Section 3: Notes

Chipset Collection of chips on the motherboard responsible for managing commutation between the processor, memory, expansion cards, & Peripherals

Northbridge Manages high-speed communications between the CPU and memory, included integrated video.

Front Side Bus (FSB) Connects the CPU to the memory

Southbridge Manages slower peripherals such as PS/2, Parallel ports and ATA

Bus is A collection of signal pathways used for communication within the computer

Serial Buses Communicate one bit of data at a time.

Serial Buses Communicate one bit of data at a time: examples include USB, FireWire and sata

Why Serial Surpassed Parallel: Serial Tech eventually surpassed parallel due to its increased speed, efficiency and features like hot plugging

Section 4: Notes

CPU (Central Processing Unit): is the "brain" of the computer, managing tasks and instructions. It tells other components what to do and when to do it.

• processes multiple tasks at once, making it like a super-fast calculator.

CPU Sockets: Sockets are flat with rows of holes or pins where the CPU connects to the motherboard.

• PGA (Pin Grid Array): The processor has pins that fit into holes in the socket.
• LGA (Land Grid Array): The socket has contacts that connect to the processor's flat contacts.
• More complex locking mechanisms are used.
• BGA (Ball Grid Array): Uses tiny soldered balls as contacts. Generally, the processor is permanently soldered onto the motherboard and is not replaceable.

RAM (Random Access Memory):

• RAM stores currently used data and instructions for the CPU, speeding up access to frequently used data.
• Types of RAM include DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4.
• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module): Used in desktops.
• SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM): A smaller form of RAM used in laptops.

Cache Memory: Cache is a small, fast memory between the CPU and RAM.

• Stores frequently accessed data, prefetching it for the CPU to improve performance.
• Cache memory cannot be removed or upgraded like RAM.

Section 5: Notes

Expansion Slots: Small plastic slots on the motherboard that allow users to install various devices, such as video, network, sound, and disk interface cards.

• These slots expand the capabilities of a computer by adding new hardware components.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): 32-bit slots, typically around 3 inches long.

• Operate at 33 MHz or 66 MHz, with data rates up to 133 Mbps.
• Handle both 3.3V and 5V adapters.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port):

• Designed for video cards, providing a direct connection between video circuitry and the computer’s memory.
• AGP slots are slightly shorter than PCI slots and are typically brown.

PCIe (PCI Express): The most common and fastest expansion slot in modern motherboards.

• Supports speeds ranging from x1 to x32 lanes.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 slots can reach speeds up to 31.5 Gbps, making them ideal for high-performance applications, such as gaming and advanced video editing

Section 6: Notes

Disk Controllers: Manage the connection between the computer's motherboard and the hard drive.

• Allow data to be stored and retrieved from the hard drive.

IDE (PATA) vs. SATA:

• IDE (PATA): Older standard known as Parallel ATA, uses large ribbon-like cables.
• SATA: A newer, faster standard known as Serial ATA, which uses smaller and more efficient cables, making the connection faster and more reliable.

Section 7: Notes

Firmware: Firmware is software embedded in hardware, often in a ROM chip, and it functions without additional instructions from the operating system.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):

• A type of firmware built into the motherboard, responsible for starting the system and running initial checks (POST)
• Tests system components such as CPU, memory, and storage and loads the operating system.
• SATA: A newer, faster standard known as Serial ATA, which uses smaller and more efficient cables, making the connection faster and more reliable.

POST (Power-On Self Test):

• Not a chip, but part of the BIOS firmware.
• Runs checks when the computer boots up to ensure that all hardware components are functioning properly.

BIOS Chip:

• The BIOS firmware is stored on a chip on the motherboard, provided by manufacturers like AMI, Phoenix, or Award.

Flashing the BIOS:

• When hardware is upgraded but not recognized by the BIOS, it might require a BIOS update through a process called "flashing the BIOS."

Section 7: Notes

CMOS: Stores important system settings (date, time, hard drive configuration, CPU settings) on the motherboard

• It requires constant power, which is provided by the CMOS battery, to retain settings when the computer is off.

CMOS vs. BIOS:

• A type of firmware built into the motherboard, responsible for starting the system and running initial checks (POST)

Back-Panel Connectors:

• Ports located at the back of the computer for peripherals such as power, video, audio, and networking devices.

Front-Panel Connectors:

• Ports on the front of the computer for convenient access to USB devices, audio jacks, and more.

Common front-panel connectors include:

• Power Button: Turns the computer on and off.
• Power Button: Turns the computer on and off.
• Reset Button: Restarts the computer without turning off the power.
• Drive Activity Lights: Show when the hard drive is active.
• Audio Ports: Connect headphones and microphones.
• USB Ports: For external devices like flash drives.

Section 7: Notes

Processor (CPU): Made of silicon chips containing millions of transistors.

• Major manufacturers include Intel and AMD.

PGA vs. LGA Sockets:

• PGA (Pin Grid Array): Pins are located on the processor and fit into holes on the motherboard

LGA (Land Grid Array)

• Pins are located on the motherboard, making the processor more robust and reducing the chance of damage to the processor.

Heat Management:

• Processors generate heat and need cooling systems, such as heat sinks and fans, to prevent overheating.
• A heat sink consists of metal fins that draw heat away from the processor.
• A fan blows air over the heat sink to cool it down.