TestOut - Chapter 3 (Hardware)

VGA to DVI (3.2.6 - Adapter and Converter Facts)

Connects a VGA cable to a DVI port.

VGA to HDMI (3.2.6 - Adapter and Converter Facts)

Connects a VGA cable to an HDMI port.

HDMI to DVI (3.2.6 - Adapter and Converter Facts)

Connects an HDMI cable to a DVI port.

Ethernet to USB (3.2.6 - Adapter and Converter Facts)

Connects an RJ45 connector to a USB port.

Fiber Optic Cable Advantages (3.1.5 - Comparison)

Advantages of fiber-optic cable: - Completely immune to EMI - Highly resistant to eavesdropping - Fastest available transmission rates - Greater cable distances without a repeater

Twisted Pair Cable Advantages (3.1.3 - Comparison)

Advantages compared to other cable types include: - Inexpensive compared to other media types. - Easy to install, flexible, and lightweight. - Very common media and tools are easy to obtain. - The most common and most supported network medium.

Coaxial Cable Advantages (3.1.2 - Comparison)

Advantages compared to other cable types include: - Less susceptible to electromagnetic Interference (EMI) - Resistant to physical damage - Large existing infrastructure

USB 1.1 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: Full Speed USB Year Introduced: 1998 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 12 Mbps

USB 2.0 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: Hi-Speed USB Year Introduced: 2000 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 480 Mbps

USB 1.0 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: Low-Speed USB Year Introduced: 1996 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 1.5 Mbps

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, SuperSpeed USB Year Introduced: 2008 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 5 Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: USB 3.1, USB 3.1 Gen 2, SuperSpeed+, SuperSpeed 10Gbps Year Introduced: 2013 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 10 Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: USB 3.2, SuperSpeed 20Gbps Year Introduced: 2017 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 20 Gbps

USB4 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: USB4 Gen 2x2, USB4 20Gbps Year Introduced: 2019 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 20 Gbps

USB4 v2 (3.2.3 - USB Standards)

AKA: USB4 Gen 3x2, USB4 40Gbps Year Introduced: 2019 Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 40 Gbps

ATX full-tower (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

ATX full-tower cases are the largest computer cases. Full-tower cases have a lot of space for external and internal components. ATX full-tower cases are compatible with the following form factors: - Standard ATX - EATX - microATX

ATX mid-tower (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

ATX mid-tower cases are slightly smaller than full-tower cases. Mid-tower cases have fewer external and internal bays. ATX mid-tower cases are compatible with the following form factors: - Standard ATX - microATX - Mini-ITX - EATX (some)

LC Connector (3.1.5 - Connectors)

An LC connector: - Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling. - Is composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab, similar to an RJ45 connector. Is a single connector with two ends to keep the two cables in place. - Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection. - Is half the size of other fiber optic connectors.

MT-RJ Connector (3.1.5 - Connectors)

An MT-RJ connector: - Is used with single mode and multi-mode cabling. - Is composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab. - Uses metal guide pins to ensure it is properly aligned. - Is a single connector with one end that holds both cables. - Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection.

SC Connector (3.1.5 - Connectors)

An SC connector: - Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling. - Is a push on, pull off connector type that uses a locking tab to maintain connection. - Has a separate connector for each wire. - Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection. - Requires the exposed fiber tip to be polished as part of the assembly process.

ST Connector (3.1.5 - Connectors)

An ST connector: - Is used with single mode and multi-mode cabling. - Is a keyed, bayonet-type connector. - Is also called a push in and twist connector. - Has a separate connector for each wire. - Is nickel plated with a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection. - Requires the exposed fiber tip to be polished as part of the assembly process. This ensures that light is passed from one cable to the next with no dispersion.

Audio Jack (3.2.6 - Other Connections)

Audio jacks are used to send or receive analog audio signals. Audio jacks use 3.5 mm Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) connectors to connect audio devices such as: - Speakers - Headphones - Microphones - Audio output devices Audio jacks use a common color code to denote the port type: - Green: line out - Pink: mic in - Blue: line in - Orange: subwoofer - Black: rear speakers

Cat 7a (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 10 Gbps Frequency: 1000 MHz Description: Offers exceptional noise immunity in addition to the strictest specifications for crosstalk and noise. In shielded only.

Cat 6 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 10 Gbps Frequency: 250 MHz Description: Limits 10 Gbps speeds to cable lengths less than 55 meters.

Cat 6a (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 10 Gbps Frequency: 500 MHz Description: Limits 10 Gbps speeds to cable lengths less than 100 meters. Provides additional shielding and tighter cable twists than standard Cat 6, which reduces (alien) crosstalk and makes it less susceptible to EMI.

Cat 7 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 10 Gbps Frequency: 600 MHz Description: Has the strictest specifications for crosstalk and noise. In shielded only.

General (3.1.3 - Rating)

Cables with general purpose rating are the minimum requirement in commercial installations including network patch cables. - Complies with UL-1518 testing and vertical flame test. - High toxicity when burned and gives off toxic and corrosive gasses.

Cat 5 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 100 Mbps Frequency: 100 MHz Description: Supports up to 100 Mbps Ethernet.

Cat 5e (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ45 Speed: 1000 Mbps Frequency: 100 MHz Description: Is similar to Cat 5 but provides better EMI protection. Supports Gigabit Ethernet (gigabit connections require the use of all four twisted pairs).

DVI to Thunderbolt (3.2.6 - Adapter and Converter Facts)

Connects a DVI cable to a Thunderbolt port.

Crossover (3.1.4 - Wiring Standards)

Computers can connect directly to one another using a crossover cable. The easiest way to create a crossover cable is to arrange the wires in the first connector using the T568A standard and arrange the wires in the second connector using the T568B standard.

Patch (3.1.4 - Wiring Standards)

Computers connect to the network through a hub or switch with a patch cable. Patch cables use the same wire configuration on each connector end. The most commonly used wiring configurations are: - T568A Wires are arranged from pins 1 to 8 in each connector in the following order: GW, G, OW, B, BW, O, BrW, Br. - T568B Wires are arranged from pins 1 to 8 in each connector in the following order: OW, O, GW, B, BW, G, BrW, Br. It doesn't matter which standard you use as long as all cables use the same standard. This helps prevent confusion during troubleshooting.

Cat 8.1 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: Class I: RJ45/Class II: non-RJ45 Speed: 25 Gbps Frequency: 2000 MHz Description: Rated for data transfers 250 times faster than Cat5. Is not compatible with Cat5e and Cat6 cables due to different connectors. In shielded only.

Cat 8.2 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: Class I: RJ45/Class II: non-RJ45 Speed: 40 Gbps Frequency: 2000 MHz Description: Rated for data transfers 400 times faster than Cat5. Is not compatible with Cat5e and Cat6 cables due to different connectors. In shielded only.

Phone cable - Cat 3 (3.1.3 - Categories)

Connector: RJ11 Speed: 10 Mbps Frequency: N/A Description: Used to connect a modem to a phone jack in a wall outlet to establish a dial-up internet connection.Has two pairs of cables (a total of 4 wires).

Twisted Pair Cable Disadvantages (3.1.3 - Comparison)

Disadvantages compared to other cable types include: - Is susceptible to interference. - Is vulnerable to cable damage. - Is vulnerable to eavesdropping. - Has low bandwidth.

DVI (3.2.6 - Older Video Connections)

DVI is a popular connection to carry analog and digital through the same white video cable. DVI: - DVI can transmit analog signal (DVI-A), or digital signal (DVI-D), or can integrate both (DVI-I). - Single-link supports up to 1920 x 1200 resolution. - Dual-link supports up to 2560 x 1600 resolution. - Connectors may have up to 24 pins for digital signals, plus 4 pins for analog signals for single-link or dual-link connection. - Cable is designed to perform optimally at 16 feet but good performance may extend to 30 feet. - Backward compatibility with Video Graphics Array (VGA) (analog).

Self-powered (3.2.3 - Devices)

Devices that rely on their own power supply (e.g., they are plugged into an AC outlet) are self-powered devices (sometimes called active devices). USB 2.0 devices that draw more than 500 mA of power are required to be self-powered; USB 3.0 devices that draw more than 900 mA of power are required to be self-powered.

Direct burial (3.1.3 - Rating)

Direct burial cable is designed to be buried directly in the ground. - Needs no additional protection of piping or sheathing. - Built to tolerate heat, moisture, and other hazards.

Coaxial Cable Disadvantages (3.1.2 - Comparison)

Disadvantages compared to other cable types include: - Expensive - Not very flexible (difficult to bend around corners) - Multiple splitters degrade signal quality

Fiber Optic Cable Disadvantages (3.1.5 - Comparison)

Disadvantages of fiber-optic cable: - Very expensive - Difficult to work with - Special training required to attach connectors to cables

DisplayPort (3.2.6 - Modern Video Connections)

DisplayPort is a royalty-free standard created by the Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA). It is found on PCs rather than on TVs. DP: - Can carry more than one stream of high-quality digital video and audio signals, but not Ethernet data. - Supports resolutions as high as 8194 x 4320. - Uses cables up to 35 feet that have 20 pin-connectors with locking mechanism. - Has a Mini DisplayPort (MDP) version. - Is compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), and most Mac devices.

HDMI (3.2.6 - Modern Video Connections)

HDMI is a forward compatible standard developed and promoted by the consumer electronics industry. It is compatible with LCD monitors and most components in a modern entertainment system. HDMI: - Can transmit a stream of high-definition digital video and up to 8 channels of audio signals. - Supports up to 25-foot cable before degradation. - Offers three types of HDMI used by consumers—each with 19 pins on each end of the cable. -- Type A is the standard used on TVs, monitors, and 4K screens. -- Type C is a miniHDMI used on video cameras. -- Type D is a micro HDMI used on smartphones.

Home theatre PC (HTPC) (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

HTPC cases are designed to connect to TVs and be used as a home media computer. HTPC cases are compatible with microATX and Mini-ITX form factors.

I/O connectors (3.3.4 - Typical Components)

I/O connectors for onboard components are located on the back of the motherboard. These connectors typically include: - PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports - USB ports - Serial ports (COM 1, 2, 3, and 4) - Parallel port - Audio jacks - Ethernet port An I/O shield fits over the connectors to secure them and protect the inside of the computer from dust and debris.

IDE (3.2.8 - Internal Hard Drive Connectors)

IDE, also known as Parallel AT Attachment (PATA), is an older technology. - IDE uses ribbon cable with 40-pin connector. It requires a separate Molex power cable. Red edge denotes pin 1. - Cable connects to motherboard and two devices. - Ribbon cable can be up to 18 inches long. - IDE has mostly been replaced by SATA in newer PCs.

Lightning (3.2.6 - Apple Connections)

Lightning (created by Apple) connects mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to a host. - Proprietary computer bus and power connector used to connect to host computers, monitors, cameras, chargers, or other peripherals. - Small, symmetrical plug with 8 pins on either side.

USB 1.1 (3.2.3 - Cables)

Logo: Full speed Cable length: 3 m (9'10")

USB 2.0 (3.2.3 - Cables)

Logo: Hi-speed Cable length: 5 m (16'5")

USB 3.2 (3.2.3 - Cables)

Logo: SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ Cable length: 3 m (9'10")

USB 4 (3.2.3 - Cables)

Logo: SuperSpeed+ Cable length: .8 m (31")

Integrated components (3.3.4 - Typical Components)

Many motherboards include integrated (onboard) components such as network cards, audio cards, and video cards. They can also include USB and FireWire connections. Selecting a motherboard with integrated devices is typically cheaper than buying separate expansion cards for each feature. However, the quality of these onboard devices might not be as high as dedicated expansion cards.

USB Micro-B/Micro-USB (3.2.3 - Connectors)

Micro-USB is even smaller than the mini and half the thickness. These are widely used today on smartphones and tablets.

Mini-ITX tower (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

Mini-ITX towers are designed to house mini-ITX motherboards. They are typically smaller than microATX towers.

USB Mini-B (3.2.3 - Connectors)

Mini-USB is a small connector used on portable devices. It was replaced by the Micro-USB. This was popular for digital cameras and some cell phones.

Molex (3.2.8 - Internal Hard Drive Connectors)

Molex is a generalized name given to a common type of connector used to power internal computer components. - Molex comes from the company name that pioneered the two-piece electrical connector. - No single connector is technically called a Molex connector since Molex makes dozens of different connectors - Molex became a standard connector in computers and other electronics. - The 4-pin power connector (shown), Molex #8981 (red, black, black, yellow wires) is still used in many PCs to power IDE or SATA hard drives

Memory slots (3.3.4 - Typical Components)

Most motherboards have multiple slots to add memory cards. Memory slots are compatible with a specific type of memory module. Always refer to the motherboard documentation.

Multi-mode (3.1.5 - Mode)

Multi-mode fiber-optic cable: - Transfers data through the core using multiple light rays. - Has a core diameter of around 50 to 100 microns. - Limits the distance of cable lengths.

New Low Profile eXtended (NLX) (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

NLX is an old form factor that was designed for use in slimline desktop computers. NLX form factor: - Uses a detachable riser card to provide expansion slots (the motherboard itself has no expansion slots) - Allows the motherboard to slide in or out of the system case easily - Was replaced by microATX and Mini-ITX

Notebook (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

Notebook cases are generally proprietary and often vary among models.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) (3.3.4 - Typical Components)

PCI slots are often called expansion slots or expansion buses. They allow you to add cards to expand the capabilities of a computer by installing expansion cards. There are from one to six PCI slots available on a motherboard. There are a number of expansion slot types, including: - PCI - PCI-X (PCI Extended) - PCIe (PCI Express) - Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

Plenum (3.1.3 - Rating)

Plenum rated cable is laid in the plenum spaces of buildings and must meet rigorous fire safety standards. Air plenum spaces are the open areas above drop ceilings or below raised floors used for air circulation. Plenum cables are: - Coated with flame retardant and use non-toxic plastics that don't smoke much. - Regulated under the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA-262 and 90A.

RJ11 (3.2.6 - Other Connections)

RJ11 ports are used by telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins.

Registered Jack-45 (RJ45) (3.2.6 - Other Connections)

RJ45 ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers and networking devices. RJ45 ports have eight connector pins.

Riser (3.1.3 - Rating)

Riser-rated cable is run between floors through open vertical shafts. - Suited for areas not defined as plenum but may conduct fire from one floor to another. - It is industry-standard UL-1666 tested for flame propagation. - Requires tests to be conducted with mounted vertical cable.

SAS (3.2.8 - Common External Cables)

SAS cables support emerging data storage technologies. SAS: - Uses SFF connectors. - Is compatible with SATA drives that can be connected to an SAS controller. - Has SAS-4 with throughput up to 22.5 Gbps, full duplex. - Has a hot-pluggable connection. - Uses expanders to daisy chain up to 65,535 devices. Terminate the last device.

SAS (3.2.8 - Internal Hard Drive Connectors)

SAS is a point-to-point interface that uses a serial protocol. It's typically found in enterprise-level storage systems like RAID, tape drives, or dedicated servers. - SAS replaces parallel SCSI. - SAS-4 throughput up to 22.5 Gbps, full duplex. SAS is a serial protocol for SCSI commands.

SATA (3.2.8 - Internal Hard Drive Connectors)

SATA, also known as Serial ATA, is frequently used in modern computers to connect hard drives to the motherboard. - A SATA data cable has 7-pin connectors. It also uses a separate power cable with a 15-pin connector. - The cable connects to motherboard and one device. - Cables can be a long as 1 meter. - SATA3 cables can transfer up to 600 MB/s. - Two connectors are available: straight or L-shaped. - Connectors are keyed for proper connection. - Cables are thin and flexible to help keep the system tidy.

SCSI (3.2.8 - Common External Cables)

SCSI connects other hardware: hard drives, tape drives, CD-ROMS, scanners, and printers. - External SCSI devices attach to the adapter card. - Multiple devices can be daisy chained using a cable and two connectors (shown). - As many as 7 or 15 devices can be connected to a single channel. Terminate the last device. - Different SCSI variations use different connectors usually with 50, 68, or 80 pins. - Shielded molded cable with thumbscrew (shown). SCSI interfaces can be confusing because SCSI types offered by different manufacturers have different speeds, bus widths, and connectors.

SCSI (3.2.8 - Internal Hard Drive Connectors)

SCSI is usually found only in high-end servers, mainframe computers, and redundant array of independent discs (RAID) storage devices. - SCSI has limited BIOS support. You can configure it for each computer. - SCSI controller coordinates between all other devices on the host bus adapter (HBA). - The controller can be built into the motherboard or on a card plugged into a slot.. SCSI Parallel Interface (SPI) uses a parallel bus. It's the earliest SCSI interface and has been around for over 20 years. The standards have been revised numerous times and it is still used today. - Internal parallel SCSI ribbon cables usually have connectors with 50, 68, or 80 pins. - SCSI ribbon cables can transfer up to 640 MBps. Different manufacturers' connectors are not compatible with one another. SCSI interface can be confusing since implementation varies by manufacturer. The different interfaces are not compatible.

Single-mode (3.1.5 - Mode)

Single-mode fiber-optic cable: - Transfers data through the core using a single light ray (the ray is also called a mode). - Has a core diameter of around 10 microns. - Supports a large amount of data. - Allows cable lengths to extend a great distance.

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The ATX form factor is the most used form factor. Because of its popularity, there are several versions of the ATX form factor. Each version has a different specification for dimension and number of expansion slots. All ATX versions share the following characteristics: - Back plate measurements (6.25" × 1.75") - Power supply specifications: -- 24-pin ATX power connector -- On/off switch runs from the case to the motherboard -- Soft-power control (OS can turn the computer off) - Expansion slot locations and spacing (0.8" between slots) - Mounting hole locations - CPU location (top of board near power supply) Below are the most common ATX versions and their unique characteristics.

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) (3.1.2 - Connectors)

The BNC connector is molded onto the cable. It is used: - In legacy 10Base2 Ethernet networks - In specialized industries - To connect composite video displays on commercial video devices

Balanced Technology eXtended (BTX) (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The BTX form factor was designed as a replacement for the ATX form factor. It did not gain widespread adoption. BTX form factor: - The CPU is positioned in such a way that air flow is increased. - There is no heatsink fan. Instead, a thermal module or shroud fits over the CPU to move heat directly out of the system. - The back panel orientation and mounting location is reversed. BTX was implemented mainly by computer manufacturers such as Dell.

CPU socket (3.3.4 - Typical Components)

The CPU socket houses the CPU. There are a variety of CPU socket types. Each have unique shapes, pin arrangements, or mounting configurations. - Different types of motherboard sockets exist to fit different generations of CPUs. It's important that the socket is compatible with the new CPU's mounting holes and pin array. - You can check the socket of a motherboard by looking at the computer's model number and running it on the gigabyte site. - Some motherboards are manufactured with multisocket processing capability and may support dual or quad-socket processing in the CPU. - Server motherboards used for cloud computing are multisocket processors with gigantic memory capacity. They: -- Can act as the hub for running many computers. -- Can handle massive amounts of data simultaneously. -- Are robust enough to support a storage area network (SAN) environment.

DB-15 (3.2.6 - Legacy Connections)

The DB-15 is a gaming port used by legacy game pads, joysticks, and MIDI devices. - These ports are typically found on older sound cards. - The DB connector with 15 pins in two rows is sometimes called DE-15 or DA-15.

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) - Extended ATX (EATX) (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The EATX form factor is the largest ATX version. EATX: - Measures 12" × 13" - Typically uses extra space for additional memory slots

F-Type (3.1.2 - Connectors)

The F-Type connector is crimped onto the cable using a special tool. It is used to: - Create cable and satellite TV connections - Connect a cable modem to a broadband cable connection Some F-Type connectors can be twisted onto a cable without a special tool. However, these types of connectors can cause signal leakage.

Information Technology eXtended (ITX) (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The ITX form factor was designed for low-power, small form factor (SFF) computers. The most common ITX form factor is the Mini-ITX form factor.Mini-ITX form factor: - Specifies a maximum motherboard size of 6.7" × 6.7" - Has only one expansion slot - Allows for small (100 watt) power supplies - Is typically used with a home theater PC (HTPC) Other ITX form factors include the following: - Nano-ITX (4.7" × 4.7") - Pico-ITX (3.9" × 2.85") - Mobile-ITX (2.9" × 1.7") The Mini-ITX form factor uses the same mounting locations and back panel specifications as the ATX form factor. This allows Mini-ITX motherboards to fit in ATX cases.

Personal System/2 (PS/2) (Mini-DIN-6) (3.2.6 - Legacy Connections)

The PS/2 port connects older PS/2 keyboard or mouse devices. - PS/2 ports are color coded. -- Purple denotes the keyboard port. -- Green denotes the mouse port. - Connector is called mini-DIN-6. - The PS/2 port has been replaced by the USB port.

RJ11 Connector (3.1.4 - Twisted Pair Cable Connectors)

The RJ11 connector: - Has 4 or 6 connectors - Conforms to the RJ-11 wiring standard which supports up to 2 pairs of wires (one phone and one power). - Uses a locking tab to keep a connector secure in an outlet. - Is used primarily for telephone wiring. - Conforms to the RJ-14 and RJ-25 wiring standards which support additional phone lines using the same jack.

RJ45 Connector (3.1.4 - Twisted Pair Cable Connectors)

The RJ45 connector: - Has 8 connectors. - Supports up to 4 pairs of wires. - Uses a locking tab to keep a connector secure in an outlet. - Is used for Ethernet networks.

Sony/Philips Digital Interface and Fiber (S/PDIF) (3.2.6 - Other Connections)

The S/PDIF port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end audio devices such as home theater systems or Dolby Digital surround sound systems. - Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals. - Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals.

S-Video Mini Deutsches Institut für Normung-4 (miniDIN-4) (3.2.6 - Older Video Connections)

The Separated Video (s-video) port is used for connecting external displays. It has slightly better picture quality than a Radio Corporation of America (RCA) video port.

USB (3.2.6 - Modern Video Connections)

The USB port is one of the most common computer ports for local communications. USB ports are used to connect a variety of devices: - Mouse and keyboard devices - External storage devices - Digital cameras - Printers - Scanners - Microphones - Webcams

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) - microATX (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The microATX form factor is a smaller version of the ATX form factor. The microATX form factor: - Measures 9.6" × 9.6" - Has four expansion slots

Parallel Data Bus-25 (DB-25) (3.2.6 - Legacy Connections)

The parallel port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as printers, hard drives, and gamepads. - The parallel port was replaced by the USB and RJ45 port. - Parallel port uses the D-sub connector with 25 pins.

Serial (DB-9) (3.2.6 - Legacy Connections)

The serial port can connect many different serial devices such as a printer, barcode scanner, router, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. Serial ports are commonly used to connect a console port or management port to configure and manage networking devices. - Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) is a standard for serial communication transmission of data. It defines the signals connecting computer equipment like a computer and a modem. - The RS-232 standard was commonly used in computer serial ports. USB has replaced RS-232 for most of its peripheral interface roles. - Many computers no longer come equipped with RS-232 ports. - Often called DB-9 or DE-9. The connector gets its name from the D shape of the connector. The letters A, B, C, D, or E denote the shell size.

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) - Standard ATX (3.3.2 - Motherboard Form Factors)

The standard ATX form factor is the form factor that all other versions are modeled after. ATX motherboards: - Measure 12" × 9.6" - Have up to seven expansion slots - Have between six and nine mounting holes

Thunderbolt 3 (3.2.6 - Apple Connections)

Thunderbolt is the brand name of a hardware interface developed by Intel collaborating with Apple. It supplies power for connecting external displays to a computer. - Thunderbolt combines Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort into two serial signals in a bi-directional channel of digital video, audio, DC power, and data signals up to 40 Gbps. It: -- Uses active cables to achieve maximum data transfer rates. -- Allows you to daisy chain up to seven devices off one port. - Thunderbolt 1 & 2 have a mini DisplayPort (MDP) connector. - Thunderbolt 3 standard USB-C has a lightning bolt icon and is royalty free to encourage OEMs and chip manufacturers to use it.

Bus-Powered (3.2.3 - Devices)

USB cables have wires to carry both power and data. Bus-powered (sometimes called passive) devices get their power via the USB cable. Bus-powered devices are classified as low-powered or high-powered devices, depending on the amount of power they draw from the USB bus. - Low powered devices use 100 mA or less - High-powered devices use between 100 and 500 mA (up to 900 mA for USB 3.0) Like USB devices, USB hubs can be bus-powered or self-powered. You can connect only low-powered or self-powered devices to a bus-powered hub. You cannot connect high-powered devices to a bus-powered hub. Therefore, self-powered hubs that provide 500 mA per port are recommended to ensure an adequate power supply to all bus-powered devices connected to the hub.

USB Type-A (3.2.3 - Connectors)

USB-A is the standard connector on almost all desktop PC and older laptops. Wired mice, keyboards, and USB memory sticks often use USB-A. The blue tab indicates the connector is capable of USB 3.0 speeds. USB ports and connectors are sometimes color-coded but it's not required by USB specs. Also, colors aren't always consistent between equipment manufacturers.

USB Type-B (3.2.3 - Connectors)

USB-B is the largest connector since it is designed to carry both data and power. These are commonly used with a printer, scanner, external hard drive, or other large devices. Networking devices such as hubs or modems also use it.

USB Type-C (3.2.3 - Connectors)

USB-C is the latest standard connector and is designed to be smaller, thinner, and lighter for mobile devices. The cable is reversible with the same connector on both ends to connect two devices with Type-C ports. With its symmetrical design, Type-C finally solved the problem for which side goes up. It can be inserted in the port either way so you never have to try again. Type-C is designed to withstand 10,000 insertion and removal cycles.

RG-59 (3.1.2 - Cable Grade)

Uses: CCTV video systems; short cable lengths (less than 3 meters) are sometimes used for cable TV Resistance Rating: 75 ohms

RG-6 (3.1.2 - Cable Grade)

Uses: Cable TV, satellite TV, and broadband cable internet Resistance Rating: 75 ohms

VGA (3.2.6 - Older Video Connections)

VGA is a blue serial connector that has been around for a long time. VGA connected external display devices such as CRT monitors, projectors, and some of the first models of LCD monitors. VGA: - Transmits an analog video signal and power—no digital option. - Has lower-quality displays with 640 x 480 resolution. - Uses cables with 15 holes on one end and 15 pins on the other. - Uses a DB-15 connector in three rows.

eSATA (3.2.8 - Common External Cables)

eSATA creates a SATA connection in an external enclosure. - External connections can be added using an expansion card. Connection is hot-swappable. - eSATA has same fast SATA throughput. - Devices require separate power connection. - Multiple eSATA devices can be connected when port multiplication is supported.

iSCSI (3.2.8 - Common External Cables)

iSCSI is used to access enterprise-class storage systems by carrying SCSI commands over TCP/IP network. - Fast, flexible; throughput up to 400 MBps. - Needs initiator software to manage iSCSI connection. - Can run over long distances using existing network infrastructure. - Can be attached to network port, router, or switch. Uses hot-pluggable connections. - Can connect to various types of devices depending on the gigabit interface converter (GBIC) module installed in the host adapter. For example, iSCSI host adapters for copper supports Fast Ethernet up to 400 MBps. Fibre Channel over fibre-optic cable (shown) - Connected with duplex fibre-optic cables. - Uses SFP transceiver also known as Mini-GBIC. - Offers throughput up to 200 MBps.

microATX tower (3.3.2 - Common Computer Cases)

microATX towers are smaller cases designed to be placed on desktops. microATX towers typically have only one drive bay. microATX towers are compatible with the following form factors: - microATX - Mini-ITX Some microATX towers have a slim design. These cases are typically half the width of a microATX tower and are designed to lie flat or upright.