- On the Motherboard Overview
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Cache
- Clocking
- Threading Technology
- Connecting to the Processor
- Multi-Core Processors
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Virtualization
- Intel Processors
- CPU Sockets
- AMD Processors
- Processor Cooling
- Installing a Processor
- Upgrading Processors
- Overclocking Processors
- Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
- Troubleshooting Processor Issues
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Chipsets
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills-Active Listening
- Chapter Summary
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Exercises
- Activities
- Labs
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Activities
Internet Discovery
Objective:
To obtain specific information on the Internet regarding a computer or its associated parts
Parts:
A computer with Internet access
Procedure:
Locate documentation on the Internet for a GIGABYTE GA-Z170-HD3 motherboard in order to answer Questions 1–12. Continue your Internet search in order to answer Questions 13 and 14.
Questions:
Does the motherboard support an Intel or AMD processor? __________________________
Which chipset is used? _______________________________________________________
How many expansion slots are on the motherboard? ________________________________
Which form factor does this motherboard use? ____________________________________
Which processors can be used on this motherboard? ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Does the motherboard support having an integrated GPU in the CPU? How can you tell whether it does or not?
__________________________________________________________________________
Which type of CPU socket does the motherboard have? _____________________________
How many and of what type of PCIe slots does it have? _____________________________
Is there any other type of expansion slot on this motherboard? If so, what is it?
__________________________________________________________________________
Does this motherboard have an integrated USB 3.1 10 Gb/s port?
What is the maximum number and type of USB ports available on the rear of the motherboard?
__________________________________________________________________________
Write the URL where you found the motherboard information.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Find a vendor for a motherboard that uses the A55 chipset that can support PCIe 3.0. Document the motherboard model and vendor.
__________________________________________________________________________
Find an Internet site that describes the dimensions of the extended ATX motherboard form factor. List the dimensions and the website. ____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Soft Skills
Objective:
To enhance and fine-tune a future technician’s ability to listen, communicate in both written and oral form, and support people who use computers in a professional manner
Activities:
On a piece of paper or an index card, list three ways you can practice active listening at school. Share this information with your group. Consolidate ideas and present five of the best ideas to the class.
In a team environment, determine two situations in which team members have experienced a situation in which a support person (a PC support person, sales clerk, checkout clerk, person being asked directions, and so on) could have provided better service if he or she had been actively listening. Share your findings with the class.
In teams of two, have one person tell a story and the other person practice active listening skills. The person telling the story should critique the listener. The pair should then exchange roles.
Critical Thinking Skills
Objective:
To analyze and evaluate information and to apply learned information to new or different situations
Activities:
Find an advertisement for a computer in a local computer flyer, newspaper, magazine, or book or on the Internet. Determine all the information about the motherboard and ports that you can from the ad. Write down any information you do not understand. Research this information and share your findings with a classmate.
Your parents want to give you a new computer as a present. The one they are considering has a GPU integrated into the CPU. List at least one argument you might use for getting a different computer model.
Why do you think a motherboard has different buses that operate at different speeds?