Computer Hardware Components and Peripherals
What this domain covers
This domain tests recognition of internal components and how peripherals connect. Questions ask you to match a component to its function, identify a port or cable, or choose a compatible part for a stated motherboard.
Core rules
- The motherboard carries the chipset, CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe expansion slots and I/O ports; the form factor (ATX, micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) decides case fit.
- RAM is volatile and loses data on power-off; ROM (the BIOS/UEFI chip) is non-volatile. Speed order: cache, then RAM, then SSD/HDD.
- DDR generations are keyed differently: a DDR4 module will not seat in a DDR3 slot, and they run at different voltages (1.2 V vs 1.5 V).
- SMPS output rails are typically +12 V, +5 V and +3.3 V; the 24-pin connector feeds the board and the 4/8-pin EPS feeds the CPU.
- Input devices send data in (keyboard, mouse, scanner); output devices send data out (monitor, printer, speaker). A touchscreen is both.
Worked example
A student must add 8 GB RAM to a board whose slots are labelled DDR3, 1.5 V. The shop offers a DDR4-3200 8 GB module. Correct answer: reject it. The notch position and voltage differ, so it will not seat without damage; the correct purchase is DDR3 (or DDR3L only if the board supports 1.35 V).
Traps
- Calling a pen drive or HDD "memory" when the question means primary memory.
- Assuming a higher clock speed always means a faster system; core count, cache and platform matter too.
- Confusing the 7-pin SATA data cable with the wider SATA power connector.