Dashboard/core 1/Study
Hardware

Study Guide

Hardware is the largest domain on Core 1 at 25%. You need to know how to identify, install, and configure PC components including CPUs, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies, and peripherals. You also need to know cable types and connectors.

1CPU and Motherboard

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes instructions. Modern CPUs use socket types (Intel LGA, AMD AM4/AM5). The motherboard connects all components. Form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. The chipset determines compatibility. The CMOS battery powers BIOS settings when the PC is off.

Examples:

•If a PC displays the wrong time consistently, the CMOS battery is likely dead
•An ATX motherboard is 12 x 9.6 inches — the most common full-size form factor
•The CPU socket must match the motherboard — an Intel LGA 1700 CPU won't fit an AMD AM5 board
2RAM Types

RAM (Random Access Memory) stores data the CPU is actively using. DDR4 and DDR5 are current standards. Desktop RAM uses DIMM slots, laptop RAM uses SO-DIMM. RAM speeds are measured in MHz. Dual-channel mode requires two matching sticks. ECC RAM detects and corrects memory errors.

Examples:

•DDR5 starts at 4800 MHz, DDR4 starts at 2133 MHz
•Dual-channel mode requires two identical RAM modules in matching color slots
•ECC RAM is used in servers and workstations where data integrity is critical
3Storage Devices

HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning magnetic platters — slower but cheaper. SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory — faster and more durable. NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and are much faster than SATA SSDs. M.2 is a form factor, not a speed standard. Storage capacity is measured in GB/TB.

Examples:

•An NVMe SSD can reach 7000 MB/s, while a SATA SSD maxes out at about 550 MB/s
•A 7200 RPM HDD typically reads at 80-160 MB/s
•M.2 drives can use either SATA or NVMe — check the keying and interface
4Power Supplies

The PSU (Power Supply Unit) converts AC wall power to DC for PC components. Wattage determines how much power it can supply. The 80 Plus rating indicates efficiency (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium). Modular PSUs let you use only the cables you need. Common connectors: 24-pin motherboard, 8-pin CPU, PCIe GPU power.

Examples:

•An 80 Plus Gold PSU is at least 87% efficient at 50% load
•A typical gaming PC needs 500-750W; a basic office PC needs 300-400W
•A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides battery backup during power outages
5Printers

Laser printers use toner and a drum — fast, high volume, low cost per page. Inkjet printers use liquid ink — good color, slower. Thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper — receipts and labels. 3D printers build objects layer by layer. Common issues: paper jams, low toner/ink, print queue problems.

Examples:

•A laser printer fuser melts toner onto paper — if prints smear, the fuser may be faulty
•Thermal printers don't use ink or toner — they heat special paper to create images
•A clogged print head is a common issue in inkjet printers that haven't been used in a while
Test-Taking Tips
Know the difference between SATA and NVMe — both can come in M.2 form factor but NVMe is much faster.
A dead CMOS battery causes the system to lose time and BIOS settings when powered off.
The 80 Plus certification is about power efficiency, not quality — all 80 Plus levels are safe.
For printers, know the difference between laser (toner, fuser) and inkjet (liquid ink, print heads).