3.4 – Motherboards: Motherboard Expansion Slots

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the bus in a motherboard?

To facilitate communication between components (correct)

To cool down the CPU

To provide power to the components

To store data temporarily

Which bus size is available for PCI interfaces?

16-bit and 32-bit

32-bit and 64-bit (correct)

128-bit and 256-bit

8-bit and 64-bit

What type of communication does PCI use?

Fiber optic communication

Parallel communication (correct)

Serial communication

Wireless communication

How can the PCI expansion cards differ in terms of electrical requirements?

They may support multiple voltages Signup and view all the answers

What physical characteristic distinguishes a 64-bit PCI slot from a 32-bit slot?

The width of the slots Signup and view all the answers

What do the traces seen at the bottom of the motherboard represent?

Buses and communication paths Signup and view all the answers

What key feature allows expansion cards to communicate with the CPU and memory?

Bus architecture Signup and view all the answers

Which component on an older motherboard might indicate the use of PCI?

Expansion slots Signup and view all the answers

What voltage levels can the card mentioned support?

3.3 volts and 5 volts Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a PCI express connection from a PCI connection?

PCI express uses a serial connection while PCI uses a parallel connection Signup and view all the answers

How is the bandwidth of PCI express lanes indicated?

As full-duplex lanes labeled as x1, x2, x4, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of PCI express adapter cards that distinguishes them from PCI cards?

A locking mechanism to secure the card into the slot Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the PCI express card does not seem to be installing correctly?

Check alignment and settings on the card and slot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about PCI and PCI express slots is true?

PCI express slots can have varying lane counts for different data transfer speeds Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms x1, x4, and x8 refer to in PCI express technology?

The number of lanes available for data transfer Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a card has been installed properly into its slot?

The card is flush with the motherboard and locked in place Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of keys on a motherboard?

To ensure correct orientation when installing cards Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motherboard Components and Communication

Motherboards house various components (CPU, memory, storage, expansion slots) that need communication paths.
Expansion cards add functionality, requiring communication with other components.
Components often have modularity, demanding inter-component communication.

Buses and Communication Paths

A bus is a series of communication paths enabling CPU and memory communication.
Buses are visible as traces connecting motherboard components.
Older computers use the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, introduced in 1994.
PCI comes in different sizes like 32-bit and 64-bit, using parallel communication.

PCI Bus Characteristics

PCI is a parallel bus: multiple bits transmitted simultaneously.
32-bit PCI has two slots sharing a central controller, while 64-bit is twice as wide.
PCI cards support different voltages (e.g., 3.3V and 5V).
Slots have keys aligning installed cards with the correct specifications (voltage, width).
PCI cards are installed by adjusting the keys to match the motherboard's slots, pressing gently on the copper contacts until properly aligned.

PCI Express (PCIe)

Newer computers use PCI Express (PCIe) instead of PCI, with a serial communication method.
PCIe uses lanes to transfer data, similar to the lanes on a highway.
Lane sizes are denoted by 'x' followed by a number (e.g., x1, x16).
PCI Express uses a serial connection between devices, with each lane used simultaneously for one direction of transfer.
More lanes mean more data transfer capability.

Installing PCI and PCIe Cards

PCI and PCIe slots differ in appearance and the number of contacts.
PCIe cards often have locking mechanisms at the end of the card to ensure proper installation.
Installation depends on whether the card is PCI or PCIe.
Verify alignment, support and contacts before pushing cards into slots..
Screw the card into the case to secure it after proper installation.

Combining PCI and PCIe

Modern motherboards often include both PCI and PCIe slots for compatibility with older and newer devices.
The arrangement of PCI and PCI Express slots varies, with PCI slots often located on one side and PCIe on another.
PCIe slots can have different numbers of lanes, offering greater data transfer capability than single-lane PCI slots.