CIS - Hardware - Study

What components can be found on a motherboard?

CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots, storage connections (M.2 & SATA), front panel connectors, RGB headers, cooling connections, power connectors

Is RAM considered secondary storage? Why or why not?

No. RAM is volatile memory used for short-term storage and loses data when the power is off.

What does RAM stand for?

Random Access Memory

What two components are absolutely required for a computer to function?

CPU and Operating System

How much RAM is recommended for most modern PC games?

16 GB

Which device runs the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?

CPU

What is the function of the CPU?

Processes instructions, performs calculations, and runs programs

What does ROM stand for and what does it do?

Read-Only Memory; stores permanent instructions like the BIOS

What’s the difference between an internal and an external hard drive?

Internal is inside the case and connects to the motherboard directly; external is outside and connects via USB

What are the three common types of hard drive data recording technologies?

CMR (Conventional), SMR (Shingled), HAMR (Heat-Assisted)

How does CMR store data?

Uses clearly separated tracks like lines on paper

How does SMR store data?

Overlaps new tracks over previous ones to save space

How does HAMR store data?

Uses a laser to heat the platter, allowing denser data storage

What is the primary job of a graphics card?

Render and display visual information efficiently

What’s the difference between an integrated and a dedicated graphics card?

Integrated shares memory with the CPU; dedicated has its own memory and better performance

What does PCB stand for?

Printed Circuit Board

Can you upgrade the RAM in your PC?

Yes, if the motherboard has free slots and supports it

What is the system bus used for?

Transfers data between CPU, RAM, and other components (includes Address, Data, and Control buses)

What’s the best way to install RAM on a motherboard?

Install in matching slots (often color-coded) to enable dual-channel; ensure it clicks into place

What is cache memory and why is it important?

Fast memory inside the CPU that stores frequently used data and speeds up processing

Does hardware affect the speed of a PC?

Yes. Components like the CPU, GPU, and RAM directly impact performance

How does a hard drive save a file?

Write head changes magnetic direction of domains to represent data as 1s and 0s

How does a hard drive read data?

Read head detects magnetic changes using Giant Magnetoresistance and converts them into binary

How much RAM is suggested for basic web browsing and media?

8 GB is recommended, 4 GB is minimum

What is the Von Neumann architecture?

CPU follows a cycle: Fetch, Decode, Execute from a shared memory system

What components make up a CPU?

Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers, and internal buses

What is the purpose of a GPU?

Performs parallel processing of visual and math-heavy tasks like gaming and AI

What are CUDA cores used for?

Used by GPUs for parallel data processing, especially for rendering graphics

What is the advantage of a GPU over a CPU for certain tasks?

GPU handles many operations at once; CPU handles fewer at higher individual power

What kind of memory does a graphics card use?

GDDR or HBM; used to store textures, models, and visual data

What is the VRM on a motherboard?

Voltage Regulator Module – delivers clean power to the CPU and components

What does the motherboard chipset do?

Controls features like overclocking, PCIe lanes, and storage compatibility

What’s the difference between PCIe 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0?

Each version offers higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates

What are M.2 and SATA used for?

M.2 is used for NVMe SSDs; SATA is used for hard drives and SSDs with cables

How should RGB headers be matched?

5V and 12V headers should never be mixed—match by voltage type

What happens if one RAM stick fails in a multi-channel setup?

The PC can still run with the remaining stick(s), though performance may be reduced