Part 1 of 3 -Understand the hardware components of computer systems
The main circuit board, the motherboard provides the base to which a number of other hardware devices are connected. Devices that connect to a motherboard include: The processor (CPU) Permanent memory (Hard disk) Temporary memory (RAM) Expansion cards (Video, Network or sound). The Motherboard have Buses, these are used for communication between devices controlled by the Chipset. The bus is a set of parallel wires which data can flow. The System bus is made up of a number of such communications channels that connect the processor and memory and input and out devices together.
Motherboards are designed for a specific make and small model range of processors. Socket type defines processor support. Motherboards can be reviewed by their: Expansion size Form Factor AT, ATX, Micro ATX Processor type and processor support
ISA (black /two part slots) (Obsolete) PCI Short (3inches) usually white Pentium processor and higher. (Becoming obsolete) AGP (accelerated graphics port) designed for direct connection between video and computer memory. (Becoming obsolete) PCIe (PCI express) black, replacement for AGP and PCI.
The motherboard task can be found in the following location: Motherboard Task
Programmable integrated circuit Millions of transistors (RI video) Silicon chip embedded on a ceramic plate Size of an individual transistor measured in nanometres (nm), currently 65 or 45 nm Smaller sizes allow lower voltages, higher speeds, less heat and more function, such as on die cache and multiple CPUs.
CPU SPECIFICATIONS Processor Number E8500 Manufacturer Intel Cache Memory 6 MB Type L2 Cache 64-bit Computing Yes Bus Speed 1333 MHz Clock Speed 3.16 GHz Compatible Processor Socket LGA775 Socket Manufacturing Process 45 nm Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core Thermal Design Power 65 W Thermal Specification 72.4 C
An internal component (a microprocessor) that carries out most of the data processing The fastest component inside the PC Intel or AMD? Speed - Measured in Hz, typically GHz (billions of cycles) Cores Number of processors within the processor housing Cache Fast internal memory/buffer 32/64 bit Processing - floating point and address registers are 64 bits wide, handling 64 bit code in one pass.
The CPU task can be found in the following location: CPU Task
Block of finned metal Transfers heat from chips or components Cooled by fans Thermal pad to aid transfer of heat Radial fans used on graphics cards.
Heat pipes also used in laptops or motherboards Heat spreaders used on Memory modules High end power systems use water cooling Transfers more heat Requires more power
Identify whether the given motherboard supports an AMD or an Intel Processor. Which socket type will the motherboard support (slot or ZIF). What is the CPU socket number on the given motherboard? What processor does this socket support? Identify the location of the north/south bridge chipset. (assignment) Is the motherboard an AT or ATX board? Identify the BIOS/CMOS location? Can you identify the CMOS battery location?
Converts AC power into DC power PSU switch 115 or 230 V (UK) Currently an ATX standard ATX vs AT Typical power 300 to 500 Watts Gamers PC 450w to 1450 Watts Standard dimensions - 150 mm width, 86 mm height, and typically 140 mm depth
Sample Specification Antec Smart Power II 500W Modular PSU ATX12V version 2.0 (P4 CONNECTOR) 4 SATA Connectors support Serial ATA optical drives Flow-through dual 80mm fans (one intake and one exhaust) PCI-E graphic connector Increased MTBF: 80,000 hours Size: 6.1"(L) x 5.9" (D) x 3.4" (H) PSU video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjzn47ekuhg
Power supply selection It is possible to grow out of your power supply and require more wattage. Sometimes just as cost effective to purchase a case and Power supply included in the price. Although, replacing the case is more work, transplant board and all components (complete transplant). Modern ATX standard 20 pin connectors are not compatible with the older style P8/P9 connectors, although there are adapters that allow interconnection. The latest 24 pin PCI express ATX power supply can be adapted to a motherboard with the 20 pin ATX connector. 24 pin example (shown beside)
PCIe additional power
The Power Supply Unit task can be found in the following location: Power Supply task