PC Hardware Trouble shooting:

Components of a CPU:

1. Motherboard:

A motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer system. It connects all of the internal components, like the memory, processor, graphics card and other hardware. Its also known as PCB (Printed circuit board).

Some components of Motherboard:

• Processor Socket:
  It is mechanical and electrical interface on a motherboard that securely connects a central processing unit (CPU) to the rest of the computer system.

• CMOS backup battery:
  It is a small, coin-shaped battery that helps to keep the date and time accurate on computer. It ensures these settings are retained even when the computer is turned off and disconnected from a power source.

• LAN (Local area network):
  It is the built-in Ethernet port that allows the computer to connect to a wired local area network for internet and data communication.

• RAM Slots:
  Slots for installing RAM (Random Access Memory) modules.

• Chipset
  Communication between Northbridge (handles CPU, RAM, GPU communication) and Southbridge (handles I/O, storage devices).

• Expansion Slots:
  
  • Expansion slots on a motherboard are sockets designed to accommodate expansion cards, which add or enhance a computer’s functionality
  • Common types: PCI.

• Power Connectors
  Connects to the power supply unit (PSU).

• Storage Connectors:
  SATA ports for connecting hard drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and optical drives.

• BIOS Chip:
  Firmware that initializes hardware during startup and provides runtime services for the OS.

• Input/Output (I/O) Ports:
  
  • Located on the back of the motherboard.
  • Includes USB ports, audio jacks, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, PS/2, etc.
• Heat Sinks:
  Passive cooling components for chipsets and VRMs.

2. Fan:

• Used for cooling the motherboard.
• Prevents overheatingt.

3. Power Supply with Fan

• Provides electrical power to all parts of the computer.
• Has a built-in fan to cool itself & CPU cabinet during operation.
• Converts electricity from the wall (AC) to usable computer power (DC).

4. Connectors

• Cables and plugs that connect components to the power supply and motherboard.

5. Expansion Slots

• Used to insert extra cards like:
  
  • Graphics cards
  • Sound cards
  • Wi-Fi/network cards

6. Hard Disk Drive (HDD):

• Stores data, software, and the operating system.
• Located under the optical drive in the cabinet.

7. Optical Drive (CD/DVD Drive):

• Used to read/write CDs and DVDs

How to locate components of a CPU?

• Look for the power supply with fan (usually at the back top or bottom of the cabinet).
• In front of it is the optical drive.
• On it’s side is the Motherboard.
• Below the optical drive is the hard disk drive.

Difference between RAM and Cache memory:

Feature	RAM (Random Access Memory)	Cache Memory
Purpose	It holds programs and data that are currently executed by the CPU.	It holds frequently used data by the CPU.
Speed	Slower than cache	Much faster than RAM
Size	Larger (in GBs, e.g., 8GB, 16GB)	Smaller than RAM

Why do we need Cache memory?

• It helps the CPU work faster and more efficiently by reducing the time it takes to access data.
  • Cache memory is much faster than RAM.
  • It stores frequently used instructions and data, so the CPU doesn’t have to wait for slower RAM.
  • Without cache, the Processor would waste cycles.
    So it is used to remove mismatch between RAM and Processor speed.

Difference between RAM and Hard Disk:

Feature	RAM (Random Access Memory)	Hard Disk
Purpose	Temporary memory for currently running programs	Permanent storage for files, software, and OS
Storage Type	Temporary (loses data when off)	Permanent (keeps data when off)
Speed	Much faster	Slower compared to RAM
Storage Capacity	Smaller	Larger
Access Method	Direct access by CPU	Slower access through file system
Cost	Expensive	Cheaper
Function	Helps run active programs and processes	Stores data, files, OS, and installed programs

Process of Booting: | Step | Description | | ———————————————– | —————————————————————————————————————————– | | 1. Power On | You press the power button. Electricity flows to all components. | | 2. Signal to RAM (Firmware loads Bootstrap) | The BIOS/UEFI firmware stored in ROM sends a signal to RAM and loads Bootstrap Loader. | | 3. Hard Disk Copy Transferred to RAM | The Bootstrap Loader finds the operating system (OS) on the hard disk and copies essential OS files into RAM. | | 4. OS Starts (OS gets control) | Once the OS is loaded into RAM, it takes over the system. The desktop/interface appears, and the system is ready for use. |