Chapter 10
Explain the Purpose of Common Internal Computer Components
What’s inside the box? Whether you use a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, what’s inside the box has a big impact on how fast your device is, how much it can store, and what it can do. In this chapter, you learn about IT Fundamentals+ Objective 2.3: Explain the purpose of common internal computing components. Component categories include the motherboard (system board), firmware (BIOS), CPU (processor), GPU (graphics processor), storage, cooling, and NIC (network adapter).
Foundation Topics
Motherboard/System Board
The motherboard (system board or mainboard) is the foundation of the computer. Motherboards connect the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input and output devices to each other with a combination of built-in ports, sockets, and cables. Motherboards are used in desktop workstations, servers, all-in-one desktops, and laptop computers. Figure 10-1 illustrates a typical desktop motherboard and its major features.
Note
Motherboards for desktop computers come in different form factors (combinations of dimensions and features). ATX is the most popular and largest, whereas microATX has fewer slots. Mini-ITX motherboards have only one slot.
SATA Ports
Some motherboards, such as the one in Figure 10-1, have front-facing Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) ports for use with mass storage devices (DVD drives, SATA hard drives, and SSD drives), while others have top-facing SATA ports. Some, such as the one shown in Figure 10-2, feature both types.
Port Cluster
Desktop motherboards have a port cluster that is visible at the rear of the system. External devices plug into these ports. Figure 10-3 illustrates the port cluster for the motherboard shown in Figure 10-1.
Note
Motherboards vary in size (form factors), number and types of card slots, number and types of memory (RAM) modules, the number and types of ports available from the rear of the system, and other features. Some motherboards also feature external SATA (eSATA) ports on their port clusters. For an example of eSATA ports, see Figure 9-6 on p.147.
Expansion Slots
Motherboards for desktop computers have at least one expansion slot, and most have three or more. Expansion slots are used to add cards that provide additional ports or replace low-performance ports with higher-performance ports. Figure 10-4 illustrates how typical slots can be used.
Laptop Motherboard
A laptop motherboard, while it provides the same functions as a desktop motherboard, is much different in appearance. Rather than the ports being clustered, they are attached to the edge of the laptop, and ribbon cables are used to connect the display, keyboard, and touchpad to the motherboard. The processor is cooled by a thermal module connected to a fan.
A typical laptop motherboard is shown in Figure 10-5.
Firmware/BIOS
What enables the different components on (and connected to) the motherboard to work? Software inside a chip. When you first turn on a computer, a special chip called the BIOS (firmware) connected to the motherboard runs programs that activate essential parts of the computer. Later in the startup process, the BIOS/firmware hands responsibility over to the operating system to finish the startup process.
The BIOS is responsible for locating the drive that has the operating system, setting processor and memory speeds, setting ports for drives and external connections, and much more. To change BIOS settings, the user presses a button during the power-on process and uses a menu similar to the ones shown in Figures 10-6 and 10-7 to change settings.
Note
The term Unified Extensible Firmware Initiative (UEFI) refers to an enhanced type of firmware used on almost all desktop and laptop computers starting in 2014. UEFI firmware can be navigated with a mouse or a keyboard, supports hard drives of 2.2TB and larger, and provides faster system startup as well as additional features.
The specific settings used by the BIOS are stored in a separate chip called a CMOS chip, whose contents are maintained by a small battery on the motherboard (see Figure 10-8).
RAM
Random access memory (RAM) is the temporary storage used by apps (programs) that are run by the CPU. RAM is also used as the temporary storage for data being used by apps. The contents of RAM vanish as soon as the system is turned off, so changed and new data must be saved to a permanent storage device such as a hard drive.
The amount of RAM used by an app varies according to whether the app is idle or is being used to view, create, or modify a file. The larger the memory in a device, the more programs that can be run at the same time and the larger the data files that can be stored in memory. When a system runs out of RAM, excess program code or data can be stored in temporary files on the system’s mass storage device (hard drive or SSD). Adding more RAM to a system that has upgradeable memory is a good way to improve system performance because RAM is much faster than storage devices.
To determine the amount of RAM installed in a system, you can use the BIOS setup program or use a reporting utility such as the System properties sheet (included in Windows), I-Nex (Linux), or System Information (included in macOS and in Windows). Figure 10-9 illustrates the System properties sheet for a computer with 16GB of RAM installed.
Desktop and some laptop computers use replaceable memory modules such as the ones shown in Figure 10-10, while tablets and smartphones use modules that are soldered to the mainboard or to the CPU.
CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for running the operating system and apps (programs). Using data connections built into the motherboard, the CPU communicates with storage, I/O devices, and the temporary workspace in RAM to access specific operating system tasks and app functions as well as to save and retrieve files. Figure 10-11 illustrates the relationship the CPU has with other devices connected to the motherboard.
The type, speed, and features of the CPU have the biggest impacts on a particular computer’s overall performance. The CPUs covered by the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam can be placed into the following categories:
ARM processors used by mobile phones, tablets, and by small single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi.
Processors that run Windows and macOS use one of the following processor types: 32-bit or 64-bit.
The following sections discuss all of these CPU types.
ARM
ARM refers to processors that use the architectural design pioneered by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM). RISC (reduced instruction set computer) is a processor architecture that uses instructions that perform simpler tasks than those performed by CISC (complex instruction set computer) CPUs, such as the 32-bit and 64-bit processors used to run Windows, macOS, and Linux.
ARM processors are manufactured by several vendors and are used in mobile phones (smartphones), tablets, and small single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi.
Mobile Phone
Smartphones that use the iOS and Android mobile operating systems use ARM processors, as do most versions of the BlackBerry smartphone.
Tablet
Tablets that use the iOS and Android mobile operating systems use ARM processors.
System on a Chip (SoC)
One of the reasons why motherboards for desktop and laptop computers are so much larger than ARM-based circuit boards is because an ARM processor actually includes many components that are separate devices on a PC motherboard. When a processor includes a GPU, Wi-Fi, modem, and other components, it is known as a “System on a Chip,” or SoC. SoC chips are extremely small, as illustrated in Figure 10-12, which shows a typical SoC on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer.
Here are the components included in a typical SoC, the Exynos 7885, which is used in some current Samsung tablets:
CPU: dual-core high-speed CPU and slower hexa-core CPU, for a total of eight 64-bit CPU cores
GPU: Mali G71 designed by ARM
Voice/data modem supporting LTE networks
802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM radios
GPS and other navigation features
eMMC flash memory
Support for high-resolution cameras (over 20MP)
Support for 4K video playback and recording
To learn more about this SoC, see http://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/exynos/products/mobileprocessor/exynos-7-series-7885/.
32-bit Processors
A 32-bit processor is a CPU that supports 16-bit and 32-bit operating systems. Intel-compatible 32-bit CPUs support operating systems such as MS-DOS, PC-DOS, and Microsoft Windows.
Note
A 32-bit Intel-compatible CPU is also referred to as an x86 because it can run the same software as the first 16-bit Intel processor, the Intel 8086.
The first 32-bit processor was the Intel Pentium released in March 1993. Other Intel processors that supported only x86 mode included the Pentium MMX, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, and early models of the Pentium 4 and Xeon. The last Intel processors to support only x86 mode were early versions of the Atom.
AMD also manufactured a wide range of 32-bit processors, including the AM386/486/5x86, AMD K5, K6 family, Athlon, Duron, and Sempron families (including some Mobile versions).
Laptop
Laptop versions of 32-bit processors were designed specifically to use less power than those made for desktops, workstations, and servers. They are generally not interchangeable with desktop processors, as they use different sockets and different cooling devices.
Workstation
Workstation processors are designed to support one or more CPUs on a motherboard and to be optimized for computer-aided design (CAD) rather than gaming, as with desktop processors. Workstation processors typically have larger memory caches than desktop processors.
Intel’s x86 workstation processors included early models of the Xeon, as well as the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition and Pentium 4 Extreme.
Server
Server processors are designed to perform heavy workloads, and often two or more processors are used on a single motherboard. Server processors typically have memory caches that are larger than workstation processors. Intel’s 32-bit server processors included early models of the Xeon.
Processors that support only 32-bit mode have been replaced by 64-bit processors that also run in 32-bit mode.
64-bit Processors
A 64-bit processor (an Intel x86 processor that also runs 64-bit software is known as an x64 or x86-64 processor) supports both 64-bit and 32-bit operating systems and apps. A 64-bit processor supports much larger amounts of RAM than a 32-bit processor and as a consequence can work with much larger amounts of data at the same time.
Most 64-bit processors also feature two or more processor cores. Each processor core runs like a separate processor. Consequently, a four-core processor provides performance similar to what four single-core processors with the same clock speed and other features would provide, but at a much lower cost and with only a single processor socket. This leaves room on the motherboard for more RAM, memory modules, and other features.
Figure 10-13 helps you visualize the difference between a typical 32-bit CPU accessing 4GB of RAM versus a four-core 64-bit CPU accessing 32GB of RAM. The actual amount of RAM a 64-bit CPU can access depends on the design of the motherboard and the operating system.
Starting with later models of the Pentium 4 in 2004, Intel switched from building 32-bit processors to building 64-bit processors, including Pentium D, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, and all versions of the current Core i series, including Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. Processors based on Core i but with fewer features, such as recent Celeron and Pentium processor models, are also 64-bit processors.
Figure 10-14 illustrates an Intel Core i5 processor and a motherboard using Socket 1151, the socket type used by this processor.
Note
To learn more about a specific Intel processor model’s features, go to the Product Specification website at https://ark.intel.com/, select the product type, and search for it.
AMD’s first desktop 64-bit processors were the Athlon 64 and Athlon 64FX (2003). Starting in 2006, its lower-cost Sempron processors also supported 64-bit operations. All subsequent processors, including the current Ryzen CPUs, have been 64-bit. Figure 10-15 illustrates an AMD A10-5800 APU (CPU with integrated GPU) being installed into Socket FM2.
Note
To learn more about a current AMD processor’s features, go to the Product Resource Center website at https://support.amd.com. For information about non-current AMD processors, see http://www.cpu-world.com/.
Laptop
Laptop (mobile) processors from Intel and AMD have also supported 64-bit operations for over a decade. Laptop processors typically have smaller memory caches, slower processor clock speeds, and other optimizations for running on battery power, and they fit into different sockets than their desktop counterparts. Laptops are more popular than desktop computers and there are a bewildering variety of laptop processors on the market.
Highest-performance laptops use the Intel Core i9 or Core i7 eighth-generation “Coffee Lake-H” processors. These have model numbers such as Core i7-8750H. (8xxx indicates eighth generation, 7xxx is seventh generation, and so on). H series chips (chips ending in H, HK, or HQ) are the fastest processors in the category. G series chips include AMD Radeon graphics, which are better for gaming than the normal Intel integrated graphics. U series chips have slower performance than H and G chips, whereas Y series have ultra-low power processors that don’t require cooling fans but are the slowest Core i-series chips in a processor family. The Pentium, Celeron, and Atom mobile chips are even slower. To learn about the specific features of an Intel CPU model, look it up at ark.intel.com
AMD laptops’ Ryzen 7 Mobile processors (Ryzen 7 Pro 2700U, Ryzen 7 2700U) rival the G and U series Core i7 and Core i5 eighth-generation processors. Ryzen 5 processors are comparable to slower Core i5 eighth-generation processors. Ryzen 3 processors are comparable to Core i3 eighth-generation processors.
Older A-series processors (A12, A10, others) are comparable in performance to older Core i5 and i3 processors.
Workstation
Most Intel Xeon and all AMD Opteron workstation processors support x64. Compared to 64-bit desktop processors, they are optimized for 3D rendering and CAD support. Systems used for workstations usually feature 16GB or more of RAM, high-end video cards (such as the AMD FirePro and NVIDIA Quadro products) made for accurate rendering, hard drives using Serial Attached SCSI (SASI) or SATA Express, and two or more 27-inch or larger displays.
Server
Most Intel Xeon and all AMD Opteron and EPYC server processors run 64-bit operating systems and apps. These processors are optimized for use in dual-processor or multiprocessor operations and for very high-speed networking. Gigabit or 10G LAN support, RAID array mass storage, and optimization for media streaming and file sharing are typical features.
GPU
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a component that renders display output. Currently, there are two places the GPU is located:
Many processors made for desktop computers as well as almost all processors made for laptops and other form factors include GPU functions.
For higher performance in gaming, 3D rendering, and CAD, cards with discrete GPUs are used in desktops and workstations and some gaming laptops.
If the GPU is built into the processor, the GPU typically uses a portion of system memory. If the GPU is built into a card, the card has its own memory.
Desktop computers that support CPUs with integrated GPUs have video outputs in their port cluster (refer to Figure 10-3). However, these computers can also use graphics cards similar to the one shown in Figure 10-16. Graphics cards are also used in computers that do not have integrated GPUs.
Storage
The operating system (OS), apps (programs), and most data are stored in an internal drive. Two types of drives are used for system storage in desktops, laptops, and similar computers today:
Hard drive
Solid-state drive (SSD)
Hard Drive
A hard drive (also known as a hard disk drive, or HDD) contains one or more spinning metal or glass platters that are coated with a magnetic substance. Read/write heads move across the platters to read, write, and rewrite data as needed.
Typical desktop hard drives are 3.5 inches wide, whereas laptop hard drives are 2.5 inches wide and are also shorter in height. Both types connect to the motherboard via SATA connections. Typical storage capacities range from 500GB to 4TB or larger.
SSD
A solid-state drive (SSD) uses one of various types of high-speed flash memory instead of magnetic media. As a consequence, it performs much faster than a spinning hard drive. However, an SSD’s cost per GB is much higher than a hard drive of comparable capacity. An SSD is typically 2.5 inches wide, but some made for very small laptops are available in a 1.8-inch-wide form factor. Some laptops and desktops also use an M.2 form factor SSD (refer to Figure 10-18).
Note
A third type of drive, an SSHD, combines a small amount of SSD storage with a spinning hard disk. It is less expensive than an SSD but provides faster performance than a spinning hard disk.
Most SSDs, like hard drives and SSHDs, connect to the motherboard with SATA interfaces. Figure 10-17 illustrates front and rear views of a DVD optical drive (5.25 inches wide), a 3.5-inch-wide desktop hard drive, a 2.5-inch laptop hard drive, and a 2.5-inch SSD.
Figure 10-18 illustrates an M.2 SSD being installed on a high-performance desktop motherboard. When any type of SSD is used, an internal or external hard drive can also be used to provide additional storage for apps and data.
Cooling
Although most (but not all) desktop computer power supplies have built-in fans, and almost all CPUs have active heat sinks (a fan combined with a finned cooler), most systems should have additional fans installed to adequately cool the motherboard and the components connected to it, such as memory, add-on cards, and drives.
Figure 10-19 illustrates a typical active heat sink on an Intel processor. Figure 10-20 illustrates a typical active heat sink on an AMD processor. The fan on an active heat sink usually draws its power from the motherboard and also sends RPM fan data to the system BIOS/firmware via a four-wire cable.
If a fan built into a power supply fails, the power supply should be replaced. High voltages retained inside the power supply even when power is disconnected can injure or kill anyone who attempts to replace a power supply fan. However, active heat sinks and case fans can be replaced if they fail.
Figure 10-21 illustrates adding a fan to the front of a desktop computer case.
Fans can also be connected to the power supply rather than to the motherboard if a motherboard fan connector is not available.
High-performance systems often use liquid cooling systems in place of conventional active heat sinks on CPUs, GPUs, and power circuits on motherboards. A pump moves the liquid from the water block over the component through the computer to a heat exchanger that cools the warm liquid before it is sent back to the water block (see Figure 10-22).
NIC
Almost every desktop and laptop computer manufactured in the last decade or more includes a network interface card (NIC) or built-in wired network port. Almost all laptops manufactured in the last decade also include a wireless network card that has antennas built into the frame of the display. Smartphones and tablets also include wireless networking. Wired and wireless Ethernet network adapters can connect to other networks and to the Internet.
Wired vs. Wireless
A wired Ethernet port, such as the ones shown in Figures 10-3 and 10-23, enables a computer to connect to any Ethernet network. No special configuration is required to connect to an Ethernet network: plug in the cable, and the system is recognized unless the network has been configured to accept connections from only specified devices.
The signal lights on the Ethernet port indicate port speed and connection activity. The amber light indicates that the maximum speed signal the port can use is present (Gigabit Ethernet on a Gigabit Ethernet adapter; Fast Ethernet on a Fast Ethernet adapter). This is a steady light. The green light, which indicates network activity, blinks on and off as the network adapter sends and receives data. The signal lights do not turn on if a working connection is not attached or if the computer is turned off.
Most recent systems with built-in Ethernet ports support Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps), which is also backward compatible with Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) and original Ethernet (10Mbps).
Unlike Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet (also known as Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi) requires the user to make some configuration settings on the client device:
Select the wireless network to connect to (any connection).
Provide credentials (if required, either when connecting to the network or on a web page that opens automatically).
Agree to conditions to use the network (common on public networks in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and so on).
Wireless Ethernet is generally slower than wired Ethernet, although the most recent implementation of Wi-Fi, 802.11ac, offers connection speeds that can exceed Gigabit Ethernet, as shown in Table 10-1.
Table 10-1 Wired Versus Wireless Ethernet Connection Speeds
Connection Type |
Standard |
Maximum Speed |
Wired |
Ethernet |
10Mbps |
Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
802.11b |
11Mbps* |
Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
802.11a |
54Mbps** |
Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
802.11g |
54Mbps* |
Wired |
Fast Ethernet |
100Mbps |
Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
802.11n |
150Mbps* 450Mbps** |
Wired |
Gigabit Ethernet |
1000Mbps |
Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
802.11ac |
1200Mbps** |
*2.4GHz frequency band
**5.0GHz frequency band (optional with 802.11n)
Note
Most wireless Ethernet networks use the unlicensed 2.4GHz frequency band. However, because of congestion, the latest standard, 802.11ac, uses the unlicensed 5.0GHz frequency band, which is also used by 802.11a and the optional version of 802.11n. 5GHz has many more channels than 2.4GHz and the channels don’t overlap with each other. 802.11ac hardware (routers, access points, and adapters) also support 2.4GHz networks such as standard 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b.
Wired Ethernet is preferred when a connection with a consistent speed and a secure connection with no user interaction is needed.
Wireless Ethernet is preferred when a connection is needed in areas where network cabling cannot be used and support for tablets and smartphones as well as computers is necessary.
Most recent systems with built-in wireless Ethernet also include Bluetooth for short-range data interchange with smartphones and tablets and connections to Bluetooth printers, mice, or keyboards.
Onboard vs. Add-on Card
Although almost all desktops and laptops have wired Ethernet ports, many vendors sell replacement NICs. A NIC can provide faster connection speeds than a built-in adapter, and if the onboard adapter is damaged, installing a NIC can enable a computer to continue to be used without a trip to the repair shop.
Installing a NIC in a desktop computer is typically a matter of disabling the onboard network adapter with the BIOS setup program, installing the desired NIC into an expansion slot, and installing the necessary drivers. Drivers are files that provide instructions to an operating system for how to use a connected hardware device. Drivers for network adapters are usually provided with an operating system or can be downloaded from the vendor’s website.
The easiest way to add a desktop computer to a wireless network is to connect a wireless USB adapter (see Figure 10-24). You can also add a wireless USB adapter to a laptop computer if its built-in wireless adapter becomes damaged or is no longer suitable (too slow or not secure enough).
To add support for Bluetooth printers, keyboards, or mice to a desktop or laptop computer that lacks built-in Bluetooth, connect a Bluetooth adapter to a USB port.
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Review the most important topics in this chapter, noted with the Key Topics icon in the outer margin of the page. Table 10-2 lists these key topics and the page number on which each is found.
Table 10-2 Key Topics for Chapter 10
Key Topic Element |
Description |
Page Number |
A typical full-size (ATX form factor) motherboard as viewed from overhead. This motherboard has front-mounted SATA ports for storage devices. |
||
A typical port cluster for a full-size motherboard has many different types of ports. |
||
Add-on cards and matching expansion slots. |
||
Paragraph |
Firmware/BIOS |
|
Most Recent Desktop and Laptop Motherboards Use a CR2032 Battery to Maintain BIOS Settings |
||
The Windows 10 System properties sheet for a computer with 16GB of RAM. |
||
Typical desktop and laptop memory modules. |
||
Paragraph |
CPU categories for CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ |
|
List |
Components included in a typical SoC |
|
Paragraph |
32-bit (x86) |
|
Paragraph |
64-bit (x64) |
|
A high-performance video card using two fans to cool its GPU and memory and a double-width bracket for cooling and for various video output ports. |
||
Paragraph |
SSD |
|
Desktop and laptop hard drives, SSDs, and optical drives for desktops all use the SATA interface. |
||
Paragraph |
Cooling |
|
List |
Wireless Ethernet configuration settings |
|
Wired versus Wireless Ethernet Connection Speeds |
||
Paragraph |
On-board vs. Add-on Card |
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Print a copy of Appendix A, “Memory Tables,” or at least the section from this chapter, and complete the tables and lists from memory. Appendix B, “Memory Tables Answer Key,” includes completed tables and lists to check your work.
Define Key Terms
Define the following key terms from this chapter and check your answers in the glossary:
graphics processing unit (GPU)
Practice Questions for Objective 2.3
1. Which of the following statements is correct about the motherboard (system board)?
The motherboard includes the power supply.
Storage devices are not connected to the motherboard.
Some motherboards include video outputs.
All motherboards include video outputs.
2. Which of the following statements is correct about the port cluster?
Port clusters always include the same ports.
Port clusters are used for internal storage devices.
Port clusters are the same on desktop and laptop computers.
Port clusters enable multiple USB devices to be connected to a computer.
3. Three of the following motherboard components work together during the startup and hardware-configuration process. Select the one that is not involved in this process.
USB port
BIOS/firmware
CMOS
Battery
4. Which of the following statements is correct about memory?
Desktop and laptop memory modules are interchangeable.
Smartphones have upgradeable memory.
Laptop memory modules are physically smaller than desktop modules.
You must open a system and examine the memory to determine how much memory is installed.
5. A System on a Chip (SoC) is not used by which of the following devices?
Laptop
Smartphone
Raspberry Pi
Tablet
6. If a power supply fan fails, which of the following is the best response to the problem?
Repair power supply.
Add case fan.
Disconnect power supply fan.
Replace power supply.
7. Select the fastest wireless network connection standard.
Gigabit Ethernet
802.11c
802.11g
802.11ac
8. You need to connect a computer to a network with Internet access in an exhibition hall. Your exhibit table is in the middle of the hall. Which of the following is the best way to make the connection?
Use Gigabit Ethernet.
Use Bluetooth.
Use Wi-Fi.
Use infrared.
9. You are responsible for selecting a computer that will perform 3D rendering. Which of the following configurations will provide the best performance?
32-bit CPU with 16GB of RAM
64-bit CPU with 16GB of RAM
64-bit SoC with 4GB of RAM
32-bit CPU with 4GB of RAM
10. A Gigabit Ethernet network adapter has a blinking green light and no amber light. Which of the following conditions is being indicated?
Network adapter has failed.
Gigabit Ethernet connection is present.
Gigabit Ethernet connection is not present.
Cable fault.
11. A client has asked you to install a liquid cooling system on a CPU. Which of the following is not part of the procedure?
Attaching the water block over the CPU
Removing the CPU’s active heat sink
Routing the cooling hoses through the system
Changing the boot order
12. Your client wants a drive that combines a spinning mechanism with a small amount of SSD storage for better speed. Which of the following do you need to install?
SST
SATA
SSHD
eSATA
13. You need to connect a laptop to an HDTV with built-in speakers using only one cable. Which of the following connectors will do the job?
DVI-D
HDMI
DVI-I
S/PDIF
14. Your client wants to get a laptop that uses an eighth-generation Intel processor that uses AMD Radeon graphics. Which of the following processor models should be considered?
Core i7-8709G
Core i7-8650U
Core i7-7660U
Core i5-6600K
15. You want to upgrade the graphics on a system with a discrete GPU. Which of the following describes the process?
Replace the CPU.
Remove the GPU from the card and replace it.
Replace the graphics card.
Replace the motherboard.
16. You want to use a computer with 4GB of RAM to perform video editing. The video-editing software requires 8GB of RAM. Which of the following would prevent this system from being upgraded to 8GB of RAM?
32-bit CPU
Small hard drive
Only one video card
Power supply too small
17. You have a laptop that stops working. If the CPU is bad, which of the following options might enable you to get back to work?
Install a spare desktop CPU.
Connect the laptop to a desktop computer and use it for extra storage.
Replace the CPU.
Replace the power supply.
18. The Wi-Fi radio in a smartphone has failed. Which of the following is a possible solution?
Connect a Wi-Fi adapter.
Connect an Ethernet adapter.
Replace the Wi-Fi chip.
Replace the device.
19. You are trying to determine if a Windows desktop computer has enough RAM to be used as a photo-editing workstation. Which of the following procedures would tell you how much RAM is installed?
Run I-Nex.
Use Device Manager.
Run System Information.
Check the instruction manual.
20. The BIOS chip is an example of ___________. (Fill in the blank.)
Firmware
Hardware
Software
CMOS
Your Next Steps
If you love to build, configure, and optimize computers for gaming, graphics, video, or 3D, consider getting a CompTIA A+ certification. However, if connecting computers and devices together is more your cup of tea, a CompTIA Network+ certification might be your next step.