Computer Hardware Overview and CPU Basics
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are considered types of personal computers?

  • Handheld (correct)
  • Notebook (correct)
  • Laptop (correct)
  • Subnotebook (correct)
  • Palmtop (correct)
  • PDA (correct)
  • Desktop (correct)

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is responsible for processing instructions, managing data, and handling operations required by various software programs.

A higher CPU clock speed means the CPU can perform tasks slower.

False (B)

Which of the following is NOT a factor that determines the performance of a CPU?

<p>Motherboard Socket (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main circuit board that connects and allows communication between various components in a computer?

<p>The motherboard</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of RAM?

<p>ROM (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

RAM is volatile memory, meaning that data stored in RAM is lost when the computer is powered off.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of storage device uses magnetic disks to store data?

<p>Hard Disk Drive (HDD) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of reorganizing data on a hard disk drive to improve its efficiency?

<p>Disk defragmentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using a more efficient PSU?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Solid-State Drives (SSDs) benefit from disk defragmentation, just like Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of expansion card is specifically designed for enhancing graphics performance?

<p>Graphics Card (GPU) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To display the computer's output.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A higher refresh rate on a monitor typically makes the display appear smoother, especially for gaming.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an input device?

<p>Printer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of external devices that allow users to interact with the computer and provide input?

<p>Input devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a computer?

An electronic device that manipulates information or data. It can input, process, retrieve, and store data.

What is computer hardware?

Refers to the physical components of a computer system that work together to perform tasks.

What is the CPU?

The main processing unit of a computer, often referred to as the brain.

What is clock speed?

A measurement of how many cycles per second the CPU can process. A higher clock speed means faster processing.

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What are CPU cores?

Modern CPUs have multiple cores allowing for parallel processing of multiple tasks.

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What is CPU cache?

A small, ultra-fast memory located inside the CPU for storing frequently accessed data.

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What is CPU architecture?

The design and structure of a CPU, determining its performance and compatibility. Two main types are 32-bit and 64-bit.

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What is an LGA socket?

A motherboard socket type where pins are on the motherboard and the CPU has flat pads.

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What is a PGA socket?

A motherboard socket type where pins are on the CPU and the motherboard has holes for those pins.

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What is the motherboard?

The main circuit board in a computer connecting and enabling communication between various components.

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What is motherboard form factor?

The size and shape of a motherboard, determining the number of components it can support.

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What is the motherboard chipset?

Manages data flow between the processor, memory, and peripheral devices, determining compatibility with other components.

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What are expansion slots?

Slots on the motherboard allowing for expanding the computer's functionality with additional components like graphics cards.

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What is RAM?

Temporary memory that stores data and instructions for the CPU during active tasks.

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What is RAM capacity?

The amount of RAM in a computer, measured in GB. More RAM allows for better multitasking and running demanding applications.

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What is RAM speed?

The speed of RAM, measured in MHz. It determines how quickly data can be read from or written to it.

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What are dual/quad channels in RAM?

Motherboards supporting dual or quad-channel configurations can improve memory bandwidth and overall system performance.

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What is DRAM?

The most common type of RAM used in computers, storing data in a separate capacitor, which needs periodic refreshing to maintain information.

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What is SDRAM?

A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the system clock, allowing for faster data transfer.

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What is DDR RAM?

An advanced version of SDRAM that transfers data on both edges of the clock cycle, effectively doubling its data transfer rate.

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What is LRDIMM?

A type of RAM designed for servers and workstations, using a buffer to reduce the load on the memory controller, allowing for more modules.

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What is ECC RAM?

A type of RAM designed to detect and correct memory errors automatically, commonly used in servers where data integrity is critical.

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What is VRAM?

Specialized RAM used in graphics cards to store image data and textures for quick access by the GPU.

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What are storage devices?

Storage devices used to store data permanently, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and hybrid drives (SSHDs).

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What are HDDs?

Traditional storage devices that use magnetic disks to store data. They are slower but offer larger storage capacities at lower prices.

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What are SSDs?

Storage devices that use flash memory to store data, offering much faster read and write speeds than HDDs.

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What are SSHDs?

A combination of HDD and SSD technology, offering the large capacity of an HDD with the speed of an SSD for frequently used files.

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What is disk defragmentation?

The process of reorganizing data on a hard disk drive (HDD) to improve its efficiency. It helps reduce fragmentation and improve access times.

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What is the PSU?

The power supply unit converts electrical power from an outlet into the power needed by the computer's internal components. It's crucial for the computer's functionality.

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What is PSU wattage?

PSU wattage determines how much power it can provide. Higher wattage PSUs are needed for demanding systems like gaming PCs or workstations.

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What is PSU efficiency rating?

The power supply's efficiency rating that indicates how much power is wasted as heat. Higher efficiency PSUs consume less power and generate less heat.

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What are expansion cards?

Additional components that can be added to the motherboard to expand the functionality of the computer. Examples include graphics cards, sound cards, and NICs.

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Study Notes

Computer Hardware Overview

  • A computer is an electronic device that manipulates data. It performs input, process, retrieve, and store data. The computer performs calculations, logic gates, and integration for tasks
  • Computers are made with integrated circuits, resistors, and transistors
  • Computers need human interaction to function and work
  • Computers use electronic components powered by electricity
  • Computers are automatic as they execute instructions without human intervention
  • Computers manipulate input data into output
  • Computers can store and retrieve information in memory

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • The CPU is the brain of the computer
  • It is responsible for most processing in a computer
  • CPU performs instructions, manages data, and handles operations for programs
  • Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and indicates how many cycles a second a CPU can process. A higher clock speed means faster processing.
  • CPUs contain multiple cores (e.g., quad-core, octa-core) to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Each core manages multiple threads (individual instruction sequences)
  • Cache is a high-speed memory inside the CPU that stores frequently used data
  • CPU architecture determines the CPU's performance (e.g., 32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Two main types of CPU sockets (slots)

Motherboard

  • The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and allows communication between components
  • It includes connectors for CPU, RAM, storage devices, graphics cards, other peripherals
  • Form factor is the size and shape of the motherboard
  • Chipset manages data flow between the components (processor, memory, peripherals)
  • Expansion slots allow components (e.g., graphics cards) to be added to the motherboard

Memory (RAM)

  • RAM stores data and instructions needed by the CPU for tasks.

  • RAM is volatile, and data is lost when powered off.

  • RAM provides faster access compared to other storage devices

  • Different RAM types exist (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4).

    • Vary in capacity and speed.

  • Capacity measured in gigabytes (GB). Higher capacity means more multitasking capabilities.

  • Speed measured in MHz

  • ECC RAM is used in systems requiring high data integrity

  • Video RAM (VRAM) is specialized RAM for graphics cards (used for image data, textures, quick access by GPUs, and improving 3D application performance)

Storage Devices (ROM)

  • Storage devices store data permanently
  • Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) use magnetic disks
  • Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory (faster read/write speeds).
  • Hybrid drives combine HDD and SSD technology

Disk Defragmentation

  • Defragmentation reorganizes data on a hard disk drive
  • Improves performance by keeping files together in contiguous blocks
  • Reduces the time to access files and overall performance
  • Improves disk life as head movements are reduced
  • Improved utilization of storage space.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

  • Converts AC to DC power for computer's components
  • Wattage indicates the PSU's power capacity
  • Efficiency rating (e.g., 80 Plus) measures power consumption efficiency.
    • Higher efficiency means less heat generation and lower energy bills

Expansion Cards

  • Expansion cards enhance computer functionality (e.g., graphics cards, sound cards, network cards)
  • Graphics cards are dedicated GPUs for enhanced graphics performance
  • Sound cards improve audio quality
  • Network interface cards enable network connectivity
  • Storage expansion cards (e.g., SSDs, hard drives) provide additional storage

Monitors and Display Technologies

  • Monitors display computer output
  • Resolution determines display detail (e.g., 1080p, 4K)
  • Display types include LCDs and OLEDs (varying characteristics in terms of brightness, contrast, and energy consumption)

Peripheral Devices

  • Peripheral devices enhance computer functionality, enabling user interaction and information output
  • Input devices include keyboards, mice, touchpads
  • Output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers
  • Storage devices (e.g., USB drives, hard drives) are used for external data storage

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Related Documents

Computer Hardware Overview PDF

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of computer hardware, including the essential components that make up a computer. This quiz also delves into the Central Processing Unit (CPU), its functions, and the importance of clock speed and multiple cores for processing power.

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