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U03_Exercises_I_v2 (SRC)

The document outlines the specifications of three different motherboards: a high-end ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming, a low-end MSI A320M-A Pro, and a Mini-ITX Gigabyte B560I Aorus Pro AX. It also discusses the Mini-STX form factor, differences between ZIF and LGA sockets, Dual Channel technology, the integration of the northbridge into the CPU, and the functions of BIOS and CMOS memory. Additionally, it explains PCIe slots and lanes, emphasizing their role in data transmission.

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Sergio Rodríguez Cámara
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3 views

U03_Exercises_I_v2 (SRC)

The document outlines the specifications of three different motherboards: a high-end ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming, a low-end MSI A320M-A Pro, and a Mini-ITX Gigabyte B560I Aorus Pro AX. It also discusses the Mini-STX form factor, differences between ZIF and LGA sockets, Dual Channel technology, the integration of the northbridge into the CPU, and the functions of BIOS and CMOS memory. Additionally, it explains PCIe slots and lanes, emphasizing their role in data transmission.

Uploaded by

Sergio Rodríguez Cámara
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 3 – Internal components I.

Motherboard Fundamentals of
Hardware
Task 1: Motherboard - I
SERGIO RODRÍGUEZ CÁMARA
1. Access the website of one of the motherboard manufacturers (Gigabyte, ASUS,
MSI, ...) and choose a high-end motherboard, a low-end motherboard and another
Mini-ITX form factor motherboard (they can be from a different manufacturer). For
each motherboard indicate the following information:

Characteristics High-end Low-end Mini-ITX


Manufacturer ASUS MSI Gigabyte
BIOS (Type and
version if UEFI BIOS AMI UEFI BIOS UEFI DualBIOS
specified)
Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z790-
MSI A320M-A Pro Gigabyte B560I Aorus Pro AX
model E Gaming
Type and number 4 ranuras DDR5, 2 ranuras DDR4, máximo 2 ranuras DDR4, máximo
of memory slots máximo 128GB 32GB 64GB
Price 600 EUR 60 EUR 180 EUR
Chipset Z790 A320 B560
Form factor ATX Micro-ATX Mini-ITX
Type and number
of expansion slots. 3 PCIe x16, 1 PCIe x4
If an expansion (restricción: PCIe x16
1 PCIe x16, 1 PCIe x1 1 PCIe x16
slot has a comparte carriles si se
restriction, usa más de una tarjeta)
indicate it
Size 305 × 244 mm 244 × 244 mm 170 × 170 mm
Type of CPU
LGA AM4 LGA
Socket
CPU Socket LGA 1700 AM4 LGA 1200
Number of pins of
1700 pines 1331 pines 1200 pines
CPU Socket
URL of https://es.asus.com/M https://www.gigabyte.com/Mo
https://www.msi.com/Mot
motherboard otherboards/ROG- therboard/B560I-AORUS-
herboard/A320M-A-PRO/
information Strix-Z790-E-Gaming/ PRO-AX
Intel Core 12ª y 13ª AMD Ryzen 1ª y 2ª Intel Core 10ª y 11ª
Supported CPUs
generación generación generación
URL of
https://es.asus.com/su https://www.msi.com/sup https://www.gigabyte.com/Su
motherboard
pport/Manual/ port/Manual/ pport/Manual/
manual

2. Paste the real full-size images of the three selected motherboards into the
document. Each motherboard image should be on a single page. Point out in each
image the components we have seen this week (socket and type, memory slots
and type, expansion slots indicating each type, BIOS chip, CMOS, battery, Chipset
and power connectors). You can use the motherboard manual if you need help.
3. What kind of computers is the Mini-STX form factor used for? a picture of a
computer with a Mini-STX to illustrate your answer.
The Mini-STX format is a small form factor, designed by Intel in 2015, with a
maximum size of 140 x 147 mm. It is used in compact equipment, such as mini
PCs or multimedia centers, which do not require many expansion slots. One of its
characteristics is that it does not have PCIe slots for expansion cards, and only
supports SODIMM memory, which is the same as that used in laptops.
It is ideal for low-power devices, where a compact size is required without
sacrificing too much performance. A typical example would be home systems that
serve as multimedia players or light workstations.
4. Point out the differences between the ZIF and LGA sockets.
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force): The CPU is inserted without applying pressure, using
a lever to secure it. It is a variant of PGA sockets
LGA (Land Grid Array): Here, the pins are on the socket and not on the processor.
This type is common on Intel processors, and by using a grid of contacts, it
reduces the risk of damaging the pins

5. Explain what Dual Channel technology is.


Dual Channel technology allows the motherboard to use two memory channels
simultaneously, doubling the RAM bandwidth and improving performance. This
technology is available on most modern motherboards that have two or more
memory slots, and is activated by installing two RAM modules in specific slots.

6. In modern computers the northbridge is integrated into the CPU. What do you
think is the main reason?
The Northbridge, which used to be a separate chip on the motherboard, is now
integrated into the processor. This is because integration reduces latency and
increases the communication speed between the memory and the CPU, thus
improving overall system performance.
7. What does it mean that a PCIe expansion slot is x4? What is a lane?
A PCIe x4 means that the PCI Express slot has four lanes, allowing serial data
transmission over four transmission lines. Each lane can send and receive data
simultaneously (full-duplex). The more lanes a PCIe slot has, the greater the
amount of data it can transmit at the same time.
A lane in a PCI Express (PCIe) slot is a set of two pairs of lines: one for transmitting
data and one for receiving data. That is, each lane can both send and receive data
at the same time (full-duplex). The number of lanes in a PCIe slot (such as x1, x4,
x8, x16) determines how much data can be transferred simultaneously.
8. What are the functions of the BIOS?
The BIOS has several key functions, including recognizing installed hardware,
initiating the operating system boot process, and storing system settings. It
performs a POST (Power On Self-Test) to ensure that the hardware is functioning
properly before loading the operating system.
9. What does BIOS use CMOS memory for?
The BIOS uses CMOS memory to store important system settings such as time
and date, and boot sequence. CMOS is powered by a battery to ensure that the
settings are retained when the computer is turned off.

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