Motherboard PDF
Motherboard PDF
Motherboard PDF
On the Motherboard
Processor Overview
At the heart of every computer is a special motherboard chip called the
processor, which determines, to a great extent, the power of the computer. The
processor is also called the central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor. The
processor executes instructions, performs calculations, and coordinates
input/output operations. Each motherboard has electronic chips that work with
the CPU and are designed to exact specifications. Whether these other electronic
components can keep up with the processor depends on the individual
component’s specifications. The major processor manufacturers today are Intel,
Motorola, VIA, Samsung, NVIDIA, Apple Inc., Qualcomm, and AMD
(Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.). Intel and AMD are the predominant
manufacturers for desktop and laptop processors, and the other manufacturers
target the mobile/smartphone markets. Figure 3.2 shows a processor.
FIGURE 3.2 Intel processor
Processor Basics
Processors come in a variety of speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz). Hertz is a
measurement of cycles per second. One hertz equals one cycle per second. One
gigahertz is 1 billion cycles per second, or 1GHz. The original PC CPU, the
8088 microprocessor, ran at 4.77MHz. Today’s processors run at speeds near
5GHz.
The number of bits processed at one time is the processor’s register size (word
size). Intel’s 8086 processor’s register size is 16 bits, or 2 bytes. Today’s CPUs
have register sizes of 64 or 128 bits.
Buses
Processors operate on 1s and 0s. Processors operate on 1s and 0s. The 1s and 0s
must travel from one place to another inside the processor, as well as outside to
other chips. To move the 1s and 0s around, electronic lines called a bus are used.
The electronic lines inside the CPU are known as the internal data bus or
system bus. In the 8086, the internal data bus comprises 16 separate lines, with
each line carrying one 1 or one 0. The word size and the number of lines for the
internal data bus are equal. The 8086, for example, has a 16-bit word size, and
16 lines carry 16 bits on the internal data bus. In today’s processors, 64 or 128
internal data bus lines operate concurrently.
For a CPU to communicate with devices in the outside world, such as a
printer, the 1s and 0s travel on the external data bus. The external data bus
connects the processor to adapters, the keyboard, the mouse, the hard drive, and
other devices. An external data bus is also known as an external data path. You
can see the external data lines by looking between the expansion slots on the
motherboard. Some solder lines between the expansion slots are used to send
data out along the external data bus to the expansion slots. Today’s processors
have 64- and 128-bit external data paths. Figure 3.3 shows the internal and
external data buses.
ALUs
A processor has a special component called the arithmetic logic unit (ALU),
which does all the calculations and comparison logic that the computer needs.
Figure 3.3 shows the basic concept of how the ALU connects to the registers,
control unit, and internal bus. The control unit coordinates activities inside the
processor. The I/O unit manages data entering and leaving the processor. The
registers in the CPU make up a high-speed storage area for 1s and 0s before the
bits are processed.
To make sense of all of this, take a look at a letter typed on a computer that
starts out DEAR MOM. To the computer, each letter of the alphabet is a different
combination of eight 1s and 0s. For example, the letter D is 01000100, and the
letter E is 01000101. Figure 3.4 demonstrates that the size of the bus greatly
increases performance on a computer similar to the way that increasing the
number of lanes of a highway decreases congestion.
Pipelines
Processors have multiple pipelines (separate internal buses) that operate
simultaneously. To understand pipelining, take the example of a fast-food
restaurant. In the restaurant, assume that there are five steps (and one employee
per step) involved in making a burger and giving it to the customer. First, (1)
take the order and input it into the computer system; (2) brown the buns and
cook the burgers; (3) add the condiments to the buns and burgers; (4) wrap the
burgers, add fries, and insert them into the bag; and then (5) take the customer’s
money and give the bag to the customer. Keep in mind that the person taking the
customer’s order and inputting the order can serve another customer once he or
she has completed this task for the first customer. The same is true for each
person along the line. To make this burger process go faster, you could (maybe)
do one of the things shown in Figure 3.5. (1) Make your employees work faster;
(2) break the tasks into smaller tasks (such as seven steps instead of five and
have seven people); or, (3) have more lines of people doing exactly the same
process tasks.
We have already taken a look at how increasing the CPU pipeline can, to some
extent, improve processor operations, but other technologies also exist. We will
start by defining some of the terms that relate to this area and associating those
terms with concepts and the various technologies used. Table 3.1 list some terms
related to speed.
TABLE 3.1 Motherboard speed terms
Cache
An important concept related to processor speed is keeping data flowing into the
processor. Registers are a type of high-speed memory storage inside the
processor. They are used to temporarily hold calculations, data, or instructions.
The data or instruction the CPU needs to operate on is usually found in one of
three places: cache memory, the motherboard memory (main memory), or the
hard drive.
Cache memory is a very fast type of memory designed to increase the speed
of processor operations. CPU efficiency is increased when data continuously
flows into the CPU. Cache provides the fastest access. If the information is not
in cache, the processor looks for the data in motherboard RAM. If the
information is not there, it is retrieved from the hard drive and placed into the
motherboard memory or the cache. Hard drive access is the slowest of the three.
Table 3.2 lists the types of cache.
Clocking
The motherboard generates a clock signal that is used to control the transfer of
1s and 0s to and from the processor. A clock signal can be illustrated as a sine
wave. One clock cycle is from one point on the sine wave to the next point that
is located on the same point on the sine wave later in time, as shown in Figure
3.8.
FIGURE 3.9 Clock cycle that clocks data four times per cycle
Threading Technology
Several threading techniques are used to speed up processor efficiency:
multithreading and HT (Hyper-Threading Technology). A thread is a small
piece of an application process that can be handled by an operating system. An
operating system such as Windows schedules and assigns resources to a thread.
Each thread can share resources (such as the processor or cache memory) with
other threads. A thread in the pipeline might have a delay due to waiting on data
to be retrieved or access to a port or another hardware component.
Multithreading keeps the line moving by letting another thread execute some
code. This is like a grocery cashier taking another customer while someone goes
for a forgotten loaf of bread. Figure 3.10 shows this concept.
Multi-Core Processors
In the past, when two processors were installed, software had to be specifically
written to support having multiple processors. That is no longer true. A dual-
core processor combines two CPUs in a single unit. A tri-core processor has
three processors in a single unit. Both Intel and AMD have quad-core CPU
technologies, which is either two dual-core CPUs installed on the same
motherboard, two dual-core CPUs installed in a single socket, or today’s model
of all four cores installed in one unit. Now there are also hexa-core (six cores)
and octa-core (eight cores) processors. IT professionals in the field find it easiest
to just say multi-core to describe the multiple cores contained in the same
processor housing.
Single-core processors and early dual-core processors accessed memory
through a memory controller, as shown in Figure 3.12. Today, the processor
cores have their own memory controller built into the processor. Figure 3.13
shows how an AMD quad-core processor has an integrated controller and
interfaces with the rest of the motherboard using a high-speed bus called
HyperTransport. HyperTransport is a feature of AMD’s Direct Connect
architecture. With Direct Connect, there are no front side buses. Instead, the
memory controller and input/output functions directly connect to the CPU.
FIGURE 3.12 Older method of processors interfacing with memory
FIGURE 3.13 AMD quad-core memory access
All applications can take advantage of the multi-core technology and the
background processes that are associated with the operating system and
applications. This improves operations when multitasking or when running
powerful applications that require many instructions to be executed, such as
drawing applications and games.
Virtualization
One advantage of having multiple processor cores is that home and business
computers can take advantage of virtualization. Virtualization is having one or
two virtual machines on the same computer. Virtualization software, such as
VMware Workstation, Oracle VM VirtualBox, or Microsoft Hyper-V, enables
one computer to act as if it were two or more computers. The computer can have
two or more operating systems installed through the use of the virtualization
software. Each operating system would have no knowledge of the other
operating system.
Windows 7 has Virtual PC and Windows 8 has Hyper-V, which allow an
application to run in a virtual environment as if an older operating system had
been installed. The concept of virtualization is of interest to businesses so that
legacy software can be put on a newer machine but kept separate from the main
operating system or another virtualized machine on the same computer. Reduced
costs and physical space are benefits of virtualization. Home computer users can
install multiple operating systems in separate VMs (virtual machines) within the
same physical box, with each VM being seen as a separate computer. This would
be important for those of you taking the CompTIA A+ certification. You could
install Windows Visa, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Linux in order to better
prepare for the exam.
Intel Processors
Traditionally, Intel has rated its processors by GHz and people have compared
processors based on speed alone. Now, Intel arranges its products by family
numbers. In a family of processors, you can compare attributes such as speed
and the amount of cache memory and other technologies. Table 3.3 shows Intel’s
processor families. Figure 3.16 shows a close-up of a processor installed into the
motherboard.
CPU Sockets
A processor inserts into a socket or slot, depending on the model. Most
processors today insert into a socket. There are different types of sockets: pin
grid array (PGA), which has even rows of holes around a square socket;
staggered pin grid array (SPGA), which has staggered holes so more pins can be
inserted; plastic pin grid array (PPGA); micro pin grid array (µPGA); flip chip
ball grid array (FCBGA); and land grid array (LGA) are all used with either
AMD and/or Intel processors. Figure 3.17 shows a CPU socket.
FIGURE 3.17 CPU socket
AMD Processors
AMD is Intel’s largest rival in computer processors. Anyone buying a processor
should research all models and vendors. Table 3.4 lists the AMD processor
families.
TABLE 3.4 AMD processor families
Processor sockets are also called zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets; they
come in different sizes. A processor socket accepts one or more specific
processor models. The socket has a small lever to the side that, when lifted,
brings the processor slightly up and out of the socket holes. When installing a
processor, the CPU is aligned over the holes and the lever is depressed to bring
the processor pins into the slot with equal force on all the pins. In Figure 3.17,
notice the lever beside the socket that is used to lift the metal cover so the CPU
can be installed into the socket. Table 3.5 lists the commonly used Intel and
AMD CPU sockets and is a good study table for the A+ certification.
TABLE 3.5 Desktop CPU sockets
Processor Cooling
Keeping the CPU cool is critical. Both Intel and AMD have technologies that
reduce processor energy consumption (and heat) by turning off unused parts of
the processor or slowing down the processor when it starts to overheat. But these
measures alone are not enough. Today’s systems use one or more of the methods
listed in Table 3.6. Figure 3.18 shows a heat sink and a fan.
TABLE 3.6 Processor cooling methods
FIGURE 3.18 Heat sink and fan
The largest chip on the motherboard with a fan or a heat sink attached is easily
recognized as the processor. Figure 3.19 shows an Intel Core i7 that has a fan
and a heat sink installed. Notice the heat pipes that are used as part of the heat
sink.
FIGURE 3.19 CPU with heat sink and fan attached
Additional motherboard components can also have heat sinks attached. These
are normally the chipset and/or the I/O (input/output) controller chips. Figure
3.20 shows a motherboard with these cooling elements.
FIGURE 3.20 Motherboard heat sinks
Installing a Processor
Processors are sold with installation instructions. Also, motherboard manuals
(documentation) include the steps to upgrade or install the CPU. The following
are the general steps for installing a processor:
Parts:
Proper processor for the motherboard (refer to motherboard
documentation) Anti-static materials
Step 1. Ensure that power to the computer is off and the computer is
unplugged.
Step 2. Place an anti-static wrist strap around your wrist and attach the other
end to a ground or unpainted metal part of the computer. Otherwise,
use an anti-static glove.
Step 3. Push the retention lever down and outward to release the CPU
retention plate. Move the handle backward until the retention plate is
fully open. Do not touch the CPU socket.
Step 4. Remove the processor from packaging, taking care to hold it by the
edges and never touch the bottom metal portion of the processor.
Remember that a CPU fits only one way into the socket. Look at the
processor and the socket before inserting the chip to ensure proper
alignment. A socket and CPU normally have a triangle marking or
circular dot that indicates pin 1 as shown in Figure 3.21. The
processor also has notches on each side that align with the socket. Do
not force! Insert the CPU into the socket by aligning it with the socket
and lowering it until it is flush with the socket as shown in Figure
3.22.
Upgrading Processors
Two common questions asked of technicians are “Can a computer be upgraded
to a higher or faster processor?” and “Should a computer be upgraded to a higher
or faster processor?” Whether or not a computer can be upgraded to a higher or
faster processor depends on the capability of the motherboard. When a customer
asks if a processor should be upgraded, the technician should ask, “What
operating system and applications are you using?” The newer the operating
system, the more advanced a processor should be. Some games and applications
that must perform calculations, as well as graphic-oriented applications, require
a faster, more advanced processor. The motherboard’s documentation is very
important when considering a CPU upgrade. Read the documentation to
determine whether the motherboard can accept a faster processor.
Overclocking Processors
Overclocking is changing the front side bus speed and/or multiplier to boost
CPU and system speed. Overclocking has some issues:
CPU speed ratings are conservative.
The processor, motherboard, memory, and other components can be
damaged by overclocking.
Applications may crash, the operating system may not boot, and/or the
system may hang (lock up) when overclocking.
The warranty may be void on some CPUs if you overclock.
When you increase the speed of the CPU, the processor’s heat increases.
Extra cooling, using fans and larger heat sinks, is essential.
Input/output devices may not react well to overclocking.
The memory chips may need to be upgraded to be able to keep up with the
faster processing.
You need to know how to reset the system BIOS/UEFI in case the
computer will not boot properly after you make changes. This process is
covered in Chapter 4.
If a used thermal solution is being installed, then the thermal pad or old
thermal paste should be removed and new thermal paste applied. Do not scratch
the surface of the heat sink. Use a plastic scribe or tool to remove a thermal pad
or old paste. A thermal paste cleaner, acetone, or denatured alcohol with a lint-
free cloth can be used to remove residual paste.
When installing thermal paste, you should apply the prescribed amount in the
center of the processor. Spread the compound evenly in a fine layer over the
portion of the center of the CPU that comes in contact with the heat sink. When
the heat sink is attached to the processor, the thermal compound will spread
(hopefully not over the edges). Always follow the heat sink installation
directions.
CPU fans frequently have a 3- or 4-pin cable that attaches to the motherboard.
The motherboard might have a 3- or 4-pin connector. A 3-pin fan can be attached
to a 4-pin motherboard connector, and a 4-pin fan cable can be connected to a 3-
pin motherboard connector, as shown in Figure 3.24. Note that when a 3-pin
cable attaches to 4-pin connector, the fan is always on and cannot be controlled,
like a 4-pin cable to 4-pin connector can.
Expansion Slots
If a computer is to be useful, the CPU must communicate with the outside world,
including other motherboard components and adapters plugged into the
motherboard. An expansion slot is used to add an adapter to the motherboard. It
has rules that control how many bits can be transferred at a time to the adapter,
what signals are sent over the adapter’s gold connectors, and how the adapter is
configured. Figure 3.26 shows expansion slots on a motherboard.
The older PCI standards, including PCI-X, use a parallel bus where data is
sent with multiple 1s and 0s simultaneously. PCIe is a serial bus, and data is sent
one bit at a time. Table 3.8 shows a comparison of the PCI, PCI-X, AGP, and
PCIe buses.
A PCIe x1 adapter can fit in an x1 or higher slot. A larger card, such as a PCIe
x16, cannot fit in a lower-numbered (x8, x4, x2, or x1) slot. Figure 3.33 shows
this concept.
FIGURE 3.33 Correct slots for PCIe cards
Removing an adapter is normally just a matter of removing a retaining screw
or plate and lifting the adapter out of the slot. Some AGP and PCIe expansion
slots have retention levers. You move the retention lever to the side in order to
lift the adapter from the expansion slot. Figure 3.34 shows an example of the
PCIe adapter removal process. Figure 3.35 shows a motherboard with two x1
PCIe, two x16 PCIe, and three PCI expansion slots. Notice that the PCIe x16 slot
has a retention lever.
FIGURE 3.34 PCIe adapter removal
FIGURE 3.35 Motherboard with PCIe and PCI slots
PCI, PCI-X, AGP, and PCIe are important for connectivity in both workstation
and portable computers. Traditional PCI connectivity will need to be supported
for several more years in new machines for backward compatibility and in
computers already in use. PCIe is the current bus for internal and external device
connectivity.
Chipsets
The principal chips on the motherboard that work in conjunction with the
processor are known collectively as a chipset. These allow certain features on
the computer. For example, chipsets control the maximum amount of
motherboard memory, the type of RAM chips, the motherboard’s capacity for
two or more CPUs, and whether the motherboard supports the latest version of
PCIe. Common chipset manufacturers include Intel, VIA Technologies, ATI
technologies (now owned by AMD), Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS), AMD,
and NVIDIA Corporation.
The chipset is a square integrated circuit and looks similar to a processor. You
normally can’t see this because the chipset is soldered to the motherboard and
commonly covered with a heat sink. Look for the chipset close to the processor
as shown in Figure 3.36.
Types of Motherboards
Motherboards come in different sizes, known as form factors. The most
common motherboard form factor is ATX. The different types of ATX are
known as micro-ATX (sometimes shown as µATX, mini-ATX, FlexATX,
EATX, WATX, nano-ATX, pico-ATX, and mobileATX). A smaller form factor is
ITX, which comes in mini-ITX, nano-ITX, and pico-ITX sizes. Some
motherboards, such as the NLX and LPX form factors, had a riser board that
attached to the smaller motherboard. Adapters go into the slots on the riser board
instead of into motherboard slots. Figure 3.39 shows some of the motherboard
form factors.
FIGURE 3.39 Motherboard form factors
Tech Tip: The motherboard form factor and case must match
The case used for a computer must match the motherboard form factor.
Some cases can accommodate different form factors, but you should
always check. When you are building a computer or replacing a
motherboard, it is important to obtain the correct form factor.
The BTX form factor was intended to replace ATX. But further development
of the BTX standard was canceled in favor of propriety form factors. Within the
BTX family of form factors are the smaller versions called microBTX
(sometimes shown as µBTX), nano-BTX, and pico-BTX. The WTX (for
Workstation Technology Extended) is an older form factor that is larger than
ATX or BTX and was used with high-end workstations, such as those with
multiple processors and more drives.
When upgrading any component or the entire computer, remember that the
older part can be donated to a charity or educational institution. Something that
one person considers outdated may be an upgrade to someone else. Educational
institutions are always seeking components to use in classrooms. Many stores
have recycling programs for computer parts.
Motherboard Troubleshooting
Common symptoms of motherboard issues are similar to CPU problems: The
system does not display anything; an error code appears; one or more beeps
occur; the system locks; the system reboots; a Windows BSOD (blue screen of
death) appears; or one or more of the ports, expansion slots, or memory modules
fails.
Motherboard problems and power problems are probably the most difficult
issues to troubleshoot. Because various components are located on the
motherboard, many things can cause errors. POST (power-on self-test) is one of
the most beneficial aids for troubleshooting a motherboard. The meaning of any
codes that appear on the screen should be researched. If multiple POST error
codes appear, you should troubleshoot them in the order they are presented. The
following list helps with motherboard troubleshooting:
Is the motherboard receiving power? Check the power supply to see if the
fan is turning. If the CPU or motherboard has a fan, see if it is turning.
Check voltages going from the power supply to the motherboard. See
Chapter 5 for directions.
Check the BIOS/UEFI settings (covered in Chapter 4) for accuracy.
Check for overheating. Power down the computer and allow the computer
to cool. Power on the computer with the cover off.
Check the motherboard for distended capacitors. These are small
components that might appear to be bulging. If sighted, replace the
motherboard as soon as possible.
Reseat the CPU, adapters, and memory chips.
Remove unnecessary adapters and devices and boot the computer.
Plug the computer into a different power outlet and circuit, if possible.
Check to determine whether the motherboard is shorting out on the frame.
Check the CMOS battery (see Chapter 5 for how to take voltage readings).
With a motherboard that has diagnostic LEDs, check the output for any
error code. Refer to the motherboard documentation or online
documentation for the problem and possible solution.
Tech Tip: These concepts relate to Apple computers, too
Even though this book focuses on PCs, concepts related to CPU,
motherboards, expansion slots, cache, and chipsets also apply to Apple
computers. Apple computers and PCs have similar CPU and memory
requirements.
Chapter Summary
Important motherboard parts include the following: processor, RAM slots,
RAM, expansion slots (PCI, PCI-X, PCIe, and AGP), and cooling devices.
Processors can be multi-core and contain very fast cache memory: L1
cache inside the processor and L2 cache outside the processor but inside
the chip. Processors can also support L3 cache.
Intel processors use Hyper-Threading to make efficient use of processor
time by the processor executing separate sets of instructions
simultaneously.
Processors must be kept cool with fans and/or heat sinks. A thermal paste
or pad is applied between a heat sink and a processor. Never turn the
processor on without some type of thermal cooling.
The clock speed refers to the processor’s internal clock. This is not the
same as the FSB or bus speed.
CPU throttling slows down the processor to prevent overheating.
PCI/PCI-X is a 32- and 64-bit parallel bus. PCI, PCI-X, and AGP have
been replaced with the point-to-point serial PCIe bus.
PCIe slots have a specific number of bidirectional lanes that are the
maximum a card can use. A PCIe adapter can fit in a slot of the same
number of lanes or a slot that has the ability to process a higher number of
lanes.
A chipset is one or more chips that coordinate communication between the
processor and the rest of the motherboard. A chipset could have an MCH
(north bridge) to coordinate between the CPU and some expansion slots as
well as memory. The chipset can also have an ICH (south bridge) to
coordinate between the CPU and the rest of the motherboard expansion
slots and ports. The chipset dictates the maximum number and type of slots
and ports on a motherboard. AMD and Intel have created technologies to
address the slowness of the FSB: HyperTransport, QPI, and DMI.
An integrated GPU is on-die with the CPU and processes graphics-related
functions.
When replacing a motherboard, ensure that the CPU socket and
number/types of expansion slots are appropriate.
Active listening is an important skill for a technician. Don’t be distracted
by people or technology, take notes, make good eye contact, and ask
directed questions when appropriate.
Key Terms
active listening 115
AGP 104
AGP bus stop 85
APU 90
ATX 111
back side bus 84
bus 81
bus speed 84
cache memory 85
chipset 109
clock 84
clock speed 84
CPU 80
CPU speed 85
CPU throttling 85
distended capacitor 114
dual-core 88
external data bus 81
fan 94
form factors 111
FSB 84
gigahertz 81
GPU 90
heat sink 94
hexa-core 88
Hyper-Threading 87
HyperTransport 88
ICH 110
IGP 90
iGPU 90
internal data bus 81
ITX 111
L1 cache 85
L2 cache 85
L3 cache 85
liquid cooling 94
MCH 110
micro-ATX 111
mini-ATX 111
mini-ITX 111
north bridge 110
octa-core 88
overclocking 98
passive cooling 94
PCI 103
PCI bus speed 84
PCIe 104
PCIe bus speed 84
PCI-X 103
POST 114
processor 80
quad-core 88
south bridge 110
thermal pad 94
thermal paste 94
thread 87
throttle management 98
virtualization 91
ZIF sockets 93
Review Questions
1. Which component can be located both on a video card and on a
motherboard?
[ chipset | PS/2 port | PCI expansion slot | GPU ]
2. Which expansion slot is best for a video card in a desktop computer?
[ PCI-X | PCIe | PCI | ExpressCard/54 | AGP ]
3. A motherboard has a PCIe x16 expansion slot. Which PCIe adapter(s) will
fit in this slot? (Select any that apply.) [ x1 | x2 | x4 | x8 | x16 | x32 ]
4. Match the motherboard part with its associated description.
Exercises
Activities
Internet Discovery
Objective:
To obtain specific information on the Internet regarding a
computer or its associated parts
Parts:
A computer with Internet access
Procedure:
Locate documentation on the Internet for a GIGABYTE GA-
Z170-HD3 motherboard in order to answer Questions 1–12.
Continue your Internet search in order to answer Questions 13
and 14.
Questions:
1. Does the motherboard support an Intel or AMD processor?
__________________________
2. Which chipset is used?
_______________________________________________________
3. How many expansion slots are on the motherboard?
________________________________
4. Which form factor does this motherboard use?
____________________________________
5. Which processors can be used on this motherboard?
________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. Does the motherboard support having an integrated GPU in the CPU?
How can you tell whether it does or not?
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Which type of CPU socket does the motherboard have?
_____________________________
8. How many and of what type of PCIe slots does it have?
_____________________________
9. Is there any other type of expansion slot on this motherboard? If so, what
is it?
_______________________________________________________________________
10. Does this motherboard have an integrated USB 3.1 10 Gb/s port?
11. What is the maximum number and type of USB ports available on the rear
of the motherboard?
_______________________________________________________________________
12. Write the URL where you found the motherboard information.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
13. Find a vendor for a motherboard that uses the A55 chipset that can
support PCIe 3.0. Document the motherboard model and vendor.
_______________________________________________________________________
14. Find an Internet site that describes the dimensions of the extended ATX
motherboard form factor. List the dimensions and the website.
____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Soft Skills
Objective:
To enhance and fine-tune a future technician’s ability to listen,
communicate in both written and oral form, and support people
who use computers in a professional manner
Activities:
1. On a piece of paper or an index card, list three ways you can practice
active listening at school. Share this information with your group.
Consolidate ideas and present five of the best ideas to the class.
2. In a team environment, determine two situations in which team members
have experienced a situation in which a support person (a PC support
person, sales clerk, checkout clerk, person being asked directions, and so
on) could have provided better service if he or she had been actively
listening. Share your findings with the class.
3. In teams of two, have one person tell a story and the other person practice
active listening skills. The person telling the story should critique the
listener. The pair should then exchange roles.
Objective:
To analyze and evaluate information and to apply learned
information to new or different situations
Activities:
1. Find an advertisement for a computer in a local computer flyer,
newspaper, magazine, or book or on the Internet. Determine all the
information about the motherboard and ports that you can from the ad.
Write down any information you do not understand. Research this
information and share your findings with a classmate.
2. Your parents want to give you a new computer as a present. The one they
are considering has a GPU integrated into the CPU. List at least one
argument you might use for getting a different computer model.
3. Why do you think a motherboard has different buses that operate at
different speeds?
Labs