Laptop Hardware – 220-1101 CompTIA A+ : 1.1

What is troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is the process of diagnosing and resolving problems.

What does the term "laptop form factor" refer to?

It refers to the specific design, layout, and physical characteristics unique to portable computers.

What are modular components in a laptop?

Modular components are parts designed to be easily removed and replaced, such as batteries, SO-DIMM memory, and M.2 SSDs.

Which battery technologies allow recharging without the memory effect?

Lithium-ion and Lithium-ion Polymer batteries.

What does SO-DIMM stand for?

Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module.

What is the primary purpose of a SO-DIMM?

To upgrade or provide memory in laptops and compact devices.

Name the two common interfaces for storage devices in laptops mentioned in the text.

SATA and M.2 interfaces.

What are two authentication methods used for secure system access?

Biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) and NFC (Near Field Communication).

What are Mini PCI and Mini PCI Express used for?

They are used to add wireless capabilities, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, in laptops.

What is a storage bay commonly referred to as?

A drive bay.

What does NFC stand for?

Near Field Communication.

Within what approximate distance does NFC operate?

Within about 4 centimeters.

At what frequency does NFC operate?

13.56 MHz.

What does "form factor" specify in computing?

It specifies the physical dimensions, shape, and layout of hardware components to ensure compatibility.

What is the "memory effect" in batteries?

It is when a rechargeable battery loses its maximum energy capacity by “remembering” a lower discharge point.

How do laptop repair challenges vary among manufacturers?

Different manufacturers design laptops with unique computing environments and form factors, affecting repair ease.

What is the difference between modular and integrated batteries in laptops?

Modular batteries can be easily removed and replaced, while integrated batteries are built-in and non-modular.

List one advantage and one disadvantage of Lithium-ion batteries.

Advantage: High energy density and no memory effect; Disadvantage: Capacity degradation with each charge cycle and heat sensitivity.

What is a key disadvantage of Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries?

They suffer from the memory effect and contain toxic cadmium.

How do Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries improve upon NiCd batteries?

They offer higher energy density and are less prone to the memory effect, though they have a higher self-discharge rate.

Which battery types are most commonly used in modern laptops?

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries.

What is a key feature of Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries?

They use a polymer electrolyte, allowing for flexible form factors and thinner designs.

What emerging battery technology uses solid electrolytes?

Solid-State Batteries (SSBs).

What is the primary input device in a laptop?

The keyboard.

How can an external keyboard be connected to a laptop?

Via a USB connection.

Why must you be cautious when handling laptop keycaps?

They are delicate and can be damaged if not maintained according to manufacturer instructions.

What is the role of RAM in a computer?

RAM serves as short-term memory that stores data actively in use.

What is the main difference between DRAM and SRAM?

DRAM requires periodic refreshing while SRAM uses flip-flop circuits, making SRAM faster and more reliable but more expensive.

What does SDRAM stand for?

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

How does DDR SDRAM improve performance?

It transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal.

What does CAS latency measure in memory modules?

The delay between a memory request and when the data is available.

What is the purpose of ECC memory?

ECC memory detects and corrects data errors, making it suitable for servers and workstations.

What does DIMM stand for?

Dual In-line Memory Module.

In which devices are SO-DIMMs typically used?

Laptops, small form factor PCs, and some printers.

What should be verified when upgrading laptop RAM?

The memory type (SO-DIMM) and compatibility with the system’s motherboard.

What are the two main types of storage devices mentioned?

Magnetic hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).

What is one key difference between 2.5-inch SSDs and M.2 SSDs?

2.5-inch SSDs use a SATA interface and resemble traditional hard drives, while M.2 SSDs are compact and can use SATA or PCIe (NVMe) interfaces.

What is the process of copying an entire drive to another drive called?

Cloning or imaging.

What is the purpose of a drive bay in a computer?

It provides a designated area to install storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, or optical drives.

Name the three common sizes of drive bays mentioned.

3.5-inch, 2.5-inch, and 5.25-inch bays.

What is an advantage of using NVMe SSDs over SATA SSDs?

NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster data transfer speeds due to the use of PCIe lanes.

What does SLC stand for in NAND flash memory?

Single-Level Cell.

How many bits per cell does Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND store?

2 bits per cell.

How many bits per cell does Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND store?

3 bits per cell.

How many bits per cell does Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND store?

4 bits per cell.

What is one use of external SSDs?

They provide portable storage and backup solutions via USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt connections.

How are wireless cards installed in laptops?

They are modular and are installed by sliding them into a dedicated slot with connected antenna wires.

What does PCI stand for?

Peripheral Component Interconnect.

How does PCI Express (PCIe) differ from PCI?

PCIe uses a serial bus system with multiple lanes for faster data transfer, while PCI uses a parallel bus system.

What role do biometrics play in authentication methods?

They use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to secure system access.

What is a primary challenge in laptop repair?

Unique computing environments and manufacturer-specific designs increase repair difficulty.

What advantage does familiarity with one manufacturer’s models provide?

It increases repair ease due to consistent design and layout.

What is a modular battery?

A battery that can be easily removed and replaced in a laptop.

What is an integrated battery?

A battery that is built into the laptop and cannot be easily removed.

Name one advantage of Lithium-ion batteries regarding charging.

They do not exhibit memory effect, so full discharge is not required before recharging.

What is a disadvantage of Lithium-ion batteries?

They experience capacity degradation with each charge cycle.

What is a potential risk associated with Lithium-ion batteries?

They can overheat if damaged or improperly charged, potentially leading to a fire.

Why are Lithium-ion batteries considered to have a long lifespan?

They can be charged and discharged hundreds of times.

What environmental concern is associated with NiCd batteries?

They contain toxic cadmium, which poses environmental risks.

What does NiMH stand for?

Nickel-Metal Hydride.

How is the performance of NiMH batteries compared to NiCd?

NiMH batteries offer higher energy density and are less affected by the memory effect.

Which battery types are predominantly used in modern laptops?

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries.

What characteristic distinguishes Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries from Lithium-Ion batteries?

Li-Po batteries use a polymer electrolyte that allows for flexible, thinner designs.

What is one potential future technology for laptop batteries?

Solid-State Batteries (SSBs) that use solid electrolytes.

Why might laptop keyboards include secondary functions on keys?

To provide additional controls such as brightness adjustment and help functions.

How is a laptop keyboard typically connected internally?

Through a single ribbon cable connecting it to the motherboard.

What does it mean that RAM is volatile?

It means that RAM loses its data when the computer is powered off.

Why is DRAM called "dynamic"?

Because it requires continuous refreshing of its data to maintain stored information.

What is a common variant of DRAM used in computers?

DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM).

What does DDR in DDR SDRAM stand for?

Double Data Rate.

How does DDR SDRAM achieve improved performance?

By transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal.

What does CAS in CAS latency refer to?

Column Address Strobe.

What is the function of ECC memory?

To detect and correct data errors for enhanced reliability.

In what types of systems is ECC memory most commonly used?

In servers and workstations where data integrity is critical.

What does DIMM provide in desktop computers?

Standard memory modules with separate electrical contacts on each side.

What distinguishes a SO-DIMM from a standard DIMM?

SO-DIMMs are smaller in size, making them ideal for laptops and compact devices.

What specifications should be considered when selecting RAM?

Frequency, CAS latency, capacity, and ECC versus Non-ECC capabilities.

What does a higher frequency rating in RAM indicate?

Faster data transfer rates.

What is the purpose of cloning or imaging a drive?

To transfer the operating system, data, and applications from one drive to another.

What are the two primary SSD form factors mentioned?

2.5-inch SSDs and M.2 SSDs.

How are 2.5-inch SSDs typically installed in desktops?

With the use of adapter brackets to fit them into 3.5-inch drive bays.

What is a key installation feature of M.2 SSDs?

They are secured with a single screw and offer a compact design.

What are the two primary interfaces used by SSDs as mentioned in the text?

SATA and PCIe (NVMe).

What does SATA stand for?

Serial ATA.

What is a limitation of SATA SSDs compared to NVMe SSDs?

SATA SSDs have lower performance with a maximum speed of 6 Gb

What does NVMe stand for?

Non-Volatile Memory Express.

How does NVMe enhance SSD performance?

By utilizing high-speed PCIe lanes to reduce latency and increase data transfer speeds.

What is one characteristic of U.2 SSDs?

They are designed for enterprise use and employ a PCIe interface for high-speed performance.

What is a PCIe Add-in Card (AIC) SSD?

An SSD that connects directly to a PCIe slot on the motherboard for enhanced performance.

Which type of SSD is ideal for portable storage?

External SSDs connected via USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt.

What is the function of a drive bay?

To provide physical space and mounting points for installing storage devices.

What devices are typically housed in a 5.25-inch drive bay?

Optical drives such as CD, DVD, or Blu-ray players, and sometimes additional storage devices.

How do adapter brackets benefit SSD installation?

They allow smaller 2.5-inch SSDs to fit into larger 3.5-inch drive bays.

What does PCI stand for?

Peripheral Component Interconnect.

In what year was PCI introduced?

1992.

What is the primary function of the PCI standard?

To connect peripheral devices like graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to the motherboard.

How does the data transfer method of PCI differ from that of PCI Express (PCIe)?

PCI uses a parallel bus system, while PCIe uses a serial bus system with multiple lanes.

What are "lanes" in the context of PCIe?

Individual high-speed data pathways that enable simultaneous data transfer in both directions.

What are the common PCIe lane configurations mentioned?

x1, x4, x8, and x16.

What is the role of the control bus in a computer system?

It coordinates activities and prevents data collisions between components.