Motherboard Basics
This component synchronizes all PC operations and is measured in MHz or GHz.
What is the system clock?
This modern high-speed expansion bus uses serial, point-to-point communication.
What is PCI Express (PCIe)?
This is the main type of volatile memory used for running programs.
What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?
This wrist-worn device protects components from electrostatic discharge.
What is an antistatic wrist strap?
This card type adds enhanced display capabilities (2d and 3d rendering) and connects via PCIe x16.
What is the Video Card (accepted- GPU)
These systems carry data between the CPU, memory, and devices on the motherboard. They are sometimes represented as roughly cube-shaped silver pieces against the edge of the motherboard.
What are bus interfaces?
Which version of PCIe offers up to 128 GB/s on an x16 slot?
What is PCIe 6.0?
Which form factor allows some SSDs to connect directly to the motherboard without cables?
What is M.2?
Standoffs are important because they prevent this dangerous occurrence.
What is ESD or Short Circuit?
This card allows users to stream or record video input from HDMI sources.
What is a capture card?
Name two major CPU manufacturers supported by most motherboards.
What are Intel and AMD?
This older expansion interface uses parallel communication (instead of point-to-point) and is now largely obsolete.
What is PCI?
What memory feature allows multiple RAM modules to be accessed simultaneously for performance boosts?
What is dual-channel or quad-channel memory?
How do you ensure power is fully drained from a system before maintainance?
What is the power button held for ten seconds after unplugging?
A typical front panel USB 3.x header has this many pins.
What is 20 pins? (2x10)
This motherboard feature adjusts timing to allow different bus speeds.
What are Clock Multipliers?
What does "up-plugging" a PCIe card mean?
What is installing a lower-lane card (like x4) into a larger slot (like x8 or x16)?
These slots, usually found near the CPU, hold system RAM modules. (_____ slots)
What are DIMM slots?
Why is it recommended to pre-install the CPU and RAM before installing the motherboard in the case?
What is easier access and reduced risk of damage?
These ports, or 'jacks', use a mini TRS connector for microphones and headphones.
3.5mm audio jack
The type and speed of RAM and CPUs a motherboard supports is determined by this soldered-on component.
What is the Chipset
This is the term for using an adapter card in a PCIe too small for it
Down-Plugging
This type of SSD connection provides power and data over a single interface and supports lengths like 80mm or 110mm (no cable)
What is the M.2 interface?
After unplugging the power, what should you press to help drain leftover charge?
What is the power button?
This legacy serial interface uses a 9-pin or 25-pin D-sub connector and is known as RS-232.
What is the serial port (RS-232 or DB9 connector)?