• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

D. CD-ROM drive

5. What does a red “X” next to a device in the Device Manager indicate?

A. A compatible driver has been installed that may not provide all of the functions for the device.

B. The device is missing or Windows cannot recognize it.

C. The system resources have been assigned manually.

D. The device has been disabled because it is damaged or has a system resource conflict.

6. When installing an expansion card, which of these should you do?

A. Make sure the computer is plugged in to the AC wall outlet.

B. Hold the card only by its slot connectors.

C. Use firm but not excessive force to snap the card into the slot.

D. Avoid letting the metal flange touch the PC case.

7. How does the CPU communicate with a device?

A. It uses the device’s I/O addresses over the address bus.

B. It uses the device’s IRQ addresses over the data bus.

C. It uses the device’s COM port over the address bus.

D. It uses the device’s DMA over the data bus.

8. Which of the following does a device use to initiate communication with the CPU?

A. IO/MEM wire

B. Bus mastering

C. DMA

D. IRQ

9. Which variation of the PCI bus was specifically designed for laptops?

A. PCI-X

B. PCIe

C. Mini-PCI

D. AGP

10. Which of the following bus types uses serial rather than parallel communication?

A. AGP

B. PCI

C. PCIe

D. PCI-X

Answers

1. B. A separate expansion bus crystal enables the expansion bus to run at a different speed than the frontside bus.

2. D. The hexadecimal numbering system represents binary values using the characters zero through nine and A–F.

3. A. The Accelerated Graphics Port is a specialized PCI slot used for video cards.

4. B. On most modern PCs, only the floppy drive (if one is installed) still uses classic DMA.

5. B. The dreaded red “X” can mean a bad connection, a bad driver, or even a bad card.

6. C. After handling the card only by the edges and avoiding the slot connectors, you should snap it into an open slot on an unplugged system, pushing firmly and evenly until the metal flange is in contact with the slot on the case.

7. A. The CPU uses the device’s I/O addresses over the address bus to communicate with that device.

8. D. A device uses its IRQ to get the CPU’s attention and begin communication.

9. C. The Mini-PCI format conserves space and power, making it an ideal card type for use in laptops.

10. C. The PCI Express bus uses serial rather than parallel communication.

CHAPTER 9

Motherboards

In this chapter, you will learn how to

Identify the types of motherboards

Explain chipset varieties

Upgrade and install motherboards

Troubleshoot motherboard problems

The motherboard provides the foundation for the personal computer. Every piece of hardware, from the CPU to the lowliest expansion card, directly or indirectly plugs into the motherboard. The motherboard contains the wires—called traces—that make up the buses of the system. It holds the vast majority of the ports used by the peripherals, and it distributes the power from the power supply (Figure 9-1). Without the motherboard, you literally have no PC.

Historical/Conceptual

How Motherboards Work

Three variable and interrelated characteristics define modern motherboards: form factor, chipset, and components. The form factor determines the physical size of the motherboard as well as the general location of components and ports. The chipset defines the type of processor and RAM the motherboard requires and determines to a degree the built-in devices the motherboard supports, including the expansion slots. Finally, the built-in components determine the core functionality of the system.

Any good tech should be able to make a recommendation to a client about a particular motherboard simply by perusing the specs. Because the motherboard determines function, expansion, and stability for the whole PC, it’s essential that you know your motherboards!

Figure 9-1 Traces visible beneath the CPU socket on a motherboard

Form