CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) Module 3

CH 4: Accounting for CPUs and Internal Components
Copyright (c) 2018 CompTIA Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | CompTIA.org 1
Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Internal System
Components
Install and
Install and Upgrade CPUs
Upgrade
Configure and
Configure and Upgrade BIOS/UEFI
Upgrade
Install Install Power Supplies
Troubleshoot Troubleshoot Internal System Components
Configure Configure a Custom PC
Topic A: Install and Upgrade CPUs
CPU
CPU: (central processing unit) The main chip on the system
board, it performs software instructions and mathematical and
logical calculations.
Operating system technologies
• Hardware drivers are specific to the OS version (32-bit / 64-bit)
32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64)
• 32-bit OS cannot run 64-bit apps
• But 64-bit OS can run 32-bit apps
Apps in a 64-bit Windows OS

• – 32-bit apps: \Program Files (x86)
• – 64-bit apps: \Program Files
CPU
Processor cores: A CPU can have multiple cores.
A CPU With:
• 2 cores, a dual-core processor
• 4 cores, a quad-core
• six cores, hexa-core
• eight cores, octa-core.
CPU Architectures
• Instruction set: The machine

language code and commands the CPU can
process.
• ALU: (arithmetic logic unit) A CPU circuit

that performs calculations
• FPU: (floating point unit) A math co-

processor built into the CPU that performs
calculations on floating point numbers.
Addressing
• System bus between CPU and memory consists of:
• Data bus determines how much data can be transferred per clock cycle.
• Address bus determines how many memory locations the PC can access.
• On modern PCs, the data bus is 64 bits wide.
• Address bus for 32-bit CPUs is 32 or 36 bits wide.

• 32-bit bus can access 4 GB of address space.
• 36-bit bus can access 64 GB of address space.
• Address bus for 64-bit CPUs is usually 48 bits wide.

• 48-bit bus can access 256 TB of address space.
• Done to reduce complexity in compatibility with 32-bit software.
• Theoretically could be 64-bits wide and access 16 Exabytes of address space.
ARM Advanced RISC Machine
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) is a CPU architecture based on a 32-bit
reduced instruction set (RISC) computer. ARM architecture is implemented on
Windows, Unix, OS including Apple iOS, Android (Licensed worldwide).
• They design the chip; others license and build

• Simplified instruction set
• Efficient and fast processing
• Less power Less heat
• Traditionally used for Mobile and IoT devices
• The lines are constantly blurring between Arm 32bit, and 64bit architecture
Cache
Cache: A small block of high-speed memory that enhances
performance by preloading instructions and data from system
RAM that the CPU uses regularly.
• Levels
• Level 1 On-Die cache is closest to CPU and is smallest and fastest.
• Level 2 cache is a bit larger, and a bit slower than Level 1.
• Levels 3 and 4 are larger and possibly slower than Level 2.
Hyperthreading
Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to run multiple
programs, or tasks, at one time.
Thread: A stream of instructions generated by a software application.

Most applications run a single process in a single thread.
• Multithreading:
• Also known as SMT, HT, or HTT.
• Allows multiple threads to run through the CPU at the same time.
• Reduces amount of CPU idle time.
• The OS thinks more CPUs are installed.
• Works best with multithreaded software (usually runs on servers).
Multiprocessing and Multicore Processors
SMP: (symmetric multiprocessing) A condition where two or

more physical CPUs that share a common OS simultaneously.
• Two or more physical processors installed for SMP.
• SMP-aware OS makes efficient use of processing resources.
• Servers and high-end workstations running Win business OS’s .
Clock Speed
• A key performance indicator.
• 3.5G - 4.2GHz, 4.8-5GHz
• Some run slower but provide better

performance.
Core clock speed:

• 3.5G - 4.2GHz or 4.8-5GHz
• Speed at which the CPU runs internal
processes and accesses L1, L2 and
L3 cache.
• Front Side Bus speed is the speed of the

interface between the CPU and system
memory.
Overclocking
Overclocking: Increasing the clock speed over the optimum
speed determined by the manufacturer.
• Manufacturer sets optimum clock speed where damage is not likely.

• Overclocking is configured through system setup firmware .
• Increasing clock speed generates more heat.

• Requires a suitable power supply and sufficient cooling.
• Monitor the temperature of the room as well.
Power Management (Throttling)
Throttling: Technology that allows the CPU to adjust speed to

improve power performance.
• CPUs can implement power management to enter lower power states.
• Helps conserve energy and reduce heat production.
• CPUs that run too hot can become unstable or damaged.
CPU Virtualization support
VM: (Virtualization support)

Run other operating systems within a single hardware platform
Microsoft Hyper-V, Vmware No need to dule boot!
• This can be enabled in the UEFI setting VT or AMD-V

• Multiple operating systems share physical hardware components
Virtualization added to the processor

• – Hardware is faster and easier to manage
• – Intel Virtualization Technology (VT)
• – AMD Virtualization (AMD-V)
CPU Packaging
CPU form factor: CPU packaging and how it connects to the
motherboard.
LGA: (Land Grid Array) Intel technology in which pins are located
on the socket.
• Intel CPU ranges: LGA socket type only
• Core -high-end gaming, intensive image editing work and video editing.
• Pentium- productivity for home use and for office work. (not gaming)
• Celeron -small business and personal use less cache
• Atom -is a good fit for tablets sub for ARM cpu’s
• Xeon -Industrial servers and workstations.
CPU Packaging
PGA: (Pin Grid Array) Technology in which pins are on the
processor.
ZIF: (Zero Insertion Force) A processor socket type allowing for
as little risk of damaging the pins on the processor chip as
possible.
AMD CPU ranges: PGA socket types only
• EPYC - Server/datacenter platform

• Threadripper -animation, coding, and graphic design.
• Ryzen I series - gaming performance, multi-threaded performance
• Ryzen Mobile - Tablets
Cooling Mechanisms
Heat sink: A passive heat exchanger that dissipates heat from a

source such as a CPU and transfers it, normally via an enlarged
surface area, to another medium such as air or water.
Thermal paste: A medium used to connect a heat sink to a CPU

that fills any gaps between the CPU and the heat sink to permit
a more efficient transference of heat from the CPU to the heat
sink.
Passive cooling device: Cooling systems that work without

electricity.
Cooling Mechanisms
• CPU heat sink and fan assembly called a COOLER

• Case fans
• GPU fans
Cooling Mechanisms
Heat pipe: A sealed tube containing water or ethanol coolant.

Heat spreader: Similar to a heat pipe except it is a flat container
rather than a pipe.
• Liquid-based cooling systems

• OR
• Laptops
CPU Installation Considerations
• Make sure processor matches the type of socket LGA orPGA on the system
board.
• When upgrading the CPU, model is supported by the motherboard.
• On a processor, Pin 1 may be indicated with:

• A beveled corner or a white dot
• A square
• A "spur"
CPU Installation Considerations
• On a processor socket, Pin 1 may be indicated with:
Discussing CPU Upgrades
• Why can cache improve performance?
• ANSWER:
• If routines are stored in fast cache RAM, they can be accessed more quickly than
instructions and data stored in system memory.
• What limits upgrade potential for the system processor?
• ANSWER:
• The type of CPU socket and chipset provided on the motherboard.
• What does SMP mean?
• ANSWER:
• Symmetric Multiprocessing: More than one CPU.
• How can CPU performance be improved?
• ANSWER:
• Overclocking
• What must you check when inserting a PGA CPU chip?
• ANSWER:
• That pin 1 is aligned properly in the socket.
• Otherwise, you risk damaging the pins when the ZIF lever is lowered.
• What is the difference between a heat sink and a heat pipe?
• ANSWER:
• A heat sink uses solid metal fins to dissipate heat
• A heat pipe contains fluid that evaporates in the area over the CPU
Topic B: Configure and Update BIOS/UEFI
System Firmware
Firmware: Software stored in nonvolatile memory chips.
System firmware: Provides low-level code that allows computer

components to be initialized and load the main OS software.
Hardware Firmware Software

BIOS
BIOS: (basic input/output system) A set of instructions that is stored in

ROM Chip on prior to 2012.
Used to start the most basic services of a computer system.
UEFI
UEFI: (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) A newer standard
firmware to interface with PCs. designed for improvement over BIOSs.
Boot Order Options
• Hard drive
• Floppy drive
• Optical drive
• USB
• Network/PXE
Boot Options
The Secret Button(s) Fast startup

• Del, F1, F2, Ctrl-S, Ctrl-Alt-S • Windows 8, 10, and 11 Doesn’t
shut down all the way
• UEFI simulators online
• Starts up so quickly, you can’t
• Hold down shift when open the BIOS
clicking Restart
• Interrupt boot 3 times • System Configuration (msconfig)
BIOS
The Secret Button(s) Fast startup

• Make a backup of your BIOS • Windows 8, 10, and 11 Doesn’t
configuration shut down all the way
• Write detailed notes or Take a • Starts up so quickly, you can’t

picture open the BIOS
• Don’t make a change unless you’re • System Configuration (msconfig)

certain of the setting
Interface Configuration Settings
Onboard device configuration

• Storage adapters
• USB Permissions
• Network adapters
• Graphics adapters
• Sound adapters
• Fan Speeds
• Temp 105-150 degress
Security Settings
• Authentication:
• Boot Password
• Supervisor/Administrator/Setup
• User/System
• BIOS Secure Boot :

• Helps a computer resist attacks and infection from malware.
• Drivers are Authenticated
• Digital signed operating system
Security Settings
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Hardware Security Module (HSM)

• A specification for Full Disk Encryption • Used in large environments
• Hardware to help with, Bit-Locker • Clusters, redundant power
• Random number generator, key • High-end cryptographic hardware
generators Plug-in card or separate hardware
• Persistent memory comes with device
unique keys burned into a chip • Key backup
• Secured storage for servers
• Cryptographic accelerators
• Offload that CPU overhead from other
devices
Firmware Updates
Flashing the BIOS
• Fix bugs.
• Solve incompatibilities.
• Only apply to resolve

specific issues.
• Install critical updates.
Discussing BIOS/UEFI Configuration and Updates
• What widely supported boot method is missing from the following

list? HDD, FDD, Optical, USB.
• ANSWER:
• Network/PXE (Pre-eXecution Environment)
• True or false? Processor extensions such as VT are set by the vendor

depending on the CPU model and cannot be enabled or disabled by
the user.
• ANSWER:
• False. The user can choose whether it is enabled or disabled.
• Name three keys commonly used to run a PC's BIOS/UEFI system

setup program.
• ANSWER:
• Esc, Del, F1, F2, F10.
• If you want to enforce TPM system security, what other BIOS feature
should you enable?
• ANSWER:
• A supervisor password to prevent the TPM keys from being accessed or cleared.
• What advantages does UEFI have over BIOS?
• ANSWER:
• UEFI supports 64-bit CPU operation and better hardware support at boot.
• UEFI allows for full GUI
• Startup security options (Secure boot Drives and OS authentication).
• When you are configuring BIOS security, what is the difference

between a supervisor password and a user password?
• ANSWER:
• The user password allows the boot sequence to continue.
• A supervisor password controls access to the firmware setup program.
• What security system allows system boot to be disabled if the

computer is reported stolen?
• ANSWER:
• LoJack for Laptops Service Subscription is needed
Topic C: Install Power Supplies
Electrical Circuits
• DC: (Direct Current) The charge

flows in one direction and power
source at a constant voltage.
• 3.3v 5.v 12v
• AC: (Alternating Current) The

current flows in both directions
and the voltage alternates
between low and high values.
120v
PSU
PSU: (Power Supply Unit) Delivers Direct Current (DC) low

voltage power to the PC components.
• Contains:
• Transformers
• Filters
• Regulators
• Fan
PSU Form Factors
• ATX
• Most common
• EPS12V
• Server class
• Micro-ATX
• SFX12V
• TFX12V
PSU Modular power supplies
• Modular power supplies are simply power supply units with detachable
cables
• Benefits:
• Less overheating, Avoiding damage to the comp - components.
• Only the power cables that your PC will need.
• Better Organization
Input Voltage
Input voltage: A PSU setting to Switch between set America 115

V to UK 240 V. Some are Manual or Automatic.
PSU Wattage rating
Power rating: The maximum power output available from a PC
power supply, measured in watts.
• Laptops require a 19V DC input and offer a 5V DC output via USB ports
• Desktop PC typically 200-300 W
• Slimline Desktop PC typically 100-200 W
• Tower systems and servers often over 300 W
• Gaming PCs often over 500 W

Output Voltages
OCP: (Overcurrent Protection) A power supply rail safety feature

that cuts the circuit if the power exceeds a safe limit.
Output Rail (V) Maximum Load (A) Maximum Output (W)
+3.3 20 130
+5 20 130
+12 33 396
-12 0.8 9.6
+5 (standby) 2.5 12.5
PSU Adapter Types
• Voltage regulator: A module that

ensures the motherboard delivers
the voltage required by the CPU.
• Main connector P1: 20 pin or

24pin - forPCIe
• The Main power plug that supplies
power to the motherboard.
PSU Adapter Types
Molex connector: A older power connector that is used to
supply power to (PATA) drives, optical drives, and SCSI drives.
PSU Adapter Types
• PCIe connectors: 6-pin

• P4- CPU, and 8-Pin for Graphics connectors:
PSU Redundant power supply
• During normal operation, the dual redundant power supplies power the
load 50/50.
• For example, your server pulls 500W total and you have two 750W power
supplies
• If one 750W power supply fails, the other 750W power supply can provide
enough power to keep the 500W server running
Power Needs Calculation
1. List the devices that need to have power served by the PSU. Be sure to
include the following:
• Motherboard
• CPU
• RAM
• Hard drives
• CD drives
• DVD drives
• Floppy drives (if any)
• Expansion cards
Power Needs Calculation (Slide 2 of 2)
2. Determine the power requirements for each device.
3. Add up the power requirements for the existing total power load.
4. Consider adding a buffer of 50 percent for future power needs.
5. Examine the details on the PSU currently installed, paying particular

attention to the maximum output.
• If you have not exceeded the power available, you do not need to upgrade the
PSU.
• If you have, you will need to obtain a PSU with a higher output and install it.
Discussing Power Supply Installation
• Are you able to use a standard ATX12V PSU with a Mini-ITX

motherboard?
• ANSWER:
• Yes (assuming it fits in the case you have chosen).
• What is the significance of a PSU's power output when you are

designing a custom build PC?
• ANSWER:
• It determines the number of drives, expansion cards, and peripherals that the PC
can support (assuming the peripherals do not have their own power supplies).
• You are connecting a new PSU. The PSU has a square 4-pin P4 cable but
there is no square 4-pin receptacle on the motherboard. Should you
leave the cable disconnected?
• ANSWER:
• No; it will plug into an 8-pin EPS12V receptacle near the CPU. You should check
the motherboard documentation for advice about which pins to plug the cable
into.
• What setting should you check before installing a PSU?
• ANSWER:
• That the voltage selector is set to the correct voltage
• You have a power supply with an 8-pin connector on it. What is this
for?
• ANSWER:
• It supplies power to a PCI Express graphics card.
Activity 4-4: Discussing Power Supply Installation
• Another technician replaced the PSU on a PC. Later the same day the
PC's owner contacts you to say that the system has been displaying
numerous alerts about high temperature. What do you think might be
the cause?
• ANSWER:
• You would need to open the case to investigate the problem. Perhaps when the
upgrade was performed, one of the fan power connectors was not attached
properly. If the PSU cabling was not secured with cable ties, it could disrupt air
flow within the case, reducing the effectiveness of fans.
There could be a fault with the fan on the new PSU.
Topic D: Troubleshoot Internal System Components
Basic Hardware Problems
Multimeter Use
Multimeter: An electrical meter capable of measuring voltage,
resistance, and current.
• To test a fuse, set the multimeter to measure resistance and touch the
probes to each end of the fuse.
• PC power supplies are NOT user-serviceable.

• Do NOT attempt any maintenance beyond the simple tests described.
• Never remove the cover of a power supply.
Multimeter Use
Supply Line Color Code Tolerance Min. Voltage Max. Voltage

+5 V Red ±5% +4.75 V +5.25 V
+12 V Yellow ±5% +11.4 V +12.6 V
-12 V Blue ±10% -10.8 V -13.2 V
+3.3 V Orange ±5% +3.135 V +3.465 V
+5 V Standby Purple ±5% +4.75 V +5.25 V

Higher than +3 V when PC is off; less than 0.9 V when the
PSU On Green
PC is on.
Less than 0.9 V when the PC is off; higher than 2.5 V when
Power Good Gray
the PC is on.
Ground Black - - -
Power Supply Tester
Power Supply Tester: A type of meter designed specifically to

test PSUs.
• Typically include ports for:
• 20/24-pin P1
• Molex
• SATA
• 8-pin connectors
Power-On Self-Test (POST): A hardware checking routine built
into the PC firmware.
This test sequentially monitors the state of the memory chips,
the processor, system clock, display, and firmware itself.
1. POST locates video card firmware at memory address C000.
• If found, card is initialized from its own firmware.
2. Startup screen is displayed.

• More tests are performed, including RAM.
• Any errors are indicated by displaying text messages.
3. If desired, access system setup routine at this point. (Press F2)
4. Most computers boot silently, but some may emit a single beep to indicate
system checks have been successfully completed.
POST and Boot Problems
5. PC searches for interfaces with additional firmware chips.
6. Firmware may display system configuration summary screen.
7. Operating system load sequence starts.
POST Not Running

• If you ensure power is available but computer does not start, screen
remains black, and there are no beeps, POST likely is not executing.
• If possible, try another monitor if there is still no image.
• Check for faulty cables, damaged or mismatched CPU, or motherboard issues.
POST Not Running (continued):

• Try these tests and solutions:
• If the system firmware has been flashed and the PC has not booted since, the
system firmware update may have failed. Use the reset procedure.
• Check cabling and connections. Correct any errors, reset adapter cards, and then
reboot the PC.
• Check for faulty interfaces and devices. Try removing one device at a time to see if
this solves the problem.
• Check the PSU for a fault that is preventing the Power Good signal from being
sent to the CPU, preventing POST.
• Check for logic errors—POST test adapter cards can interpret the debug codes
given by the firmware
• Check for a faulty CPU or system firmware.
• Check motherboard jumper settings.
POST Not Running (continued):

• Try these tests and solutions:
• If the system firmware has been flashed and the PC has not booted since, the
system firmware update may have failed. Use the reset procedure.
• Check cabling and connections. Correct any errors, reset adapter cards, and then
reboot the PC.
• Check for faulty interfaces and devices. Try removing one device at a time to see if
this solves the problem.
POST Beep Codes

Code Meaning
1 short beep Normal POST—System is OK
2 short beeps POST error—Error code is shown on screen
No beep Power supply or motherboard problem
Continuous beep Power supply, motherboard, or system memory problem
Repeating short beeps Power supply, motherboard, or keyboard problem
1 long, 1 short beep Motherboard problem
1 long, 2 or 3 short beeps Display adapter error
3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card
BIOS Time and Settings Reset
• Modern computers don’t rely on CMOS battery to store settings.
• Computers that lose the correct time might have a failed Real Time Clock
battery.
Operating System Search/Boots to Incorrect Device
• After POST tests, firmware searches devices in specified boot sequence.
• If first drive is not found, it moves to the next drive.
• If no disk-based boot device is found, it might try to boot from a network.
• If no boot device is found, an error message is displayed, and the boot

process is halted.
OS Boot Troubleshooting and Log Entries
• When boot device is located, code from boot sector is loaded into memory.
• Code from boot sectors takes over from system firmware to load the rest
of the OS into system memory.
• Error messages after this point are usually software or driver problems.
OS Boot Troubleshooting and Log Entries
If system tries to boot to the wrong

device.
•Verify boot device order is correctly

configured.
Examine log entries:

•In Windows, use Event Viewer to
analyze System and Applications logs.
•In Linux, review boot messages using

dmesg | less command.
Motherboard Component Problems
Visually inspect for physical

damage.
Pins are not bent.
Dirty contacts on connectors.
Chips and boards are

properly
seated.
Scorch marks and distended

capacitors.
Motherboard Component Problems
Determine Determine if intermittent problems have a pattern.
Verify Verify power supply provides stable voltages to the computer.
Check for overheating issues. Ensure that:

Check • CPU fan is working.
• Heatsink is properly fitted.
• Empty slots have blanking plates installed.
• Processor is running at the correct speed.
Activity
Discussing System Component Troubleshooting
• What cause might you suspect if a PC experiences intermittent

lockups?
• ANSWER:
• Thermal or power problems are most likely.
• Loose connections or faulty memory or CPU are also possibilities.
• What measurement would you expect from a multimeter if a fuse is

good?
• ANSWER:
• Zero ohms.
• What might stop a POST from executing?
• ANSWER:
• Faulty cabling and connections, poorly-seated chips, faulty interfaces and devices,
logic errors, faulty CPU, motherboard, or PSU.

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CH 4: Accounting for CPUs and Internal Components

Install Install Power Supplies

Troubleshoot Troubleshoot Internal System Components

Configure Configure a Custom PC

Apps in a 64-bit Windows OS

• Instruction set: The machine

• ALU: (arithmetic logic unit) A CPU circuit

• FPU: (floating point unit) A math co-

• On modern PCs, the data bus is 64 bits wide.

• Address bus for 32-bit CPUs is 32 or 36 bits wide.

• Address bus for 64-bit CPUs is usually 48 bits wide.

• They design the chip; others license and build

• Level 2 cache is a bit larger, and a bit slower than Level 1.

• Levels 3 and 4 are larger and possibly slower than Level 2.

Thread: A stream of instructions generated by a software application.

SMP: (symmetric multiprocessing) A condition where two or

• SMP-aware OS makes efficient use of processing resources.

• Servers and high-end workstations running Win business OS’s .

• Some run slower but provide better

Core clock speed:

• Front Side Bus speed is the speed of the

• Manufacturer sets optimum clock speed where damage is not likely.

• Increasing clock speed generates more heat.

Throttling: Technology that allows the CPU to adjust speed to

• CPUs can implement power management to enter lower power states.

• Helps conserve energy and reduce heat production.

• CPUs that run too hot can become unstable or damaged.

VM: (Virtualization support)

• This can be enabled in the UEFI setting VT or AMD-V

Virtualization added to the processor

• Intel CPU ranges: LGA socket type only

AMD CPU ranges: PGA socket types only

• EPYC - Server/datacenter platform

Heat sink: A passive heat exchanger that dissipates heat from a

Thermal paste: A medium used to connect a heat sink to a CPU

Passive cooling device: Cooling systems that work without

• CPU heat sink and fan assembly called a COOLER

Heat pipe: A sealed tube containing water or ethanol coolant.

• Liquid-based cooling systems

• When upgrading the CPU, model is supported by the motherboard.

• On a processor, Pin 1 may be indicated with:

• Why can cache improve performance?

• What limits upgrade potential for the system processor?

• What does SMP mean?

• How can CPU performance be improved?

• What must you check when inserting a PGA CPU chip?

• What is the difference between a heat sink and a heat pipe?

System firmware: Provides low-level code that allows computer

Hardware Firmware Software

BIOS: (basic input/output system) A set of instructions that is stored in

The Secret Button(s) Fast startup

• Interrupt boot 3 times • System Configuration (msconfig)

The Secret Button(s) Fast startup

• Write detailed notes or Take a • Starts up so quickly, you can’t

• Don’t make a change unless you’re • System Configuration (msconfig)

Onboard device configuration

• BIOS Secure Boot :

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Hardware Security Module (HSM)

Flashing the BIOS