ITSP132 Final

Sometimes an expansion board may have an extra PCIe power connector. This connector comes in what two different pin configurations?

6-pin Correct. Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 6-pin configurations are common. 8-pin Correct. Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 8-pin configurations are common.

Kiera is building a new computer and wants to make sure she has an adequate power supply for all the new components she is purchasing. She will be installing three HDDs, with each using 25 watts. The processor she is using will need 125 watts. The motherboard will use 80 watts. RAM will require 3 watts for each of the four DDR3 DIMM modules. Her video card will need 400 watts to run at the maximum level. She wants to keep the cost as low as possible for the power supply.Which power supply would you recommend?

900W power supply A 900 W power supply provides approximately 30% more power than the capacity Kiera's new computer will need, and thus is recommended for this configuration. This power supply will allow Kiera to add USB devices, without worrying about not having enough power.

At what point during the motherboard installation should you install the motherboard drivers?

After Windows successfully boots without errors Correct. You need to verify Windows will boot without errors and there are no conflicts reported.

What is the most likely result of a correctly installed processor, but an incorrectly installed cooler?

Boot process begins, but the system suddenly turns off after a short period Correct. If the system comes up and begins the boot process but suddenly turns off, most likely the processor is overheating because the cooler is not installed correctly.

You are reviewing new RAM to purchase for a gaming computer and find three different RAM modules that are the same except for their CL rating.The memory with which rating will work best?

CL15 Correct. The lower the CAS Latency (CL), the faster the data can be retrieved from the RAM. CL is important on a gaming computer. Any type of lag (time you wait for a response) could cause you to lose a game.

You are troubleshooting a computer system and want to review some of the motherboard configuration settings. Where is most of this data stored?

CMOS RAM

You bought a new computer with two case fans that constantly run a little loud. However, right out of the box, you notice the system is exhibiting intermittent problems. You go into the BIOS and observe the CPU temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Which of the following best describes the thought process you should employ in your troubleshooting efforts?

Consider troubleshooting issues and possibilities that are not necessarily related to cooling.

You are upgrading the RAM in a home computer you bought in 2018. The motherboard supports a quad channel memory configuration. What two types of memory will help maximize performance?

DDR3 Correct. DDR3 has dual, triple, and quad channel configuration capabilities. DDR4 Correct. DDR4 has both dual and quad channel configuration capabilities.

Alexa is asked to upgrade the memory on a desktop computer. Which component will she replace?

DIMM

Which of the following two statements are true regarding DRAM?

DIMM is a type of DRAM used in modern motherboards Correct. DIMM is the type of DRAM used in modern motherboards. SO-DIMM is a type of DRAM used in modern laptop motherboards Correct. SO-DIMM is the type of DRAM used in modern laptop motherboards.

Documentation on the memory modules in a computer says that each row is refreshed frequently, specifically, every 64ms. What type of memory is installed?

DRAM Correct. DRAM, or dynamic RAM, is the most common type of RAM and loses its data rapidly, so the memory controller must refresh it several thousand times a second.

You are researching RAM for a computer you are building for a friend who will be using the system as a home office server for a small business. She wants the added protection so the computer will not crash due to a memory error. What type of RAM should you consider purchasing?

ECC Correct. ECC compares bits written to the module to what is later read from the module and detects and corrects errors in a single bit but only detects errors within 2 bits.

A help desk technician is reading the manual for the motherboard in a server to ensure the right type of memory is installed during an upgrade. The documentation says it provides additional reliability because it is capable of correcting single bit errors. What technology do the memory modules use?

ECC Correct. ECC, or error-correcting code, is an error checking technology used in DIMMs for servers to ensure extreme reliability by detecting and correcting single bit errors.

Henry is having a problem with the electrical system on his current laptop. The battery for the laptop will not charge. Henry took the AC adapter and battery from another laptop that is known to work, and put them in his current laptop, but still the battery will not charge.What possible actions can Henry take to make his laptop usable? (Select all that apply.)

Henry can replace the laptop system board. Correct. The system board is not allowing the battery to charge and may need to be replaced. This is not a frequent problem but is a feasible one in the scenario. The system board controls when the battery charges, and that might be causing the problem. Also, the pins on the charging port may be broken and thus need to be replaced. Henry can purchase a new laptop. Correct. This option would fix the problem by eliminating it. This is not a real solution as Henry is not repairing the laptop itself, However, in the end this might be the only way to fix the problem. Henry can use the laptop only when it's connected to the power using the AC adapter. Correct. This option is not ideal for Henry because he would need to plug the laptop into a power outlet at every location he used it; however, doing so would allow him to use his laptop.

A company needs to upgrade their servers and workstations to support the latest 64-bit applications and deliver better performance. Which two processors will satisfy the company's requirements?

Itanium Correct. The Itanium processor is a 64-bit processor designed for use in servers and workstations. Xeon Correct. The Xeon processor is a 64-bit processor designed for use in servers and workstations. It requires a 64-bit operating system and can handle 32-bit applications by simulating 32-bit processing.

Which of the following method is not typically used to keep a computer system cool?

Keeping the case open Correct. Keeping the case open is not a recommend long-term cooling solution. A closed case with fans placed in the proper location improves airflow to draw heat away from the system.

What type of processor memory is located on the processor chip (processor die)?

Level 1 cache Correct. Level 1 cache, or L1 cache, is the memory on the processor chip (called a die).

Your company sells hundreds of large storage disk arrays every year that can be configured locally using a dedicated laptop. You travel between many customer sites providing maintenance and support to these laptops. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary FRUs as you travel from site to site. At the very least, what type of FRUs will you keep on-hand?

Memory modules, hard drives, keyboards, and wireless card Correct. FRUs are field replaceable units. These are internal devices that can be replaced in the field with relative ease if they become defective.

Thomas came into work this morning and turned on his computer but nothing happened. He immediately called the help desk, and you were sent to fix his computer. While talking with Thomas about his computer, you find out that when he turns on the computer, he has lights and fans, but nothing else happens. He also tells you that the four memory modules were recently upgraded. Besides the memory, nothing else has been added or changed. You decide to try to re-create the problem, and when you turn on the computer, there are lights and fans, but no beeps and no video. You notice that the keyboard light does not come on.What can you determine about the problem with Thomas's computer? (Select all that apply.)

Motherboard has failed. Correct. A scenario in which the computer is not running POST could indicate that the motherboard has gone bad. Failure of the motherboard will be indicated by no beep code, no video, and no Num Lock light on the keyboard. Processor has gone bad or is not seated properly. Correct. The computer needs a processor to run POST. If the processor can't execute the instructions to run POST, then lights and fans will run, but there will be no video or POST error beep codes.

A processor housing that contains more than one processor is referred to as what term?

Multicore processor Correct. Multicore processors contain more than one processor in the processor housing.

The original P1 connector had 20 pins, why did the development of PCIe induce the adoption of a 24-pin P1 connector?

PCIe slots are faster than the previous generation and requires more power Correct. PCI Express (PCIe) slots are faster than PCI and require additional power. The 24-pin or 20+4-pin P1 connector provide +12 volts, +5 volts, and +3.3 volts of output.

What is the second step in opening the case of a working computer?

Power down the system and unplug it Correct. After backing up important data, you should power down the system and unplug it.

What is the set of rules and standards that any two entities use for communication?

Protocol Correct. Protocol is the set of rules and standards that any two entities use for communication.

A network technician is on a service call at a remote residential location. He forgot to take some Ethernet cables and needs to make one.What type of connector will he need on both ends of the cable?

RJ-45 Correct. A RJ-45 connector connects a network cable to a network port.

A student uses a flash drive to store assignments/homework. The student plugs in the flash drive, reboots the computer, and it displays a message indicating the operating system is not found. What are two possible ways of fixing the problem relatively quickly?

Remove the USB flash drive and reboot the computer Correct. If the boot sequence in the BIOS/UEFI lists a USB device as first, it will try to boot from the USB flash drive first. Removing the USB flash drive will allow the boot sequence to advance to the next device which may be the hard drive containing the operating system. Change the boot sequence via the BIOS/UEFI screen Correct. Changing the boot sequence to boot from the hard drive first will bypass the USB flash drive and allow the system to boot successfully.

Jenny is working on a laptop computer and notices that the computer is not running very fast. She looks and realizes that the laptop supports 8GB of RAM and that the computer is running only 4GB of RAM. Jenny would like to add four more gigabits of RAM. She opens the computer and finds that there is an open slot for RAM. She checks the other module and determines that the module has 204 pins.What module should Jenny order?

SO-DIMM DDR3 Correct. SO-DIMM DDR3 has 204 pins. The amount of data transferred using DDR 3 per second can range from 8.5GB to 14.9GB, depending on the speed of the FSB (front-side bus).

What must your motherboard have to use BitLocker Encryption in Windows 8/10/11 which will ensure that your hard drive cannot be used in another computer?

TPM chip Correct. TPM, or Trusted Platform Module chip, is required to use BitLocker to encrypt the hard drive to prevent usage on another computer.

Which two statements are true about 4-pin 12 V, 8-pin 12 V, 6-pin PCIe, and 8-pin PCIe connectors?

The 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors provide auxiliary power to video cards. The 4-pin 12 V and 8-pin 12 V connectors provide auxiliary power to the CPU. Correct. The 4-pin 12 V and 8-pin 12 V connectors are auxiliary system board connectors used to provide an extra 12 V of output to the processor.

What has occurred if you see the message, "Chassis Intruded! System has halted." the next time you start your computer?

The case has been opened Correct. The intrusion detection alert feature in the BIOS/UEFI was triggered by opening the locked case.

When selecting a processor to match system needs, what features should you NOT consider?

The latest and most powerful processor available because the performance benefit will far outweigh the cost Correct. This should not be indiscriminately considered Sometimes you will need to balance power with cost. The latest and most powerful processors will generally cost more.

You are able to successfully install new DIMMs with a data path that have 72 bits in a server using a 64-bit processor. Which of the following is true regarding this scenario?

The system will run as expected with no problems at all

You replace an internal drive that is only used to backup data on a computer. Before you install the case cover, you power on the computer and observe the disk drive lights are not blinking. You suspect it may not be receiving power, but cannot find the power supply tester. How can you quickly verify whether power is being supplied to the disk drive?

Use a multimeter Correct. You can use a multimeter to verify the appropriate voltage level is detected on the connector used to supply power to the drive.

The security team in a mid-sized company wants to test drive encryption using an HSM. What are three possible ways of accomplishing this?

Using an expansion card Correct. A hardware security module (HSM) can be installed as an expansion card to implement drive encryption. This is a viable option when a TPM chip is not available. Using an external USB device Correct. A small external USB device could be used as a hardware security module (HSM) to implement drive encryption on one system. This is a viable option when a TPM chip is not available. Using a network appliance Correct. Hardware security module (HSM) services could be delivered over the network to provide cryptographic functionality including drive encryption.

Your manager wants you to build a custom computer for a dedicated application. Which of the following is NOT a factor that needs to be considered?

What operating system will be installed? Correct. The type of operating system is not a consideration when selecting a motherboard for conventional use such as deploying it for a dedicated application.

When is it okay to touch the inside of a computer that is turned on?

When using a multimeter to measure voltage output Correct. Using a multimeter to measure voltage output is the only exception to touching the inside of a computer that is turned on. Even then, you should be very careful to avoid shock.

Which statement best describe when you would need to use a Thunderbolt 3 port as opposed to a DisplayPort or an HDMI port?

When you need to transmit video, audio, data, and power on the same port and cable Correct. Thunderbolt 3 can transmit video, audio, data and power on the same port and cable. It can support up to six peripheral devices simultaneously.

What is the very first step that should be taken when performing work with a computer?

You should back up any important data. Correct. Always back up important data before working with a computer. If you have a problem, you may not be able to recover the data.

When handling a motherboard, cards, or drive, which statement is NOT accurate?

You should not hold expansion cards by the edges. Correct. Holding expansion cards by the edges is the correct method of handling.

A company is researching motherboards for a small / compact low-end system they are designing to be used in a home theater system. Which motherboard form factor is the company most likely to use?

mITX

When you build a computer from parts, you usually start by deciding on which two components?

processor Correct. The processor is one of the first decisions that must be made when building a computer from parts. motherboard Correct. The motherboard is one of the first decisions that must be made when building a computer from parts.

What two different power-on passwords can be set to lock down a computer from unauthorized access?

supervisor password Correct. Setting the supervisor password in the BIOS/UEFI can help prevent unauthorized access. user password Correct. Setting the user password in the BIOS/UEFI can help prevent unauthorized access.

Malai has a desktop computer at home that among other apps, is also running an older 32-bit video game. What type of processor does the computer most likely have?

x86-64 Correct. x86-64 processors are hybrid processors. When a 64-bit operating system is installed, the system is capable of running both, 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

What is the maximum throughput speed of PCI Express Version 6.0 using 16 lanes?

126 GB/sec Correct. PCI Express Version 6.0 has a throughput speed of up to 126 GB/sec.

A field service technician is replacing a server motherboard that supports CPUs with multithreading capabilities. The technician notices the motherboard has four processor sockets. If each socket supports a quad-core processor, how many logical processors does the system appear to have?

32 Correct. The system can accommodate four processors. Each processor has four cores. Each core, using multithreading, can handle two threads so each CPU appears to have eight logical processors. Thus, the total number of logical processors is 32 (4 CPUs x 4 Cores per CPU x 2 threads per core).

A desktop computer with a hybrid processor has four memory slots. However, it only has two DIMMs installed; the size of each DIMM is 4 GB. How large is the data path of each DIMM?

64-bit

Gwen recently purchased a new video card, and after she installed it, she realized she did not have the correct connections and was not able to power the video card.What connector(s) should Gwen look for when purchasing a new power supply? (Select all that apply.)

8-pin PCI-E connector Correct. The 8-pin PCI-E connector is for a graphics card. 6-pin PCI-E connector Correct. The 6-pin PCI-E connector is for a graphics card.

Orlando's company is upgrading their networking equipment and gave him an older enterprise grade router. He wants to configure it using an old computer he found in his garage. What type of serial cable will most likely fit his old computer?

A cable that will plug into the DB9 port Correct. 9-pin ports are called DB9 or serial ports. Serial ports have been largely replaced by USB ports, but can still be found on routers and other hardware. Most older desktop computers and many older laptops have/had a DB9 serial port.

For maximum efficiency and performance, a highly tuned and specialized application needs to run on a system capable of handling exactly 16 threads at the same time from the operating system. Which two of the following will best meet the specified requirement?

A motherboard with four dual-core processors Correct. The number of threads is determined by multiplying the number of CPUs times the number of cores times 2 (each core can handle two threads). 4 CPUs x 2 cores x 2 threads = 16. A system board with two quad-core processors

Oliver is replacing a processor that fits into an LGA1700 socket. The motherboard into which the processor is being installed must be compatible with what generation of processor and chipset?

Alder Lake Correct. Alder Lake is part of the 600 Series Chipsets (12th generation); the processor uses an LGA1700 socket.

Which statement is NOT true regarding Alder Lake chipsets?

Alder Lake processors can have up to 8 cores. Correct. The Alder Lake chipset/processors series can have up to 10 cores instead of 8.

PCIe slots have designations that represent the number of lanes used to carry data. Which of the following is a valid designation?

All of these choices Correct. PCIe (PCIe Express) card slots are commonly configured as x1, x4, x8, and x16 representing the number of lanes used for input/output. Some slots may be configured to run differently.

Yesterday you installed a new game on your computer. When you ran the computer, you noticed that the application was running very slow. After you exited the game and restarted it (the game), you received an error message saying, "Insufficient memory or disk space." You checked the hard drive, and it has more than 250GB of free space.What should you check next in Task Manager?

Amount of RAM available. Correct. Check the percentage of RAM being used by the game and other applications. If the percentage is too high because of another application, you can close that application and run the game.

What two different types of firmware may be used on motherboards?

BIOS Correct. Basic Input/Output System or BIOS is the older firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings. UEFI Correct. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI is the newer firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings.

You install a virtual machine app such as VMware or Virtual Box. However, when you try to create a virtual machine, they system issues a message implying that virtualization is not supported. How/where could you potentially fix the problem?

BIOS/UEFI Correct. Most computers require that virtualization be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.

What three characteristics are true about SRAM and DRAM?

Both are considered volatile because they only hold data while power is on Correct. Once power is removed from SRAM and DRAM the information stored is lost. SRAM is faster than DRAM because it does not need to be refreshed Correct. SRAM does not need additional clock cycles to refresh the data. DRAM, or dynamic RAM, is the most common type of RAM and loses its data rapidly, so the memory controller must refresh it several thousand times a second. The type of memory used in a memory cache is SRAM because it is faster Correct. The type of memory used in cache memory is SRAM; it is faster than DRAM.

Maria has a laptop with a motherboard that is beyond repair. She comes to your computer repair shop and requests that you replace the motherboard. What are two of the most likely responses you will give her?

Buy a new laptop because replacing it will be more cost-effective than repairing it Your shop has made a conscious decision not to replace motherboards on laptops.

You are troubleshooting a laptop with multiple sticking keys that result in misspelled words while the user types. Other than several sticking keys, the laptop appears to be functioning properly. You have cleaned the keyboard with compressed air, but the problem persists. After removing one of the key tops, it becomes apparent that a liquid was spilled into the keyboard.Which of the following is the next step in resolving the issue of sticking keys?

Clean the keyboard keys with a contact cleaner. Correct. Contact cleaner can be used to clean a keyboard in which liquid has been spilled. Contact cleaners readily evaporate without leaving any residue. If the keys continue to stick, you will need to replace the keyboard.

Ana buys a computer from a surplus sale event at a local university. When she boots it up, it asks for a password even before the operating system loads. How can she overcome this problem?

Configure jumpers to clear the BIOS/UEFI settings. Correct. If a power-on user password and/or a supervisor password is configured, they can be cleared by setting a jumper on the motherboard to clear any customized BIOS/UEFI settings.

An organization wants to increase the amount of RAM on their computers. All the computers have four memory slots but only two slots in each computer are populated. They want to add one more memory module to the older computers, and two additional modules to the newer computers. The older computers have three blue slots and one black slot. Which memory type will maximize the number of DIMMS the memory controller can access at the same time in both, the older and newer computers?

DDR3 Correct. DDR3 DIMMs can use quad, triple, or dual channels. Installing two additional DDR memory modules in the newer systems will allow it to operate in quad channel mode. Since the older computers have three blue slots, add the third memory module in the blue slot, and leave the black slot unpopulated. This allows the DDR3 DIMMS to use triple channels.

Brandon purchased a new processor online for an upgrade. When he purchased the processor, he made sure that it used the same socket his computer's motherboard used. But he did not check to see whether the motherboard chipset was compatible. What will happen if you install a processor on a motherboard that can fit the socket but is the wrong chipset?

Damage to both the processor and the motherboard. Correct. Installing a processor that fits the socket of a motherboard but is not compatible with the motherboard's chipset can damage both the processor and the chipset. You need to make sure the processor is compatible with the chipset before installing and testing the processor.

What type(s) of port transmits both digital audio and digital video with a single connector? Select all that apply.

DisplayPort Correct. DisplayPort transmits both digital video and audio, but not analog transmissions. DisplayPorts are slowly replacing older ports, such as VGA and DVI ports. HDMI Correct. HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface ports transmit digital video and audio, but not analog transmissions. HDMI connections are commonly found in home theater equipment and as ports on both laptop and desktop computers.

A technician needs to service a laptop computer that is experiencing an intermittent problem with the display.Which of the following will be most effective at helping the technician complete the work in a timely and efficient manner? (Select two.)

Document and label the location of the screws and cables before removing them. Correct. While most desktop computers contain only one or two types of screws, a laptop may have a variety of screws and washers in various sizes and lengths. It is imperative that a technician document and label screws and cables before removing them. Inserting a screw that is too long may penetrate a cable or circuit board and cause damage. Inserting a screw that is the wrong size can also strip the threads, causing the correct-sized screw not to tighten properly. Documenting and labeling locations will assist in reassembling the unit. Organize and place all parts and screws and in one place. Correct. After documenting and labeling the location of the parts and screws, the technician needs to organize them and keep them in one place. Doing so will assist in reassembling the unit.

Which of the following two settings can be configured via the BIOS/UEFI setup screen?

Enable Virtualization Correct. Enabling virtualization allows a physical computer to implement one or more virtual computers, called virtual machines (VMs), in software. VMs can be created so that each one runs a different operating system. You are essentially running one or more computers inside a computer. Change the boot sequence Correct. Boot sequence can be changed in the BIOS/UEFI screen.

Kai needs to compile information on the motherboard brand and model for a few computers running important applications. He does not have the motherboard manuals. How can he obtain the information with relative ease?

Enter the msinfo32.exe command in Windows Correct.   Entering the msinfo32.exe command in Windows will display the desired information.

Under which three of the following conditions would you be inclined to flash (update) the BIOS/UEFI?

Errors are displayed when you are trying to install a new OS Correct. Errors displayed when trying to install a new OS is an indication you may need to flash the BIOS/UEFI. You want to incorporate new features on the motherboard When you want to upgrade the central processing unit Correct. Before you upgrade the processor you may need to update/flash the BIOS/UEFI.

You need to fix a system that sometimes hangs during the boot process. In addition, it also hangs at random times after booting successfully. What could be a possible remedy?

Flash the BIOS/UEFI Correct. Flashing the BIOS/UEFI or updating the firmware may resolve system hangs.

Which statements are true regarding motherboards? (Select two)

Has a CPU socket Correct. Motherboards have CPU sockets. CPU sockets hold the processor or CPU. Has slots for DIMMs Correct. Motherboards have DIMMs. DIMM or dual inline memory module slots hold the temporary memory or RAM.

A user called to inform you that the laptop she purchased yesterday is malfunctioning and will not connect to her wireless network. You personally checked to verify that the wireless worked properly before the user left your office. The user states she rebooted the computer several times but the problem still persists.Which of the following is the first step you should take to assist the user in resolving this issue?

Have the user press the appropriate function key combination to enable the wireless radio and then attempt to connect to the wireless network. Correct. Modern laptop computers provide an easy method of toggling the Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular radios on and off by means of the keyboard function keys. For example, to toggle the Wi-Fi radio on/off, the user may be required to depress and hold the Fn key and then press F5.

You are installing a 1.5 TB hard drive in a computer. What two methods could you use to partition the hard drive?

Master Boot Record (MBR) Correct. MBR is an older method of partitioning hard drives that allows four primary partitions and is limited to 2 TB drives. GUID Partition Table (GPT) Correct. GPT is a newer method of partitioning hard drives that will allow up to 128 partitions on the hard drive. It must be used on drives larger than 2 TB but also supports drives smaller than 2 TB.

What connector has 4 pins, is used for older IDE drives and some SATA drives, and can provide +5 V and +12 V power outputs?

Molex connector Correct. The Molex connector is a 4-pin connector used for older IDE drives, some newer SATA drives, and extra power to video cards. It can provide +5 V and +12 V power.

What two devices in a computer should be considered "black boxes," and should never be opened due to risks involving charged capacitors?

Monitor Correct. A monitor may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box." Power supply Correct. The power supply may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box."

What is the general name of the processor feature that AMD calls HyperTransport?

Multithreading Correct. Multithreaded processors have extra registers, or holding areas, to store multiple threads for processing. Intel calls this technology Hyper-Threading and AMD calls it HyperTransport.

A customer takes a computer to a repair shop because the system did not boot successfully after adding a memory module to help increase performance. What is likely to be the problem?

One memory stick in unbuffered, the other is registered Correct. Mixing unbuffered with registered memory will not work.

You have an eight-year-old computer with all the original components still in place. The power supply fan seems to be going bad, so you start troubleshooting. You replace the power supply, but the fan continues to have the same problem. You then disconnect all the other components except the motherboard. Only under this condition does the fan works as expected.Which of the following is most likely to be true?

One of the other components was causing a short and drawing too much power. Correct. Since the fan works without a problem when only the motherboard is connected to power, the problem is likely caused by one of the other components inducing a short when connected. To resolve, connect one component at a time until the faulty device is identified.

You are helping a friend build a computer with a modern motherboard that is compatible with the ATX form factor. What type of power supply should you use?

One with a 24-pin power connector Correct. The 24-pin P1 connector is the main motherboard power connector used today.

A computer has four DDR4 memory modules. Two modules have a speed of 3000 MHz and the other two have a speed of 4000 MHz. If the two 3000 MHz DIMMs are upgraded, the new modules to be installed should have what rating?

PC4 32000 Correct. PC4 32000 corresponds to a speed of 4000 MHz (4000 x 8 = 32000). Since only the slower modules are being replaced, you will want to match the speed, type, and manufacturer of the faster modules to achieve a performance gain.

You are asked to install a new high-end graphics card. In which motherboard slot should you install it?

PCI Express 5.0 x16

What tool can help discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when you first turn on a computer and before the operating system is launched.

POST card Correct. Power On Self Test or POST is a diagnostic program built into a computer to test the hardware components before the computer boots up. A POST card is a specialized card that helps identify and report computer errors and conflicts that occur after you first turn on a computer, but before the operating system launches. Results of the test are displayed as a coded number on the card for reference.

A few users need to connect an external monitor, external keyboard and mouse, and to a wired network cable to their laptop while visiting a remote office. The laptops are not from the same manufacturer.Which of the following devices will allow the users to connect their laptops to the external devices?

Port replicator Correct. A port replicator typically connects to a laptop using a single USB port and provides the convenience of connecting external connections such as monitors, USB devices, and network patch cables. The port replicator isn't proprietary, meaning it is designed to work with any laptop with an open USB port.

You decide you want to overclock the processors on your system. What is the first step in the process?

Press a key or combination of keys during POST to access the BIOS/UEFI setup program Correct. You may access the BIOS/UEFI setup program by pressing a key or combination of keys, depending on the computer.

An entrepreneur wants to design and produce memory modules that meet industry specifications. To increase memory performance in servers the module should use technology to hold and amplify the signal just before the data is written to the module. What technology should the memory modules include?

Registers Correct. Registers and buffers hold data and amplify a signal just before the data is written to the module.

While you are working on your computer, it shuts down unexpectedly, and you detect a burning smell. When you remove the case cover, you notice a distended capacitor. What can you do to fix this problem?

Replace the motherboard. Correct. A distended capacitor is one that has failed and has bulged beyond its normal size. Some also leak a brownish-red electrolyte residue. This is a catastrophic failure on the motherboard. The best way to fix this problem is to replace the motherboard.

Sara is having a tough time finding the cause of a problem on a computer she is troubleshooting. She found a possible problem but is not sure if she is correct. In case she is wrong, Sara does not want to test her theory, because doing so might worsen the problem.What would you advise Sara to do?

Research the problem on the Internet. Correct. Sara should research the problem until she is sure of her theory. If she thinks it might cause a different problem, she must talk to the customer before testing her theory.

A software development firm needs to test a high-end application on a system with a family of 64-core AMD processors. Which processor will meet their needs?

Ryzen Threadripper Correct.   Ryzen Threadripper is an AMD processor with 64 cores and 128 threads. (AMD)

What are two resources that may be useful in disassembling a laptop computer?

Service manual Correct. Since laptop computers are unique to manufacturers and models, a service manual will be useful for disassembly. User manual Correct. User manuals may provide guidance on replacing or removing components without full disassembly of the case.

Which two statements are true regarding conventional PCI and PCI Express (PCIe) slots?

The PCI bus transports 32 data bits in parallel. The PCI bus operates at about 500 Mbps.

Tomi buys a CPU from a computer store. The retail box references the amount of L1 cache in the list of features. What is it referring to?

The amount of memory residing directly on the processor die Correct. L1 is the amount of memory on the processor chip (die) itself. It is faster than RAM and typically in the order of Kilobytes per core.

You install Windows on a new SSD that fits in an M.2 socket in a modern high-end motherboard. After installing the OS, the system will not boot as expected. What could be the problem?

The boot sequence needs to be changed to boot from the SSD. Correct. Changing the boot sequence to boot from the SSD device should fix the problem.

A technician has determined that a laptop keyboard will need to be removed in order to replace the laptop's CPU cooling fan.Which of the following steps will most likely be required before the technician can remove the keyboard from the laptop? (Select two.)

The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s). Correct. Typical laptop keyboards are connected to the system board via one or more ribbon cables. The system board end of the ribbon cable utilizes ZIF (zero insertion force) sockets. These cables will need to be disconnected prior to removal of the keyboard. The keyboard bezel will need to be removed. Correct. The keyboard bezel is a part of the plastic covers of a laptop and is the cover that surrounds the top of the keyboard. For some laptops, the case top covers the keyboard. Regardless of whether the cover is the bezel or the case top, it will need to be removed first in order to remove the keyboard.

Tania is examining a system because the user claims their Word documents are getting corrupt.What is a reasonable best guess as a starting point?

The user is not saving the files properly Correct. In your mind, question everything, even the user. Do not immediately conclude it is a hardware or software issue without also including the possibility of user error. Verifying whether files are being saved correctly should be easy to reproduce. Observe the results for yourself before pursuing a more complex solution; try the simple things first. If the problem is user error be very diplomatic.

Gina is upgrading your computer with a new processor. She installs the processor into your motherboard and adds the cooling system. She powers up the computer, and it begins to boot but then shuts down.What could be the cause of this problem?

Thermal compound was not used. Correct. Gina forgot to add thermal compound, and the processor is overheating. Thermal compound is applied to create an air-tight seal between the processor and the heat sink. If thermal compound is not applied, the CPU will overheat, and the computer will shut down. Why the fck is Gina touching my computer?

Motherboards may contain which three of the following ports on the I/O panel?

USB ports Correct. Multiple USB ports may be found on the I/O panel. RJ-45 LAN port Correct. RJ-45 LAN ports may be found on the I/O panel. HDMI, DVI, and/or DisplayPort Correct. Video ports such as HDMI, DVI, and/or DisplayPort may be found on the I/O panel.

Jose is about to upgrade the processor in a computer. What should he do first?

Update the firmware on the motherboard if needed. Correct. Check the manufacturer's website to determine if the firmware needs to be updated. If required, update the firmware before changing the CPU.

You suspect your computer is overheating because your system sometimes restarts or turns off by itself. At other times the 32 inch monitor turns blue, and the system remains unresponsive until you manually restart it. What relatively quick measure can you take to try to fix the problem?

Use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust Correct. The buildup of dust inside a computer can cause the computer to overheat. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out the dust inside the computer and air vents.

An employee informs the help desk the laptop they are using cannot update the login credentials when they plug it in to the company's wired network. Wireless connectivity is fine, but the login credentials cannot be updated using Wi-Fi. What is a possible action the help desk could take to troubleshoot the problem?

Use a loopback plug Correct. A loopback plug can be used to test whether the network port on the laptop is working properly.

Joanna is researching high-end motherboards for a gaming computer with the best performance possible. Which consideration should be highest on the list?

Use the highest-performing processor Correct. The best performance possible is a term that cannot be measured objectively. But getting the highest-performing processor the motherboard supports is a good way to ensure one can extract the best performance the motherboard can deliver.

After installing the processor and reassembling the computer, the system begins the boot process and suddenly turns off before completing the boot. You turn everything off, unplug the power cord, press the power button to drain the power, and open the case. What should you do next?

Verify the cooler is securely seated and connected Correct. If the cooler is not installed correctly, the system will boot but shut down before the process is complete as the processor is overheating.

A system administrator boots a Windows PC using a Live Linux CD/DVD and list the files on the system. One of the files is called pagefile.sys. What is this file used for? Select all that apply.

Windows normally stores virtual memory in this file. Correct. Pagefile.sys is a hidden file in the C: drive. It stores data from RAM that is not accessed frequently. The goal is to free up memory in RAM for additional data that is frequently accessed. Used to enhance the amount of RAM in the system. Correct. Pagefile.sys is a hidden file in the C: drive. It stores data from RAM that is not accessed frequently. The goal is to free up memory in RAM for additional data that is frequently accessed.

What type of socket ensures that even force is applied when a processor is being installed in the socket?

ZIF Correct. ZIF, or zero insertion force socket, ensures that even force is applied when the processor is being installed in the socket. This is a feature on modern motherboards for both Intel and AMD processors.

A technician is building a custom gaming computer for a customer. In what order should the technician install the main components?

power supply, drives, motherboard, cards Correct. Since the motherboard and processor are the most expensive components, if possible it is best to install the motherboard just before installing the expansion cards to prevent damage. For example, you would not want to drop a disk drive or power supply on the motherboard while installing those components.