Study 1 Core 1: Hardware and Peripherals with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What does a motherboard connect, and what must match the case?
It connects the processor, memory, storage, expansion cards, and peripherals. Its form factor must fit the case, and its socket, slots, connectors, and power requirements must suit the components.
What happens to RAM contents when power is removed?
RAM is fast, volatile working memory. Its contents are lost when power is removed.
Can a DDR5 module be used in a motherboard that supports only DDR4?
DDR generations such as DDR4 and DDR5 have different electrical and physical designs, so they are not interchangeable. Use the type supported by the system.
How should RAM modules be installed for dual-channel operation?
Install matched modules in the motherboard-recommended paired slots. Consult its manual because slot labels and population order vary.
What is one key limitation of virtual memory compared with RAM?
Virtual memory uses storage to extend available memory when RAM is under pressure, but it is much slower than physical RAM.
Does an M.2 shape alone guarantee SSD compatibility?
Not necessarily. An M.2 slot may support SATA, PCIe/NVMe, or both, so check the slot's supported protocol before choosing a module.
What does RAID 0 provide, and what protection does it lack?
RAID 0 stripes data across drives for performance but provides no redundancy.
How many drive failures can RAID 5 and RAID 6 tolerate, respectively?
RAID 5 uses striping with distributed parity and can tolerate one drive failure. RAID 6 can tolerate two drive failures.
Why is RAID not a substitute for a separate backup?
No. RAID may tolerate certain drive failures, but it does not protect against every cause of data loss, such as accidental deletion or malware.
What does BIOS or UEFI do during startup?
BIOS or UEFI initializes hardware, performs POST, applies configuration, and selects a boot device during startup.
What does a USB-C connector shape not guarantee?
USB-C describes a connector shape, not a guaranteed capability. Data rate, charging, and display support depend on the device, port, and cable.
What does a laser printer's fuser do?
The fuser bonds toner to paper using heat and pressure. Toner that rubs off may indicate a fuser-related fault.