Study Lab for Chapter 4

Use the "Key Terms and Definitions" section of the lab to review terms used in this chapter. Try the "Practice Test" to check your comprehension of the chapter. Tackle the "Lab Exercises" to apply your knowledge.

Key Terms and Definitions

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

A fast 32-bit slot used strictly for graphics cards. Available in four speeds: 1x through 8x.

Athlon

AMD processor with large L2 cache and fast FSB with clock speeds comparable to Pentium III. Early versions used Slot A, but later versions used Socket A (Socket 462).

Athlon XP

Improved version of Athlon with full-speed L2 cache, faster FSB, and faster internal design. Comparable in performance to most Pentium 4 chips. All versions use Socket A. Model names are based on comparison to nearest Pentium 4, not to actual clock speed. For example, Athlon XP 2600+ is similar in performance to Pentium 4 2.6GHz, but actual clock speed is around 2GHz.

ATX

The most common motherboard family; features two rows of ports along the rear and three sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Flex-ATX.

Baby-AT

Reduced- size version of the original IBM AT motherboard. Widely used before the late 1990s, but now obsolete.

cache

High-speed memory that holds a copy of information recently requested by the processor. The cache can be accessed faster than main memory if the same information is needed again.

Celeron

Low-cost version of Pentium II, Pentium III, or Pentium 4 (depending upon slot/socket used) with reduced FSB speed and L2 cache size. Early versions fit into Slot 1, with later versions using Socket 370. The latest versions fit into Socket 478.

clock multiplier

The value used to multiply the CPU frequency to determine the core clock speed.

core clock speed

The speed at which the processor runs internally. Also called CPU clock speed.

core voltage

Voltage level used by processor core. Set automatically by Pentium II and more recent processors.

CPU (central processing unit)

Computational " brains " of the computer.

CPU frequency

Clock speed at which CPU connects with motherboard. Also called bus speed or system bus speed.

Duron

Low-cost version of Athlon with smaller L2 cache and slower FSB. All versions use Socket A.

FC (Flip Chip)

A method of building processors that places the processor die on the top of the chip for better heat transfer. Used by most recent processors.

Flex-ATX

An ATX motherboard with no more than two slots, and typically has integrated video and audio. Designed for corporate offices.

Front-Side Bus speed

The effective speed at which the processor communicates with memory. A multiple of the CPU frequency on Athlon, Duron, Athlon XP, and Pentium 4 processors.

FSB (Front-Side Bus)

The effective speed at which the CPU connects with memory. Pentium 4 and AMD Athlonfamily processors have FSB speeds that are multiples of the CPU frequency.

heatsink

Device that fits on the processor or other chip to draw away heat. An active heatsink has a fan.

I/O shield

A dust cover that fits between the ports on an ATX-family motherboard and the rear of the case. It has cutouts for the ports on the motherboard and markings to help users determine where to connect components .

integrated port

Port built into motherboard, such as USB, ATA/IDE, IEEE-1394, and so on.

ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)

An obsolete 16-bit version of the original IBM PC slot. Variations include EISA (32-bit double-deck version of ISA) and VL-Bus (ISA slot plus a separate 32-bit connector).

L1 cache

Cache memory built into the processor core; processor checks L1 cache first. All Pentium-class and newer processors have L1 cache.

L2 cache

Cache memory outside the processor core; processor checks L2 cache after L1. Found on the motherboard of most Pentium-class systems. Slot-based processors have L2 cache inside the processor assembly, but socketed processors have on-die L2 cache, which runs at full CPU speed.

LPX

Low profile motherboard; a semi-proprietary design with a riser card. Widely used until the late 1990s for low-cost systems, but now obsolete.

Micro-ATX

An ATX motherboard with no more than four slots, and typically has integrated video and audio. Designed for low-cost home and office computers.

motherboard

Large circuit board that has sockets for memory, CPU (processor), chipset, BIOS, and expansion slots (if any).

mPGA (micro PGA)

A variation on PGA used on Socket 478 processors to put more pins in a smaller space.

NLX

A quick-change motherboard design intended to replace LPX. The motherboard plugs into a side-mounted riser. NLX-based systems have largely been replaced by Flex-ATX systems.

overclocking

Setting CPU or memory settings faster than normal. Can improve performance, but can reduce reliability and void system warranties.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

The mainstream 32-bit slot used in most PCs since the mid-1990s. 64-bit versions are used in servers.

Pentium

32-bit processor with integrated L1 cache (no L2 cache). Fits into Socket 4, 5, or 7. AMD K5, K6 series, and Cyrix 6x86/MII family are Pentium-class processors.

Pentium II

Enhanced version of Pentium Pro designed for PC and server use. Contains L2 cache inside the processor shell. Fits into Slot 1. Pentium II Xeon is made for workstations and servers, and fits into Slot 2.

Pentium III

Improved version of Pentium II, with faster FSB, L2 cache and clock speeds. Early versions fit into Slot 1, but later versions fit into Socket 370.

Pentium 4

Advanced-design processor with fast FSB, large L2 cache, and high clock speeds (1.4GHz to over 3GHz). Early versions fit into Socket 423, but current versions use Socket 478.

Pentium Pro

Server-optimized version of Pentium with integrated L2 cache. Fits into Socket 8.

PGA (Pin Grid Array)

A square or rectangular chip with pins on the bottom; the basis for all socketed processors from the Pentium to present models.

SECC (Single Edge Contact Cartridge)

The packaging method used by Pentium II processors (using Slot 1). SECC2 is an improved version with better cooling.

SEPP (Single Edge Processor Package)

A simplified version of SECC without a cover, used by early Celeron processors.

Slimline

A desktop case that is slimmer than a tower and stands on the long side of the case.

small form factor

A case factor similar to Slimline, but thinner, and sometimes convertible between vertical and horizontal placement.

Socket 4

Socket used by original Pentium processors (60 and 66MHz). 5V power.

Socket 5

Used by Pentium processors from 75133MHz. Uses 3.3V power.

Socket 7

Used by 75MHz and faster Pentium processors and AMD K5, K6, and Cyrix 6x86/MII series. Various voltages.

Socket 8

Used by Pentium Pro.

Socket 370

Used by socketed Pentium III and Celeron.

Socket 423

Used by early Pentium 4.

Socket 478

Used by current Pentium 4 and Celeron.

Socket A

Also called Socket 462, the socket used by all socketed Athlon processors, as well as Duron and Athlon XP.

SPGA (Staggered PGA)

A variation on PGA used on Socket 370 and Socket A processors to put more pins in the same space.

stand-off

A brass or plastic spacer used between the motherboard and the motherboard tray or case-mounting area.

system bus

Wire traces on and within the layers of the motherboard that carry data, power, control, and address signals between components.

system bus speed

See [CPU frequency]

tower

Case design in which the system stands on the short side of the case and the motherboard is mounted vertically.

underclocking

Setting CPU or memory settings slower than normal. Usually results from misconfigured motherboard or BIOS settings.

ZIF socket (Zero Insertion Force socket)

Processor socket that has a clamping mechanism for easy chip removal/installation.

Practice Test

1:	A system has been diagnosed with defective L2 cache. Which of the following do you need to determine before you can repair the system? (Choose one) Processor type Motherboard type FSB speed Case form factor
2:	The motherboard on an LPX system has failed. Which of the following procedures can be used to access the data? Replace the motherboard. Move the hard disk to another system. Boot from the emergency disk. No recovery possible; data lost.
3:	You need to install a network card in a system that has only one open slot, a combo PCI/ISA slot. Which of the following card types is the best upgrade? ISA EISA PCI AGP
4:	You need to replace a network card in a system with EISA slots. You are unable to locate a working EISA network card. Which of the following cards can be used in place of an EISA card? (Choose all that apply) PCI VL-BUS AGP ISA
5:	AGP cards differ from each other in which of the following ways? (Choose all that apply) Voltage Combo slot compatibility Connector Speed
6:	The number-one requirement for a new system you will be configuring is fast motherboard exchanges. Which of the following motherboard form factors is the best choice? ATX Baby-AT Flex-ATX NLX
7:	Your client has requested a processor upgrade from a Pentium II to a Pentium 4. Which of the following procedures must be performed as part of this upgrade? (Choose one) Install an adapter to convert Slot 1 to Socket 478. Install a Socket A motherboard. Install a Socket 478 motherboard and ATX12V-compatible power supply. Install a Socket 370 motherboard.
8:	Your client has requested a processor upgrade from an AMD Duron to an AMD Athlon XP. Which of the following benefits apply to this upgrade? (Choose all that apply) Replaces bulky Slot A design with Socket A Larger L2 cache Smaller L2 cache Faster FSB speed
9:	You are replacing a processor with an FSB of 533MHz with an FSB of 800MHz. Which of the following settings needs to be adjusted for the new processor to run at full speed? (Choose all that apply) CPU frequency Core clock speed L2 cache size Clock multiplier
10:	You are removing a processor to install a faster model. The heatsink used by the old processor supports the new processor. Which of the following steps is necessary to perform a successful upgrade? (Choose all that apply) Remove the thermal transfer material from the old processor. Remove the thermal transfer material from the heatsink. Apply the thermal transfer material to the new processor. Attach the heatsink to the new processor using existing thermal material.

Lab Exercises

Required equipment: motherboard or system reference manual with BIOS setup screens and hardware schematic diagram, working motherboard or system, ESD protection (wrist strap, antistatic mat), tools to open system, and Internet access

Motherboard Detective

Objective : Determine the motherboard type.

1. Take ESD precautions .

2. Examine the system rear panel. Can you identify the motherboard type?

3. Open the system.

4. Identify the motherboard type. What are the major reasons you can identify this motherboard as a particular type?

5. Compare the schematic diagram to the actual motherboard. Can you access all jumpers and cable connections?

Processor Detective

Objective : Determine the processor type and features.

1. Locate the processor. Can you identify the processor socket type? Can you identify the processor without removing the heatsink? Do not remove the heatsink.

2. Start the system.

3. Look for the system configuration information at startup.

4. Do you see the processor type and speed? If not, see if the BIOS offers an option to display this information (see Chapter 6, "BIOS and CMOS Configuration," for details).

5. Open the Windows Device Manager or run MSINFO32 to determine the processor type and model.

6. Go to the processor vendor's Web site and locate technical information on the processor.

Upgrade Detective

Objective : Determine the processor upgrades available for the system or motherboard.

1. Start the system.

2. Check the manual to determine the motherboard/system type.

3. Go to the vendor Web site and locate the processor compatibility list.

4. Identify the fastest processor available for your motherboard/system. Is a BIOS upgrade necessary?

Answers to Practice Test

A1:	Answer A (processor type) is correct. Although most processors have L2 cache built in, Pentium-class processors do not. Thus, you need to know the processor type to determine if the motherboard, removable cache memory, or the processor itself needs to be replaced.
A2:	Answer B (move the hard disk to another system) is correct. You can't upgrade the motherboard in an LPX system because LPX isn't a true standard. You can't boot a system unless the motherboard works.
A3:	Answer C (PCI) is the correct answer. ISA cards are much slower and most don't support Plug and Play. The others (EISA and AGP) don't fit into these slots.
A4:	Answer D (ISA) is correct. EISA is backward-compatible with ISA.
A5:	AGP cards differ in voltage (A), connector (C), and speed (D). You need to verify that a particular AGP card will fit into a given motherboard because of these differences.
A6:	Answer D is correct. NLX motherboards are designed for very fast exchanges.
A7:	Answer C (install the Socket 478 motherboard and ATX12V-compatible power supply) is correct. The other options don't work or don't exist (there is no Slot 1 Socket 478 adapter).
A8:	Answers B (larger L2 cache) and D (faster FSB speed) are correct.
A9:	Answers A (CPU frequency) and D (clock multiplier) are correct. The product of these (CPU frequency x clock multiplier) determines the CPU core clock speed.
A10:	Answers B (remove thermal transfer material from the heatsink) and C (apply thermal transfer material to the new processor) are correct. Never reuse thermal transfer material left on a heatsink.