1100 Ch03: Advanced Computer Hardware

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of a blackout?

Inconsistent voltage supply

Complete loss of AC power (correct)

Increased voltage levels

Interference in electrical circuits

Which term describes a reduced voltage level of AC power lasting for a period of time?

Brownout (correct)

Blackout

Power surge

Noise

What is a surge protector designed to prevent?

Damage from surges and spikes (correct)

Reduced power levels

Equipment overheating

Data loss due to brownouts

What immediate effects can a power surge have?

Dramatic increase in voltage Signup and view all the answers

What role does an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) play?

Provides a constant level of electrical power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Standby Power Supply (SPS)?

To provide backup battery power when voltage drops below normal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about UPS and laser printers is accurate?

Laser printers may overload a UPS. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hyper-Threading in Intel CPUs intended to achieve?

To allow multiple programs to run with increased efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

In what unit is CPU speed commonly measured?

Megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cache in a CPU?

To temporarily hold instructions and data for quick access. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with the delay in switching from mains power to a battery in an SPS?

Potential data loss if power is lost too quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What RAID configuration combines the benefits of mirroring and striping?

RAID 10 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of port is primarily used for connecting printers in older technology?

Parallel Signup and view all the answers

Which connector is color-coded purple and used for connecting a keyboard?

PS/2 Signup and view all the answers

What type of port is rapidly becoming obsolete and often features a 15-pin connector?

VGA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of audio ports on a computer?

Connecting to external audio devices Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes overclocking?

It allows a CPU to run faster than its original specifications. Signup and view all the answers

What is CPU throttling used for?

To conserve power and reduce heat production. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of cache memory in modern CPUs?

To store frequently accessed data for quicker processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of cache is the smallest and fastest?

L1 Cache Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes multicore processors from single-core processors?

Multicore processors can execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of CPU virtualization?

It enables a single processor to act as multiple processors. Signup and view all the answers

When might CPU virtualization need to be enabled?

When the BIOS has it disabled by default. Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to a CPU when it is overclocked?

It may become damaged if not properly managed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of cores in multicore processors?

Each core can execute instructions independently. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrical Power and Computer Circuits

Voltage measures the energy needed to move charges, essential for computer circuit operation.
Current refers to the flow of electrons; accurate voltage and current are critical for proper function.
Power fluctuations include blackouts, brownouts, noise, spikes, and power surges, all of which can damage hardware and cause data loss.

Types of Power Fluctuations

Blackout: Complete power loss caused by issues like blown fuses or downed lines.
Brownout: Temporary voltage reduction below 80% of normal, often due to overloaded circuits.
Noise: Interference from sources like generators, resulting in poor power quality.
Spike: Sudden voltage increase exceeding normal levels, often caused by lightning or system restarts.
Power Surge: Brief dramatic voltage increase, lasting nanoseconds, can damage equipment.

Protection Against Power Fluctuations

Surge Protector: Diverts excess voltage to ground, rated by joules—higher ratings mean better protection.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides consistent power, protects against brownouts and blackouts, and can safely shut down systems.
Standby Power Supply (SPS): Offers backup power when voltage drops, but switching delays may decrease reliability.

CPU and Instruction Sets

A program consists of sequenced instructions executed by a CPU using specific instruction sets.
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Focuses on a small set of instructions for rapid execution, exemplified by PowerPC and ARM CPUs.
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Utilizes a broad instruction set, reducing processing steps, with examples like Intel x86 and Motorola 68k.

CPU Performance Enhancements

Cache: High-speed memory storing frequently accessed data. It includes three levels:
- L1 Cache: Fastest, directly on the CPU core (128 KB to 2 MB).
Hyper-Threading (Intel): Allows simultaneous execution of multiple threads, enhancing performance.
HyperTransport (AMD): Facilitates high-speed communication between the CPU and Northbridge chip.

CPU Metrics

Speed measured in MHz (million cycles/s) or GHz (billion cycles/s).
Processing capability depends on the Front Side Bus (FSB) width, often 32-bit or 64-bit.
Overclocking: Running the CPU faster than specifications; risky and can cause damage.
CPU Throttling: Operating below rated speed to conserve power, commonly used in mobile devices.

Multicore Processors

Feature multiple cores on one chip, allowing for parallel processing and improved multitasking performance.
Key Components:
- Cores: Handle tasks independently for efficiency.
- Cache Memory: Stores frequent data for quick access.

Storage Solutions: RAID

RAID 10: Combines mirroring and striping for performance and redundancy, requiring a minimum of four drives.

Legacy Ports

Legacy ports are older types of connections, largely replaced by newer technologies like USB.
Types:
- Serial Ports: Connect peripherals; available in 9-pin and 25-pin.
- Parallel Ports: Send multiple bits simultaneously; often called printer ports.
- Game Ports: 15-pin connectors for joysticks, historically found on dedicated expansion cards.
- PS/2 Ports: Connect keyboards and mice with color-coded connectors.
- Audio Ports: Connect external audio devices.
- VGA Ports: Oldest graphics port for monitors, now mostly legacy.
- DVI Ports: Designed for transmitting uncompressed digital video.

Responsible Disposal of Computer Parts

Functioning parts should be donated or sold; non-functional parts require proper disposal.
Hazardous Waste: Batteries contain harmful metals like mercury; recycling is crucial.
Monitors: CRT monitors hold high voltage and toxic materials; must be disposed of safely.
Printer Cartridges: Can be recycled or refilled but may void warranties if mishandled.
Chemicals and Solvents: Dispose of properly; never down the sink or drain.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of voltage and current as they relate to computer circuits. Learn about the impact of AC power fluctuations, including blackouts and their effects on electronic components. Test your knowledge on how steady voltage is crucial for the proper functioning of computers.