What factor primarily determines the type of case you can use?
The Motherboard (size and shape must match).
What are the 3 steps to install a Power Supply?
- Open case, 2. Align screw holes with mount, 3. Screw into place.
What is the 6-step process for installing a CPU?
- Orient, 2. Press into slot, 3. Lock, 4. Apply thermal paste, 5. Install heatsink, 6. Secure heatsink.
How do you install RAM into a motherboard?
- Open levers, 2. Orient chip, 3. Lower into slot, 4. Press down firmly to lock.
What are “standoffs” used for during motherboard installation?
They are installed in the case to hold the motherboard off the metal surface and align it with the I/O plate.
Which memory type reads data directly from banks and is faster?
Unbuffered Memory.
What is “Buffered Memory” and where is it used?
Memory with a control chip for managing large quantities of RAM; used in servers and high-end workstations.
How should a Hard Drive (HDD) be oriented in a drive bay?
Connectors should face out towards the motherboard.
What is the standard bay size for an Optical Drive?
5.25 inches (13.34 cm).
What installation tip helps with aligning optical drive screws?
Slightly hand-tighten all screws before using a screwdriver to tighten any of them.
What are the 4 types/sizes of PCIe slots?
x1, x4, x8, and x16.
Name 3 types of external storage connection ports.
USB, eSATA, and Thunderbolt.
What is the difference between a USB Flash Drive and an External HDD for a customer?
Flash Drive: Small data/transfer (e.g., a presentation). External HDD: Large data/backups.
Which motherboard power connector has 24 pins?
The Main ATX Power Connector.
What is the purpose of the 4-pin auxiliary power connector?
To provide dedicated power to the CPU.
How do you identify “Pin 1” on a front panel cable?
Look for a small arrow indicator.
On a motherboard’s system panel connector, how is Pin 1 for LEDs marked?
With a plus sign (+).
What does the acronym FSB stand for?
Front-side Bus.
Name 4 common media card formats.
SD, MicroSD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick.
What is the difference between BD-R and BD-RE?
BD-R: Recordable (write once). BD-RE: Rewritable (can be erased and reused).
