Topic 1 Revision Acticity

• Electrostatic discharge occurs when there is a buildup of static electricity
• Computer case


  A case that contains the main components of a computer
• Three different form factors of computer case are
• Form factors of computer case

  • ATX
  • Micro-ATX
  • Mini-ITX
• Three form factors of power supplies are
• Form factors of power supplies

  • ATX
  • SFX
  • TFX
• Two types of connectors are
• Types of connectors


  • USB
  • HDMI
• Rail


  A physical track on a power supply that distributes power to the components
• Motherboard


  A printed circuit board that connects and allows communication between the different components of a computer
• Major components of a motherboard

  • CPU socket
  • Memory slots
  • Expansion slots
• North bridge chipset


  A component of the motherboard that connects the CPU, memory, and PCIe lanes
• South bridge chipset


  A component of the motherboard that connects the PCIe lanes, USB, SATA, and other peripherals
• Types of memories


  • RAM
  • ROM
• Two types of adopter cards are
• Common adopter cards


  • Sound card
  • Graphics card
• Three main media for data storage are
• Main media for data storage

  • Hard disk drives
  • Solid state drives
  • Optical drives
• Optical drive


  A data storage device that uses optical media to read and write data
• Three types of optical drives are
• Types of optical drives

  • CD/DVD drive
  • Blu-ray drive
  • HD-DVD drive
• Three video cables are
• Input devices


  Devices that allow a user to interact with a computer
• Two input devices are
• Input devices


  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
• Output devices


  Devices that receive information from a computer
• Two output devices are
• Output devices


  • Monitor
  • Printer
• General & Fire Safety

  • Remove watches or jewelry
  • Turn off and unplug equipment
  • Remove clutter from workspace
  • Cover sharp edges inside the computer
  • Wear safety goggles
  • Proper lifting procedures
  • Fire extinguisher availability, rating, and use
• Install Power Supply


  1. Open the computer case

  2. Align the screw holes on the power supply with the mount on the computer case

  3. Screw the power supply into place
• Factors affecting the choice of a computer case

  • Model Type - The motherboard determines the type of case you can use
  • Size - A computer with many components will need more room for airflow to keep the system cool
  • Power Supply - Match the power supply rating and connection type to the motherboard
  • Appearance - There are many case designs to choose from
  • Status Display - LEDs mounted on outside of case tell you if the system has power, when the hard drive is in use, and when the computer is in sleep or hibernate mode
  • Vents - All cases have a vent on the power supply, and some have a vent in the back to draw air into or out of the system
• Power Supply

  • Power supplies convert AC input to DC output voltages
  • Power supplies typically provide voltages of 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, and are measured in wattage
  • The power supply must provide enough power for the installed components and allow for other components that may be added at a later time
• Install the CPU


  1. Orient the CPU to the CPU slot

  2. Press the CPU into the CPU slot

  3. Lock the CPU into place

  4. Apply thermal paste to the CPU

  5. Install the heatsink

  6. Secure the heatsink
• Install the RAM


  1. Open the RAM slot levers

  2. Orient the RAM chip to the motherboard slot

  3. Lower the RAM chip into the slot

  4. Press down firmly to lock the RAM chip
• Install the Motherboard


  1. Align the motherboard in the correct direction

  2. Locate the standoffs

  3. Install standoffs in the computer case

  4. Align I/O plate to back of computer case

  5. Lower motherboard into place

  6. Install the screws into the standoffs
• Selecting a Motherboard


  • CPU
  • RAM
  • Video adapter, other adapter cards
  • Socket and chipset on motherboard are compatible with the CPU
  • The existing heat sink and fan assembly when reusing the CPU
  • The number/type of expansion slots. They must match the existing adapter cards and allow for new cards
  • The existing power supply connections must fit the new motherboard
  • New motherboard must fit into the current computer case
• Selecting the CPU and CPU Cooling

  • Transmission Delay - The processor chip is a collection of transistors interconnected by wires. Transmitting data through the transistors and wires creates delays
  • Heat Generation - As the transistors change state from on to off or off to on, a small amount of heat is generated. The amount of heat generated increases as the speed of the processor increases
  • Front-side bus (FSB) - The path between the CPU and the Northbridge. It is used to connect various components, such as the chipset, expansion cards, and RAM
  • 32-bit and 64-bit processors - The primary difference is the number of instructions that can be handled by the processor at one time
• Choosing a CPU Cooling System

  • The CPU can become very hot; therefore, most CPUs require an air-cooled or liquid cooled heat sink, combined with a fan for cooling
• Unbuffered memory


  Regular memory for computers. The computer reads data directly from the memory banks making it faster than buffered memory.
• Buffered memory


  Specialized memory for servers and high-end workstations that use a large amount of RAM. These have a control chip built into the module that assists the memory controller in managing large quantities of RAM.