Motherboard Components and Expansion Slots Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental physical component within all computers?

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Power supply unit
  • Motherboard (correct)
  • Memory module

Why might someone choose a specific motherboard size according to the text?

  • To increase the memory capacity
  • To determine the CPU model
  • To match the computer case size or future expansion needs (correct)
  • To regulate the power usage

What remains relatively consistent across different motherboard versions?

  • Number of expansion slots
  • Amount of memory slots
  • Type of power connector (correct)
  • Size of CPU

How many different sizes and types of motherboards are mentioned on Wikipedia?

<p>Over 40 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication path does the PCI express bus use?

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

Which type of slot has a larger width, a 64-bit PCI slot or a 32-bit PCI slot?

<p>64-bit PCI slot (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the key on a PCI card determine?

<p>Voltage support (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When adding more lanes to a PCI express bus, what does this support?

<p>Transfer of more data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might you find in older computers but not in newer ones in terms of expansion interfaces?

<p>32-bit PCI slots (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'PCI' stand for?

<p>Peripheral Component Interconnect (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main motherboard families focused on in CompTIA exam objectives?

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

Which motherboard family is commonly found in desktop computers?

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

Which motherboard type might be suitable for a small form factor computer kept near a television?

<p>Mini-ITX (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard power connector size for an ATX motherboard today?

<p>20 or 24 pins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which motherboard type has been around since 1995 and is popular for desktop computers?

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

What is the distinguishing feature of Mini-ITX motherboards compared to ATX?

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

In terms of real estate, which motherboard type offers more room for expansion slots?

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

Which motherboard family was created by VIA Technologies in 2001?

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

What might be a suitable scenario to use a Mini-ITX motherboard?

<p>A small form factor computer near a television (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of ITX motherboards in terms of case compatibility?

<p>They can fit into much smaller cases than larger motherboards. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which motherboard type has been popular for desktop computers since 1995?

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

What is the primary consideration when choosing between different motherboard types for a specific task?

<p>Size of the motherboard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct nomenclature for a full-duplex lane in PCI Express?

<p>1x (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you pronounce 'x8' in the context of PCI Express lanes?

<p>By 8 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having more lanes in a PCI Express connection?

<p>To increase bandwidth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a PCI Express card from a PCI card?

<p>The slots and number of contacts on the card (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature helps lock a PCI Express card into its slot?

<p>A hook at the end of the card (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard size for motherboard power connectors now?

<p>24-pin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can you ensure that a motherboard power connector is correctly inserted?

<p>By aligning the keys on the connector and motherboard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'ATX' connectors are typically used for providing power to which component?

<p>Central Processing Unit (CPU) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What voltage does the main motherboard power typically provide?

<p>+3.3 volts, ±5 volts, and ±12 volts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has motherboard power supply connector evolved over time?

<p>It has increased from 20 pins to 24 pins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature that ensures proper insertion of a motherboard power connector?

<p>A lock that clicks when fully inserted. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a modular power supply connector work?

<p>It adds additional pins to a base connector for flexibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ATX stand for in the context of motherboards?

<p>Advanced Technology Extended (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which connectors on a motherboard usually provide 12 volts power for the CPU?

<p>CPU, P4, ATX 12 volt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the colored connectors on a motherboard represent?

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

Which type of connection would you use for external Serial ATA devices?

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

What do headers refer to in the context of a motherboard?

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

What is commonly connected to the pin headers labeled AAFP on a motherboard?

<p>External audio connectors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) in a computer system?

<p>To initialize the memory and CPU, and start the operating system loading process (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In laptop systems, why are CPUs designed to throttle when the system overheats?

<p>To maintain system functionality and prevent damage from overheating (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes laptop motherboards from desktop motherboards when it comes to customization?

<p>Laptop motherboards are proprietary and less customizable than desktop motherboards (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for laptops having limited options for memory upgrades and CPU changes?

<p>Laptops have smaller cases that restrict component access (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences in design between laptop motherboards and desktop motherboards discussed in the text?

<p>Laptop motherboards are usually proprietary while desktop ones are not (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of a laptop motherboard impact its customization options compared to a desktop motherboard?

<p>The size of a laptop motherboard limits customization possibilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for laptop CPUs being designed more for power usage and efficiency than speed?

<p>To extend the battery life of laptops (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component initializes the memory and CPU during the startup process of a computer system?

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

Why is it challenging to replace individual components like memory or CPU in a laptop compared to a desktop?

<p>Laptops use specialized proprietary components that are not standard in other computers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a laptop reaches high temperatures due to lack of cooling?

<p>The laptop automatically shuts down to prevent damage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do laptop CPUs throttle when the system becomes warmer?

<p>To avoid potential damage from overheating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the BIOS check for during the power on self-test?

<p>Memory, CPU, video, and input devices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the flash memory used by the BIOS usually located?

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

What allows you to upgrade the BIOS on your system?

<p>Main BIOS config (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between a legacy BIOS and a UEFI BIOS?

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

What is the purpose of UEFI drivers in a UEFI BIOS?

<p>Install additional hardware drivers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a 64-bit processor differ from a 32-bit processor in terms of data access?

<p>32-bit can access less than 4 billion values, while 64-bit can access more (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category in a UEFI BIOS allows you to manage user or administrator passwords?

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

What does UEFI stand for?

<p>Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an M.2 connector on a motherboard?

<p>To support connectivity using the M.2 standard (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to decide whether to use an Intel-based or AMD-based motherboard when building a computer?

<p>To ensure compatibility between the CPU and motherboard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes it impossible to switch an AMD CPU with an Intel CPU on a motherboard?

<p>Design differences between CPUs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action secures an SSD connected to an M.2 interface to the motherboard?

<p>Fastening with a screw (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of M.2 connectors on motherboards?

<p>Plugging in an SSD (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to check specifications when selecting a CPU for a motherboard?

<p>To ensure compatibility with the motherboard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the installation process of a CPU differ based on the motherboard's manufacturer?

<p>It remains very similar regardless of manufacturer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of server motherboards compared to desktop system motherboards?

<p>Availability of multiple CPU sockets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for choosing between an AMD-based or Intel-based motherboard?

<p>The compatibility with a specific CPU manufacturer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is firmly fastened to the motherboard using an M.2 connector?

<p>An SSD for storage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature do server motherboards typically provide more slots for compared to desktop system motherboards?

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

If you're running a 32-bit operating system, can you run 64-bit applications?

<p>No, you cannot run 64-bit applications on a 32-bit OS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What abbreviation is commonly used for 32-bit software?

<p>x86 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are 32-bit applications typically installed on Windows systems?

<p>Program Files x86 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What family of operating systems is known for its efficiency, low power usage, and fast processing?

<p>Advanced Risk Machine (ARM) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a CPU?

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

What is the purpose of CPU caches?

<p>Speed up information processing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology makes a single CPU core appear as multiple CPU cores?

<p>Hyper-Threading Technology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hardware feature allows virtualization of additional operating systems?

<p>Virtualization support in the CPU (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must both the CPU and operating system support to utilize Hyper-Threading Technology?

<p>Hyper-Threading Technology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of CPU monitoring in modern systems?

<p>View processing activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do additional cores in CPUs affect operating systems?

<p>Improve processing speed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of installing a hardware driver for a new hardware component?

<p>To integrate the new hardware with the operating system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When installing an expansion card, why is it important to ensure the holes or keys on the card match those of the expansion slot?

<p>To prevent electrical shorts and ensure proper alignment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might you consider investing in a discrete graphics card for your computer?

<p>When you need higher performance for graphics applications or gaming (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a discrete graphics card from integrated graphics in a CPU?

<p>Integrated graphics share system memory with the CPU (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a capture card in a computer system?

<p>To capture and input video signals into the computer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component allows you to take advantage of higher-end capabilities on a video card?

<p>Directly connecting your monitor to the video card (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might you need an external mixer or headphone amp when using a sound card?

<p>To enhance the output quality of audio signals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having HDMI, VGA, and DVI connections on a motherboard for video output?

<p>To provide options for various types of video connections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do CPUs in laptops often have integrated graphics instead of separate graphics cards?

<p>To save space and power consumption in compact devices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use case for needing a sound card with high-end audio output capabilities?

<p>For professional music production or editing tasks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does an expansion slot play when adding new hardware components to a computer?

<p>Physically secures the new hardware component inside the computer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might upgrading to a discrete graphics card be beneficial for gaming enthusiasts?

<p>To enhance visual performance and frame rates in games (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common way to provide cooling for a computer system?

<p>By pulling cool air through the front of the system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer system?

<p>To dissipate heat from a component (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of motherboard may have no fans at all?

<p>Mini-ITX motherboard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a fan on an adapter card indicate?

<p>The fan is necessary for cooling the card (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration when choosing components for a passively cooled system?

<p>Size and space available inside the computer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of video inputs does the video capture card support?

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

In what situations might you need to add an additional Network Interface Card (NIC) to your computer?

<p>When you require multiple interface adapters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a fan controller on a motherboard be beneficial for cooling?

<p>To control how much airflow goes through the system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What situation would make it challenging to install a fan inside a computer case?

<p>Not enough space inside the case (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of installing a multi-port ethernet adapter card on a server or network infrastructure device?

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

What needs to be checked before purchasing a network adapter card to ensure compatibility with your system?

<p>Operating system version (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of high-end video cards and other adapter cards with fans?

<p>They tend to get very hot during use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be cautious when working on a computer system with a heat sink?

<p>The heat sink may be extremely hot to the touch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a device driver in the context of hardware installation?

<p>To allow hardware to communicate with the operating system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does passive cooling in a device imply?

<p>No external cooling systems are present in the device (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can you find the latest version of a device driver for your hardware?

<p>On the manufacturer's website (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might some computer systems be designed with no fans at all?

<p>To reduce power consumption and maintain silence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly done prior to installing a device driver for new hardware?

<p>Remove existing drivers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cool air play in computer case ventilation according to the text?

<p>Cool air helps in removing heat from hot components inside the case (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using thermal paste between a component and a heat sink?

<p>To create an efficient thermal connection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of using a thermal pad instead of thermal paste?

<p>You need to replace it each time you remove the heat sink. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does using a thermal pad differ from using thermal paste in terms of installation flexibility?

<p>Thermal pads bond permanently after one-time installation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fan in conjunction with a heat sink on a component?

<p>To provide a supply of cooler air for more effective cooling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cooling system uses cool liquid to regulate component temperatures?

<p>Liquid cooling system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drawback is associated with liquid cooling systems compared to air-cooling systems?

<p>Liquid cooling systems are more prone to leaks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might using a liquid cooler be especially beneficial for a computer system?

<p>When overclocking the system or running high-performance tasks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is responsible for cooling down liquid in a liquid cooling system?

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

Why might some users prefer air-cooling systems over liquid cooling systems?

<p>To avoid potential leaks associated with liquid cooling systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do large fans connected to large heat sinks provide in a system?

<p>More surface area for effective heat dissipation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of liquid cooling systems for CPUs compared to traditional air cooling?

<p>The efficient dissipation of heat from the CPU. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Motherboard

The main physical component inside a computer.

ATX Motherboard

A motherboard size standard popular for desktop computers since 1995.

Mini-ITX Motherboard

A motherboard size ideal for small form factor computers, with limited expansion.

PCI Slots

An older expansion interface for adding hardware.

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PCI Express Slots

A newer expansion interface using serial communication for higher bandwidth.

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ATX Motherboard Family

Motherboard family commonly used in desktop computers.

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Mini-ITX Motherboard Family

Motherboard family used for small form factor computers.

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24-Pin Power Connector

Standard power connector size for an ATX motherboard.

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Modular Power Supply Connectors

Connectors used to provide power to computer components.

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Keyed Connectors

Ensures correct orientation when connecting power to the motherboard.

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BIOS

Initializes memory and CPU during startup.

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UEFI

A modern firmware interface that replaces traditional BIOS.

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UEFI Drivers

Used by UEFI to manage hardware components.

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CPU Throttling

Process where a CPU reduces its clock speed when it gets is too hot.

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Laptop Motherboards

Designed for power efficiency, not necessarily speed.

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M.2 Connectors

Used to connect SSDs directly to the motherboard.

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M.2 Screw/Clip

Secures the SSD in an M.2 connector.

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64-bit Processors

Processors that can access more data than 32-bit processors

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CPU Primary Function

To execute program instructions.

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CPU Cache

Improves CPU performance by reducing memory access time.

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Hyper-Threading

Allows one physical CPU core to act like multiple virtual cores.

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Virtualization

Running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.

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Discrete Graphics Card

A separate card from the CPU for better graphics processing.

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Capture Card

Captures video input from external sources.

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Sound Card

Used for high-quality audio output.

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Heat Sink

Reduces heat from computer components.

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Passive Cooling

Cooling systems without fans.

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Cooling Fans

Provide airflow to cool computer components..

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Expansion Slots

Allow adding new hardware functionality to a computer.

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Network Interface Card (NIC)

Allows a computer to connect to a network.

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Study Notes

Motherboard Fundamentals

  • The fundamental physical component within all computers is the motherboard.
  • Motherboard size is chosen according to specific needs, such as small form factor computers or desktop computers.

Motherboard Sizes and Types

  • Several motherboard sizes and types exist, including ATX, Mini-ITX, and others.
  • ATX motherboards have been popular for desktop computers since 1995.
  • Mini-ITX motherboards are suitable for small form factor computers and have limited real estate for expansion slots.

Expansion Interfaces

  • Older computers may have different expansion interfaces, such as PCI slots, while newer ones may have PCI Express slots.
  • PCI Express buses use a serial communication path.
  • Adding more lanes to a PCI Express bus supports higher bandwidth and speed.

Motherboard Families

  • The two main motherboard families focused on in CompTIA exam objectives are ATX and ITX.
  • ATX motherboards are commonly found in desktop computers.
  • Mini-ITX motherboards are suitable for small form factor computers.

Power Connectors

  • The standard power connector size for an ATX motherboard is 24-pin.
  • Modular power supply connectors are used to provide power to components.
  • Keyed connectors ensure proper insertion of motherboard power connectors.

BIOS and UEFI

  • The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) initializes the memory and CPU during the startup process.
  • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a firmware interface that replaces the traditional BIOS.
  • UEFI drivers are used to manage hardware components.

CPU and Motherboard Compatibility

  • CPUs are designed to throttle when the system overheats, especially in laptops.
  • Laptop motherboards are designed for power usage and efficiency, not speed.
  • It is challenging to replace individual components like memory or CPU in laptops compared to desktops.

M.2 Connectors and SSDs

  • M.2 connectors are used to connect SSDs to the motherboard.
  • M.2 connectors secure the SSD to the motherboard using a screw or clip.

CPU Architecture and Installation

  • 64-bit processors differ from 32-bit processors in terms of data access.
  • The primary function of a CPU is to execute instructions.
  • CPU caches improve performance by reducing memory access time.

Virtualization and Hyper-Threading

  • Hyper-Threading Technology allows a single CPU core to appear as multiple CPU cores.
  • Virtualization allows running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.

Graphics and Sound Cards

  • Discrete graphics cards are separate from integrated graphics in CPUs.
  • Capture cards are used to capture video input.
  • Sound cards are used for high-end audio output capabilities.

Cooling Systems

  • Heat sinks are used to cool components in a computer system.
  • Passive cooling systems do not use fans.
  • Fans are used to provide cooling for computer systems.

Networking and Expansion Slots

  • Expansion slots allow adding new hardware components to a computer.
  • Network Interface Cards (NICs) are used to add network capabilities to a computer.
  • Video capture cards support various video inputs.

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