AGP?

It offered a high-speed, serial computer expansion bus standard.

What is the channel width and bandwidth of AGP?

32-bits wide with a bandwidth of 266 MBps. Signup and view all the answers

In which year was PCI Express approved as a standard?

July 2002 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of the DisplayPort interface?

To transmit audio, video, and other forms of data. Signup and view all the answers

What does DVI stand for and what type of displays is it designed for?

Digital Visual Interface; it is designed for flat-panel displays and video projectors. Signup and view all the answers

What transmission capabilities does High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) provide?

Simultaneous transmission of visual and audio data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum data transfer rate mentioned for audio devices?

12 Mbps Signup and view all the answers

What types of devices can be connected to the line-in jack?

CD players, audio mixers, musical instruments, and microphones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the line-out jack on a sound card?

To transfer computer-generated audio to external speakers or headphones. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a microphone play in audio processing?

It captures audio by converting sound waves into an electrical signal. Signup and view all the answers

How can the signal captured by a microphone be processed after conversion?

It can be amplified as an analog signal or converted to a digital signal. Signup and view all the answers

What factors are included in the specification of a motherboard?

Dimensions, power supply type, location of mounting holes, and number of ports on the back panel. Signup and view all the answers

Define the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system.

The CPU carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the clock speed of a processor measure?

It measures the number of instructions processed per second by the processor. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Front Side Bus (FSB) relate to a processor's performance?

The FSB serves as the connection between the processor and the system memory, and its transfer speed enhances processor performance. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a 32-bit CPU and a 64-bit CPU.

A 32-bit CPU processes instructions less efficiently than a 64-bit CPU due to its structural limitations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer?

RAM allows information to be stored and retrieved, but it is volatile and loses data when power is turned off. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main sizes of Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs)?

SIMMs come in two main sizes, each requiring a different-size socket for installation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of cache memory in a CPU.

Cache memory enables the CPU to quickly access recently used information for improved performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of pre-Pentium computers that use SIMMs?

They usually hold less than 20MB of memory. Signup and view all the answers

How many pins do SDRAM DIMMs have, and what is their primary advantage?

SDRAM DIMMs have 168 pins and are faster, meeting increased memory demands. Signup and view all the answers

What is RDRAM, and what distinguishes it from other types of memory?

RDRAM, or Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory, is super fast and often covered with a heat shield. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the operation principle that makes DDR SDRAM faster compared to earlier memory types.

DDR SDRAM uses piggybacking on the memory bus to increase speed significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What improvements does DDR2 SDRAM offer over its predecessor DDR SDRAM?

DDR2 SDRAM operates at greater speeds, offers higher bandwidth, and uses less power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'dual channel' in relation to DDR memory?

Dual channel refers to the capability of DDR memory to increase data transfer rates by using two channels simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to ensure motherboard compatibility when purchasing DDR SDRAM?

If the motherboard does not support DDR SDRAM, the memory will not function. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways have memory module designs evolved from SIMMs to DIMMs?

DIMMs have more pins (168 vs 30) and significantly improved speed and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between memory and storage in a computer?

Memory (RAM) is temporary and loses data when powered off, while storage (like a hard drive) retains data even when the power is turned off. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a hard drive essential for a computer's operation?

A hard drive is essential because it stores the operating system, software programs, and user files, enabling proper computer functionality. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the power supply unit serve in a computer?

The power supply unit converts direct current (DC) power to the necessary voltages for the motherboard and connected peripherals. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the 24-pin ATX connector in a computer.

The 24-pin ATX connector is the main power connector for the motherboard, providing it with the necessary power to operate. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the purpose of the SATA power connector.

The SATA power connector supplies power to SATA devices such as hard disks and optical disc drives. Signup and view all the answers

What are the alternative names for a graphics card?

A graphics card is also known as a video adapter, display card, graphics board, display adapter, or graphics adapter. Signup and view all the answers

How does a graphics card generate output images to a display?

A graphics card processes and converts data into visual information, then outputs this to a display via its video connectors. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of PCIe power connectors.

PCIe power connectors provide additional power to video cards, which may require more electricity than the motherboard can provide alone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motherboard Form Factors

Specifications define dimensions, power supply type, mounting hole locations, and back panel ports.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Carries out instructions of computer programs through arithmetic, logical, and I/O operations.
Clock Speed: Measures the number of instructions processed per second.
Front Side Bus (FSB): Connects the CPU to system memory, allowing improved performance based on transfer speed.
Cache: Memory that enables the CPU to quickly access recently used data.

CPU Types

32-bit (x86): Older architecture, processes instructions less efficiently.
64-bit (x64): Newer architecture, capable of handling more data simultaneously.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory that requires power to retain data, losing all information when powered off.
Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM): Used in early PCs, smaller (3.5 inches) with 30 pins; obsolete in modern systems.
SDRAM DIMM: Enhanced modules for Pentium and AMD CPUs, features 168 pins and increased speed.
RDRAM: Developed by Rambus, known for high speed and costly design with heat shields.
DDR SDRAM: Competitor to RDRAM, utilizes memory bus efficiently for faster processing.
DDR2 SDRAM: Released in 2003, offers higher speeds, greater bandwidth, and reduced power consumption.

Hard Disk Drive

Essential for computer functionality, stores operating system files, software, and user data, retaining information even when powered off.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Converts direct current (DC) power for the motherboard and peripherals.
Includes various connectors:
- Berg: For floppy disks.
- Molex: For IDE devices like hard disks.
- SATA: Specifically for SATA devices.
- 24-pin ATX: Main power connector for the motherboard.
- 4-pin ATX: Provides +12 VDC to processor.
- PCIe Power Connector: Supplies power to graphics cards.

Graphics Card

Also known as video adapter or display card; generates image output for displays.

Expansion Buses

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): 32-bit and 64-bit versions, prevalent until replaced by PCI Express.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): Designed primarily for GPUs, offering 266 MBps bandwidth compared to PCI.
PCI Express (PCIe): High-speed replacement for PCI and AGP, approved in 2002.

Graphics Card Interfaces

DisplayPort: Digital interface for transmitting video, audio, and USB signals.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface): Transmits high-definition video and audio signals over a single cable.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface): Standard for digital displays, compatible with flat panels and projectors.
Analog D-Sub: Standard interface for connecting analog monitors, allowing up to 12 Mbps data transfer.

Input/Output (I/O) Ports

Line In: Connects external audio devices for sound input.
Line Out: Connects speakers or headphones for audio output.
MIC Port: Allows microphone connection to capture audio signals.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge about essential computer hardware components, including motherboard specifications and central processing units (CPUs). Dive into the details of dimensions, power supply types, and processing tasks as you evaluate your understanding of these fundamental parts.