COMPTIA A+ 220-1101



Hardware

  1. 3.1 Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes
    • Network Cables
    • Peripheral Cables
    • Video Cables
    • Hard Drive Cables
    • Adapters
    • Connector types
  2. 3.2 Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM
    • RAM types
    • Single-channel
    • Dual-channel
    • Triple-channel
    • Quad-channel
  3. 3.3 Given a scenario, select and install storage devices
    • Hard drives
    • SSDs
    • Drive configurations
    • Removable storage
  4. 3.4 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards
    • Encryption
    • CPU architecture
    • Expansion cards
    • Cooling
  5. 3.5 Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power supply
    • Input 110-220 VAC vs. 220-240 VAC
    • Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12v
    • 20-pin to 24-pin MB adapter
    • Redundant power supply
    • Modular power supply
    • Wattage rating
  6. 3.6 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings
    • Unboxing a device
    • Use appropriate drivers for given OS
    • Device connectivity
    • Public/Shared devices
    • Configuration settings
    • Security
    • Network scan services
    • ADF/flatbed scanner
  7. 3.7 Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables
    • Laser
    • Inkjet
    • Thermal
    • Impact
    • 3-D printer

3.4 Motherboards, Central Processing Units (CPUs), and add-on cards.

Motherboard Form Factors

(All can fit on an ATX chase/case)

  • Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX)
    • Size: 12 x 9.6 inches
    • Features: Standard form factor with good expansion capabilities, supports up to seven (7) expansion slots
    • Use: Desktops
  • Micro ATX
    • Size: 9.6 x 9.6 inches
    • Features: Smaller than ATX but with similar mounting points, supports up to four (4) expansion slots
    • Use: Small desktops
  • ITX (not a form factor, but a family of form factors.)
  • Mini-ITX
    • Size: 6.7 x 6.7 inches
    • Features: Very compact, typically supports one (1) expansion slot.
    • Use: Small form factor (SFF) PCs & home theater PCs (HTPC)

Motherboard Connector Types

  • Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
  • PCI Express (PCIe)
  • Power Connectors
  • Serial ATA (SATA)
  • External SATA (eSATA)
  • Headers: Series of pins for connecting power button, power light, reset button, lights, audio jacks, USB ports, etc.
  • M.2:

Motherboard Compatibility