Part 1 of 3 -Understand the hardware components of computer systems

The main circuit board, the motherboard provides the base to which a number of other hardware devices are connected.

Devices that connect to a motherboard include: The processor (CPU)

Permanent memory (Hard disk)

Temporary memory (RAM)

Expansion cards (Video, Network or sound).

The Motherboard have “Buses”, these are used for communication between devices controlled by the “Chipset”.

The bus is a set of parallel wires which data can flow.

The System bus is made up of a number of such communications channels that connect the processor and memory and input and out devices together.

Motherboards are designed for a specific make and small model range of processors.

Socket type defines processor support.

Motherboards can be reviewed by their: Expansion size

Form Factor AT, ATX, Micro ATX

Processor type and processor support

ISA (black /two part slots) (Obsolete)

PCI Short (3inches) usually white Pentium processor and higher. (Becoming obsolete)

AGP (accelerated graphics port) designed for direct connection between video and computer memory. (Becoming obsolete)

PCIe (PCI express) black, replacement for AGP and PCI.

The motherboard task can be found in the following location:

Motherboard Task

Programmable integrated circuit

Millions of transistors (RI video)

Silicon chip embedded on a ceramic plate

Size of an individual transistor measured in

nanometres (nm), currently 65 or 45 nm

Smaller sizes allow lower voltages, higher

speeds, less heat and more function, such as

on die cache and multiple CPUs.

CPU SPECIFICATIONS Processor Number

E8500

Manufacturer Intel

Cache Memory 6 MB

Type L2 Cache

64-bit Computing Yes

Bus Speed 1333 MHz

Clock Speed

3.16 GHz

Compatible Processor Socket

LGA775 Socket

Manufacturing Process

45 nm

Multi-Core Technology

Dual-Core

Thermal Design Power

65 W

Thermal Specification

72.4 °C

An internal component (a microprocessor) that carries out most of the data processing

The fastest component inside the PC

Intel or AMD?

Speed - Measured in Hz, typically GHz (billions of cycles)

Cores – Number of processors within the processor housing

Cache – Fast internal memory/buffer

32/64 bit Processing - floating point and address registers are 64 bits wide, handling 64 bit code in one pass.

The CPU task can be found in the following location:

CPU Task

Block of finned metal

Transfers heat from chips or components

Cooled by fans

Thermal pad to aid transfer of heat

Radial fans used on graphics cards.

Heat pipes also used in laptops or motherboards

Heat spreaders used on Memory modules

High end power systems use

water cooling

Transfers more heat

Requires more power

Identify whether the given motherboard supports an AMD or an Intel Processor.

Which socket type will the motherboard support (slot or ZIF).

What is the CPU socket number on the given motherboard? What processor does this socket support?

Identify the location of the north/south

bridge chipset. (assignment)

Is the motherboard an AT or ATX board?

Identify the BIOS/CMOS location?

Can you identify the CMOS battery location?

Converts AC power into DC power

PSU switch 115 or 230 V (UK)

Currently an ATX standard

ATX vs AT

Typical power 300 to 500 Watts

Gamers PC 450w to 1450 Watts

Standard dimensions - 150 mm width, 86 mm height, and typically 140 mm depth

Sample Specification

Antec Smart Power II 500W Modular PSU

ATX12V version 2.0 (P4 CONNECTOR)

4 SATA Connectors support Serial ATA optical drives

Flow-through dual 80mm fans (one intake and one exhaust)

PCI-E graphic connector

Increased MTBF: 80,000 hours

Size: 6.1"(L) x 5.9" (D) x 3.4" (H)

PSU video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjZn47ekUHg

Power supply selection

It is possible to grow out of your power supply and require more wattage.

Sometimes just as cost effective to purchase a case and Power supply included in the price.

Although, replacing the case is more work, transplant board and all components (complete transplant).

Modern ATX standard 20 pin connectors are not compatible with the older style P8/P9 connectors, although there are adapters that allow interconnection.

The latest 24 pin PCI express ATX power supply can be adapted to a motherboard with the 20 pin ATX connector.

24 pin example (shown beside)

PCIe additional power

The Power Supply Unit task can be found in the following location:

Power Supply task