PC Hardware Overview

A series of flashcards covering key concepts in PC hardware including components, processors, and motherboard details.

What is the primary function of a CPU?

To perform calculations and process data.

What does the motherboard do in a PC?

It controls all system devices and connects the CPU, memory, and peripherals.

What year was the first IBM PC released?

1981.

Define 'port' in the context of PC hardware.

A physical connector that allows peripheral devices to connect to the computer.

What is the main purpose of a power supply in a PC?

To convert AC power from an outlet to DC power for the computer.

What does ATX stand for?

Advanced Technology Extended.

Name one feature of the Micro-ATX motherboard.

Fits in mid-range ATX chassis.

What is an obsolete PC case form factor?

Baby-AT.

What role do chipset microchips serve on the motherboard?

They control data and instructions flow to and from the CPU.

List one type of ROM chip used in BIOS.

Programmable ROM (PROM).

What is the function of the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU?

To manage all activities within the CPU.

What is the significance of the system bus?

It allows communication between various components inside the computer.

What is the typical average operating speed of a new CPU?

3 GHz.

Define 'data bus'.

A group of lines that allows data to flow between devices.

What defines a 'word size' in CPUs?

The largest number of bits that can be processed in one operation.

What type of instruction set do CISC architectures use?

Complex Instruction Set Computers use larger, more complex instruction sets.

What is the smallest form factor of PC cases?

ITX.

What is the primary purpose of a heat sink?

To absorb heat from the CPU.

What component provides electrical power to all parts of the PC?

Power supply.

What is the function of a video card?

To control the information displayed on the monitor.

What does CMOS RAM store besides the clock function?

BIOS setup information.

Identify one function of the BIOS.

To perform a Power-On Self Test (POST).

What are the two common types of buses in a computer?

Data bus and address bus.

What does the acronym 'ALU' represent?

Arithmetic and Logic Unit.

What are Intel's most common processor families?

Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7.

Mention one benefit of having multiple processors in a system.

Increased processing speed through parallel processing.

What is the primary advantage of RISC architectures?

Each instruction runs more quickly due to simpler instruction sets.

What are enthusiast-level PC cases commonly used for?

High-performance or water-cooled systems.

What type of RAM is used for memory cache?

High-speed memory.

How does the BIOS interface with the operating system?

It serves as the bridge between hardware and software after boot-up.

What is the size of a Mini-ITX motherboard?

6.7 inches x 6.7 inches.

Define 'multiprocessing'.

The ability to utilize multiple CPUs to perform tasks simultaneously.

What type of computer is an Apple II?

An early personal computer released in 1977.

What is the common speed range for system buses in older CPUs?

100 MHz to 200 MHz.

What can cause the motherboard to eliminate bulky cables from the PC case?

Using built-in I/O external connector panels.

What kind of devices often have their ROM in an adapter card?

Devices that need to be active during boot time, like video cards.

How does a case help with EMF elimination?

It minimizes the electromagnetic fields generated by internal components.

What technology did Intel introduce alongside Core 2 Duo models?

64-bit architecture for desktops and laptops.

What does a cooling fan do?

Maintains optimal temperatures for the CPU.

What is the purpose of a bootstrap loader in BIOS?

To read the disk drive and find the master boot record.

Which companies are notable producers of BIOS?

American Megatrends, Inc. (AMI) and Phoenix Technologies.

What is the common size for an extended-ATX (e-ATX) motherboard?

Larger than ATX, commonly used for high-end workstations.

What are the basic characteristics of a CPU?

Processor speed, bus speed, word size, and data path size.

How is the clock speed of a CPU measured?

In Gigahertz (GHz).

What would you expect from a Pentium IV in terms of speed?

Can run up to 3.2 GHz.

Name a processor family from AMD that is popular among gamers.

Ryzen.