Chapter 2On the Motherboard

Chapter 2On the Motherboard

The Complete A+ Guideto PC Repair 5/e Update

• Define the purpose of the major components on a motherboard including the BIOS, clock, front side bus, and expansion slots.

• Recognize and identify the motherboard, CPU and expansion slots.

• Explain the basic operation of a processor and issues to consider when upgrading it.

• Identify methods to add functionality to portable devices.

• Compare and contrast motherboard expansion slots.

• Learn the benefits of active listening.

• Explain different motherboard technologies such as HyperTransport, HyperThreading and multi-core.

Chapter ObjectivesChapter Objectives

Microprocessor (or processor)

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Clones – IBM compatibles

PC (Personal Computer) Another name for a computer

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Processor OverviewProcessor Overview

Byte TableByte Table

Processor BasicsProcessor Basics

Gigahertz (GHz)Gigahertz (GHz)

Register Size Register Size

BusBus

The number of bits processed at one time by the processor. Counted in multiples of 8 bits, such as 8-, 16-, and 32-bit register size. Sometimes referred to as word size by the computer industry. Processors today have 64-bit or 128-bit register sizes.

Hertz is a measurement of cycles per second (or frequency). One hertz equals one cycle per second. One gigahertz (1GHz) is one billion cycles per second.

Electronic lines to move the 1s and 0s inside the computer.

Processor BasicsProcessor Basics

Internal Data Bus

External Data Bus

Processor BasicsProcessor Basics

Internal and External Data Buses.

Chip Set

Intel ProcessorsIntel Processors

AMD ProcessorsAMD Processors

Cache memory that is located

inside the processor.

Cache memory that is inside the

processor packaging but not part of the

CPU, also known as on-die cache.

Cache memory located in the CPU housing

or on the motherboard.

Cache - A fast type of memory designed to increase the speed of microprocessor operations.

CacheCache

L3 – High End Servers

CacheCache

ClockingClocking

ClockingClocking

Combines two CPUs on a single unit.

Dual-core CPU

Tri-core CPU

Quad-core CPU

Combines three processors in a single unit.

Two dual-core CPUs installed on the same motherboard or two dual-core CPUs installed in a single socket.

Another way to speed up operations is to have two or more processors.

Multi-core ProcessorsMulti-core Processors

Multi-core ProcessorsMulti-core Processors

Sockets and SlotsSockets and Slots

• has staggered holes so more pins can be inserted

• used by AMD

Sockets and SlotsSockets and Slots

Processor CoolingProcessor Cooling

Heat SinksHeat Sinks

Processor CoolingProcessor CoolingCorrect Air Flow

Processor CoolingProcessor CoolingIncorrect Air Flow

Installing ProcessorsInstalling Processors

Computer is off Computer is off and and

unplugged.unplugged.

Computer is off Computer is off and and

unplugged.unplugged.

Use antistatic Use antistatic wrist strap and wrist strap and

attach to a ground attach to a ground on computer.on computer.

Use antistatic Use antistatic wrist strap and wrist strap and

attach to a ground attach to a ground on computer.on computer.

Remove old Remove old processor by processor by

lifting ZIF socket lifting ZIF socket retaining lever.retaining lever.

Remove old Remove old processor by processor by

lifting ZIF socket lifting ZIF socket retaining lever.retaining lever.

Insert CPU into Insert CPU into socket (fits socket (fits

only one way).only one way).

Insert CPU into Insert CPU into socket (fits socket (fits

only one way).only one way).

Configure motherboard Configure motherboard by jumpers or BIOS by jumpers or BIOS

software configuration software configuration (refer to manual for (refer to manual for

exact steps).exact steps).

Configure motherboard Configure motherboard by jumpers or BIOS by jumpers or BIOS

software configuration software configuration (refer to manual for (refer to manual for

exact steps).exact steps).

Always hold the CPU Always hold the CPU by the edges to avoid by the edges to avoid bending or touching bending or touching the pins underneath. the pins underneath.

Installing ProcessorsInstalling Processors

This figure shows This figure shows an AMD CPU an AMD CPU

being installed. being installed. Notice how the ZIF Notice how the ZIF

socket lever is socket lever is raised.raised.

This figure shows This figure shows an AMD CPU an AMD CPU

being installed. being installed. Notice how the ZIF Notice how the ZIF

socket lever is socket lever is raised.raised.

In order to overclock, you must have the motherboard documentation to determine whether the system board

supports different CPU speeds and different multipliers.

OverclockingOverclocking

Is changing the front side bus speed and/or multiplier to

boost CPU and system speed.

Is changing the front side bus speed and/or multiplier to

boost CPU and system speed.

This can cause damage to the

CPU, motherboard,

or other components.

This can cause damage to the

CPU, motherboard,

or other components.

Overclocking ProcessorsOverclocking Processors

MMX, SSE and 3DNow!MMX, SSE and 3DNow!

Expansion SlotsExpansion Slots

ISA (Industry Standard ArchitectureISA (Industry Standard Architecture

• ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) – The oldest expansion slot, is configured in 8-Bit and 16-Bit slots.

PCI (Peripheral Component InterconnectPCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect

• PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) – The previously popular expansion slot. PCI comes in four varieties: 32-bit 33MHz, 32-bit 66MHz and 64-bit 33MHz.

• Another standard is the PCI-X (PC I Extended) which can operate at 66MHz, 133MHz, 266MHz, 533MHz and 1066MHz.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

AGP – Bus interface for AGP – Bus interface for graphics adapters graphics adapters developed developed

from the PCI bus.from the PCI bus.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

• Speeds up 3-D graphics,

3-D acceleration and full-

motion playback.

• The video subsystem is

isolated from the rest of the

computer.

• Allows the video adapter to

directly access RAM on the

motherboard when needed.

Newer technology

Full duplex

Serial interface

Assigns “lanes” for use by an adapter

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PCIe OverviewPCIe Overview

PCIePCIe

• Different Slot sizes that represent the maximum number of lanes assigned to the slot.

• x1• x4• x8• x16

• A PCIe adapter requires a minimum number of lanes

•An x4 PCIe adapter works in a PCIe x4, x8 or x16 expansion slot.

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect-ExpressPCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express

PCIePCIe

32-bit, 33MHz standard was developed to allow PCI upgrades and interface cards to be added to laptops, docking stations and printers.

Mini PCI

Mini PCIe

ExpressCard

Manufacturers are now starting to use 52-pin mini PCIe cards.

High-performance, hardware expansion standard for mobile computers.

Laptop ExpansionLaptop Expansion

Chipsets are the principle chips on the motherboard that work in conjunction with the processor and allow specific features.

Chipsets control…Chipsets control…

ChipsetsChipsets

ChipsetsChipsets

Types of MotherboardsTypes of Motherboards

Upgrading and Replacing MotherboardsUpgrading and Replacing Motherboards

• There are several issues to be taken into account when upgrading a motherboard

• Memory• Adapter types• Type of case• Processor• Chipsets• Hard drive • Power supply• Future upgrade-ability

Soft Skills—Active ListeningSoft Skills—Active ListeningActive listening is participating in a conversation where you focus on what the customer is saying—in other words, listening more than talking. For a technician, active listening has the following benefits:

•Allows you to gather data and symptoms quickly•Allows you to build customer rapport•Improves your understanding of the problem•Allows you to solve the problem quicker because you understand the problem better•Provides mutual understanding between you and your customer•Provides a means of having a positive, engaged conversation rather than having a negative,•confrontational encounter•Focuses on the customer rather than the technician•Provides an environment where the customer might be more forthcoming with information•related to the problem