IT 141: Parts of a System Unit
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of a CPU?

  • Providing internet connectivity
  • Controlling peripheral devices
  • Storing data permanently
  • Executing logical and mathematical operations (correct)

    • Which two companies dominate the CPU market for Windows-based systems?

  • AMD and Qualcomm
  • Intel and Nvidia
  • Intel and AMD (correct)
  • IBM and Intel

    • What component helps prevent the CPU from overheating?

  • CPU fan
  • Power supply unit
  • Heat sink (correct)
  • Motherboard

    • How many instructions can a CPU execute at one time?

    <p>Only one instruction at a time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for standardization in memory across the industry?

    <p>To ensure compatibility with various CPUs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do transistors play within a CPU?

    <p>They control the flow of electricity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the CPU located in a computer?

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

    What is one consequence of failing to dissipate heat from electronic devices?

    <p>Overheating leading to malfunction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a heat sink?

    <p>To transfer heat energy away from a heat source</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does a motherboard play in a computer?

    <p>It enables communication between components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the term 'motherboard' used?

    <p>It signifies its fundamental role in the computer's operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about motherboards is true?

    <p>They provide mounting for compatible CPUs only</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the current industry standard form factor for motherboards?

    <p>ATX</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a video card in a computer system?

    <p>To control and enhance image display quality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a heat sink typically operate to reduce component temperature?

    <p>By gradually transferring heat away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is typically NOT part of a motherboard?

    <p>External hard drives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a power supply unit (PSU)?

    <p>To convert AC electricity into DC electricity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which connector is specifically used to connect power supplies to motherboards with onboard CPUs?

    <p>P4 or 8 pin connector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Molex connector typically connect to?

    <p>Hard drives and CD ROM drives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about hard drives is true?

    <p>They can store a variety of digital content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of connector is typically used for devices with SATA interfaces?

    <p>SATA connector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the power supply unit in a standard desktop computer?

    <p>It is the source of power for the motherboard and peripherals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which connector is essential for some computer motherboards and is 6 pins in size?

    <p>AUX connector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the non-volatile nature of hard drives imply?

    <p>They retain data even when power is lost</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major advantage of Solid State Drives (SSDs) over Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)?

    <p>SSDs have no moving parts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a computer with insufficient RAM run slowly?

    <p>It cannot access data quickly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the speed of SSDs, such as 550 MB/S, indicate?

    <p>The transfer rate for reading and writing data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of using SSDs compared to HDDs?

    <p>SSDs tend to be more expensive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about the storage capacity of hard disk drives?

    <p>They range from 16 GB to over 4 TB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if too much RAM is installed in a computer system?

    <p>There can be little to no added benefit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the first hard drives released by IBM in 1956?

    <p>They were the size of a refrigerator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do hard disk drives (HDDs) primarily store data?

    <p>Through magnetism and moving parts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary use of a SATA data cable?

    <p>To transfer data between the computer and storage devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant feature distinguishes USB 3.0 from USB 2.0?

    <p>A faster transfer rate and more connector wires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum transfer rate of USB 2.0?

    <p>480 Mbps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many pins does a SATA data cable have in its connector?

    <p>7</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue when unplugging a USB cable from a running device?

    <p>It can cause data corruption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical use for USB cables?

    <p>Transferring power to a SATA hard drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which standard was introduced by Intel in 2003 for connecting hard drives to computers?

    <p>SATA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can affect the actual data transfer speeds of USB cables?

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

    Study Notes

    Power Supply

    • Converts AC electricity to DC and distributes it to the computer's components.
    • Typical connection includes power cords and I/O switches.
    • Supply power to the motherboard, hard drives, and other electronics with various cables.
    • Types of connectors include:
      • Motherboard connector: 20 or 24 pin for ATX motherboards.
      • CPU connector: 4 or 8 pin for powering CPUs.
      • Molex connector: Connects hard drives and CD-ROM drives.
      • Floppy connector: 4 pin for older devices like floppy drives.
      • AUX connector: 6 pin for specific motherboards.
      • SATA connector: For devices using SATA interfaces.
      • PCI express connector: Supplies power directly to video cards.

    Hard Drives

    • Non-volatile storage device that retains data without power.
    • Evolved from IBM’s 1956 5MB models to modern 4TB sizes.
    • Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
      • Uses moving parts, making noise during operation.
      • Common capacities range from 500GB to over 4TB.
    • Solid State Drive (SSD):
      • Features no moving parts and silent operation.
      • Transmits data at speeds up to 550 MB/S, leading to faster boot times.
      • Typically more expensive than HDDs but offers better durability.

    RAM (Random Access Memory)

    • Vital for system performance, storing active data for quick access.
    • Performance improves with increased RAM, but excessive RAM has diminishing returns.
    • Design standards prevent incompatible modules from being inserted across generations.

    CPU (Central Processing Unit)

    • Core processing unit responsible for executing instructions and operations.
    • Contains thousands of transistors managing electrical flow.
    • Works by processing input from various devices and can execute millions of instructions per second.
    • Main CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD, both established over 50 years ago.

    Heat Sink

    • Essential for cooling CPU and other components to prevent overheating.
    • Transfers heat away from hardware to maintain optimal performance and prolong lifespan.
    • Often combined with a fan or cooling mechanism to regulate temperature.

    Motherboard

    • The central printed circuit board housing all computer components.
    • Routes power from the PSU and facilitates communication between components.
    • Comes in various form factors, with the ATX being the current standard.
    • Supports CPUs, RAM, and expansion cards, ensuring compatibility with installed hardware.

    Video Card

    • Enhances image quality displayed on monitors.
    • Attached to the motherboard and accelerates video processing.

    SATA Cables

    • Connects host computers to storage devices like HDDs and optical drives.
    • Introduced by Intel in 2003, it has become the standard interface for storage.
    • Consists of SATA data cables (7 pin) for data transfer and SATA power cables.

    USB Cables

    • Universal connection for short-distance digital communication between devices.
    • Used for charging and connecting peripherals like mice and keyboards.
    • Offers two major versions:
      • USB 2.0: Transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps.
      • USB 3.0: Transfer rate of up to 4,800 Mbps, significantly faster with additional connector wires for enhanced bandwidth and power efficiency.

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    IT 141 - Parts of a System Unit.pdf

    Description

    Explore the essential components of a system unit in IT 141. This quiz covers aspects like the power supply and its role in converting AC to DC electricity. Test your understanding of hardware fundamentals and their functions.

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