MOTHERBOARDS
What is the main circuit board of a computer called?
Motherboard
The CPU is often referred to as the ______ of the computer.
Brain
What does SSD stand for?
Solid-State Drive
What does a power supply do?
Converts AC power to DC power for components
What does the e in PCIe stand for?
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
What is the purpose of the motherboard form factor?
Determines the size, layout, and case compatibility
What are the two major desktop CPU manufacturers?
Intel and AMD
What is the main difference between an SSD and HDD?
SSD has no moving parts; HDD uses spinning platters
What rating measures PSU efficiency?
80 PLUS certification
What expansion slot is most commonly used for graphics cards?
PCIe x16
What socket type do Intel CPUs typically use?
LGA (Land Grid Array)
What is cache memory used for?
Stores frequently accessed instructions close to the CPU for faster access
What connector type is used for most modern drives?
SATA
What voltages does a PSU typically output?
3.3V, 5V, and 12V
What component sits on top of the CPU to help dissipate heat?
Heat sink
What are the small slots on the motherboard used for RAM called?
DIMM slots
What does “multi-core” mean in a CPU?
Multiple processing units (cores) in a single CPU chip
What form of SSD connects directly to the motherboard without cables?
M.2
What tool is used to test PSU voltages?
Multimeter or PSU tester
What are three causes of overheating in a computer?
Dust buildup, broken fan, poor airflow
Name three internal connectors found on most motherboards.
SATA, CPU power, front-panel USB/audio
What type of memory is volatile and is cleared when power is off?
RAM (Random Access Memory)
What’s one common symptom of a failing hard drive?
Clicking noises, slow loading, or data corruption
What’s one sign of a failing PSU?
Random shutdowns, no power, burning smell
What direction should airflow generally move through a case?
Front/bottom → back/top