Objectives

  • Explain cable types and connectors
  • Install and configure motherboards
  • Explain legacy cable types

Personal Computers

  • System Case

    • Different types: Tower vs All-in-One
    • Side panel: Allows access to internal components for upgrades and maintenance
    • Front panel ports and features

  • Rear Panel Features

    • Include power supply and fans
    • Motherboard I/O ports for connecting peripherals
    • Expansion card ports and blanking plates

Peripheral Devices

  • Discusses I/O ports and types of peripheral cables
  • Interfaces, ports, and connectors involved in binary data storage and transfer

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cables

  • Multipurpose External Bus

    • Used for data transfer and power charging
    • Differentiation between USB 2.x and USB 3.x
    • Data rates and maximum supported devices

  • USB Connector Types

    • Considerations for version compatibility and cable types

HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables

  • Video Requirements

    • Bandwidth considerations for resolution and refresh rates
    • Overview of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) versions and related cable considerations

  • DisplayPort

    • Capabilities including daisy chaining for multiple monitors

Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables

  • Thunderbolt

    • Understanding different versions and types of connectors
    • Distinction between active and passive cabling
    • USB compatibility aspects

  • Lightning Connector

    • Primarily used as an iOS device connector
    • Types of adapter cables available

SATA Hard Drive Cables

  • Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
    • Designated for data and power connections in drives
    • M.2 and eSATA interfaces

Review Activity: Cable Types and Connectors

  • Review of key areas including:
    • Personal Computers
    • Peripheral Devices
    • USB Cables
    • HDMI and DisplayPort Cables
    • Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables
    • SATA Hard Drive Cables

Installing and Configuring Motherboards

Motherboard Functions
  • Integral parts of a PC system architecture:
    • Binary Data and Instructions
    • Role of the CPU and cache
    • System Memory , Mass and Removable Storage
    • Importance of clock speed and frequency multipliers
Electrical Safety and ESD
  • Maintain electrical safety by disconnecting power
  • Protect against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
    -Recommended use of anti-static tools to guarantee chip protection
Motherboard CPU and System Memory Connectors
  • Types of connector sockets:
    • CPU Sockets: Understanding socket form factors
    • System Memory Slots: For RAM, DIMM slots organization.
Motherboard Storage Connectors
  • M.2, SATA connections and their importance
  • Overview of external SATA (eSATA)
  • MOLEx power connectors
Motherboard Adapter Connectors
  • PCI Express (PCIe): Lanes, link bandwidth and versions for compatibility
  • Legacy interface Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) basics
Motherboard Form Factors
  • Understanding physical dimensions affecting compatibility:
    • Types: ATX, micro-ATX, ITX, and Mini-ITX
    • Installation considerations including standoffs.
Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors
  • Function of headers for case component connections
  • Power connectors including P1 motherboard connector and fan connectors
Video Cards and Capture Cards
  • Role of video cards in generating video output
  • Key components includes the GPU, frame rate, and graphic memory
  • Overview of capture cards and their video input functionality
Sound Cards
  • Audio jacks for output (speakers) and input (microphones)
  • Surround sound support capabilities and external interface options
Network Interface Cards
  • Overview of onboard Ethernet networking vs dedicated NICs
  • Comparison of cable types (copper vs. fiber optic)
  • Features related to Wi-Fi adapters and port numbers

Review Activity: Motherboards

  • Review of the following topics:
    • Functions, electrical safety, CPU/system memory, storage, adapter connectors, form factors, headers/power connectors, video/sound/network cards

Legacy Cable Types

DVI and VGA Video Cables
  • Differences between Digital Visual Interface (DVI) and Analog VGA
  • Bandwith Limitations with VGA digital interface
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
  • Insight on parallel interfaces, SCSI versions, and connector considerations
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Interface
  • Channels overview, with specifics on EIDE and PATA devices
Serial Cables
  • In-depth look at RS-232 interfaces and low bandwidth capabilities
Adapter Cables
  • Different types of adapter cables explained:
    • Passive vs Active cables
    • Common examples: HDMI to VGA, USB configurations

Review Activity: Legacy Cable Types

  • Overview of key legacy types:
    • DVI, VGA, SCSI, IDE, Serial Cables, Adapter Cables