ITCNA

Chapter 1
Installing Motherboards and
Connectors
Installing motherboards and
connectors: Objectives
• Explain cable type and connectors
• Install and configure motherboards
• Explain legacy cable types
Explain cable type and
connectors
• Personal Computers
• The components of a personal computer (PC) are divided between
those that are designed to be handled by the user—peripheral
devices—and those that would be damaged or dangerous if
exposed.
• Peripheral devices typically perform the function of input
(keyboard, mouse, microphone, and camera), output (monitor
and speakers), or external storage.
• The system case/chassis houses the internal components. These
include the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), system
memory modules, adapter cards, fixed disks, and power supply
unit.
• Most cases use a tower form factor that is designed to be oriented
vertically and can be placed on a desk or on the floor.
Explain cable type and
connectors
• Personal Computers
• To perform PC maintenance, you must understand how to open a
desktop computer’s case.
• A tower case has a side cover that can be removed by sliding the panel
from its housing.
• Cases might be secured by screws or retaining clips and might have
anti-tamper security mechanisms.
• Always refer to the system documentation and follow the
recommended steps.
• The front panel provides access to the removable media drives, a
power on/off switch, and light- emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate drive
operation.
• The front cover can be removed but may require the side panel to be
removed first to access the screws or clips that secure it.
Explain cable type and
connectors
• Personal Computers
• The rear panel provides access to the power supply unit (PSU) sockets.
• The PSU has an integral fan exhaust. Care should be taken that it is not
obstructed, as this will adversely affect cooling.
• There may be an additional case fan.
• Below the PSU, there is a cut out aligned with the motherboard’s input/output
(I/O) ports. These allow for the connection of peripheral devices.
• At the bottom of the rear panel there are cut out slots aligned with the position
of adapter card slots to allow cables to be connected to any I/O ports on the
cards.
• These slots should either be covered by an adapter card, or a metal strip known
as a blanking plate.
• Uncovered slots can disrupt the proper flow of air around components in the
PC and cause overheating and increase the amount of dust in the system.
Explain cable type and
connectors
• Peripheral Devices
• An input/output (I/O) port allows a
device to be connected to the PC via a
peripheral cable.
• Some ports are designed for a
particular type of device, such as a
graphics port to connect a monitor.
• Other ports support a variety of
device types.
• External ports are positioned at the
rear or front of the PC through cut
outs in the case.
• They can be provided on the
motherboard or as an expansion card.
Explain cable type and
connectors
• Interfaces, Ports, and Connectors
• A hardware port is the external connection point for a particular
type of bus interface.
• A bus allows the transfer of data to and from devices.
• The connector is the part of a peripheral cable that can be
inserted into a port with the same shape or form factor.
• Each bus interface type might use multiple connector form
factors.
• Most connectors and ports now use edge contacts and either
have an asymmetric design called keying to prevent them from
being inserted the wrong way around or are reversible.
Explain cable type and
connectors
Binary Data Storage and Transfer Units
• When comparing bus interfaces, it is important to use appropriate
units. Computers process binary data.
• Each binary digit or bit (b) can have the value one or zero.
• Storage is often measured in multiples of eight bits, referred to as
a byte (B).
• A lowercase “b” unit refers to a bit, while uppercase means a byte.
• Transfer rates are expressed in units per second of the following
multiples of bits and bytes:
• 1000—Kilobits (Kb/s or Kbps) and kilobytes (KB/s and KBps).
• 1000x1000—Megabits (Mb/s) or megabytes (MB/s).
• 1000x1000x1000—Gigabits (Gb/s) and gigabytes (GB/s).
Explain cable type and
connectors
Universal Serial Bus Cables
• The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the standard means of
connecting most types of peripheral device to a computer.
• USB peripheral device functions are divided into classes, such as
human interface (keyboards and mice), mass storage (disk drives),
printer, audio device, and so on.
• A USB is managed by a host controller.
• Each host controller supports multiple ports attached to the same
bus.
• In theory, there could be up to 127 connected devices per
controller, but to overcome the limitations of sharing bandwidth,
most PC motherboards provision multiple USB controllers, each of
which has three or four ports.
Explain cable type and
connectors
Universal Serial Bus Cables
USB Standards
• There have been several iterations of the USB standard.
• Each version introduces better data rates.
• A version update may also define new connector form factors and
other improvements.
Explain cable type and
connectors
USB Connector Types
The connector form factors specified in USB 2 are as
follows:
• Type A
• For connection to the host and some types of peripheral device.
• The connector and port are shaped like flat rectangles.
• The connector should be inserted with the USB symbol facing up.
• Type B
• For connection to large devices such as printers.
• The connector and port are square, with a beveled top.
Explain cable type and
connectors
USB Connector Types
The connector form factors specified in USB 2 are as follows:
• Type B Mini
• A smaller peripheral device connector.
• This type of connector was seen on early digital cameras but is no
longer widely used.
• Type B Micro
• An updated connector for smaller devices, such as smartphones and
tablets.
• The micro connector is distinctively flatter than the older mini type
of connector.
Explain cable type and
connectors
USB Connector Types
• Cable Length
• The maximum cable length for Low Speed devices is 3 m, while for
Full Speed and High Speed the limit is 5 m.
• Vendors may provide longer cables, however.
• Although SuperSpeed-capable cables do not have an official
maximum length, up to about 3 m is recommended.
• Power
• As well as a data signal, the bus can supply power to the
connected device.
• Most USB Type A and Type C ports can be used to charge the
battery in a connected device.
Explain cable type and
connectors
HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables
• The USB interface supports many types of devices, but it has not
traditionally been used for video. As video has high bandwidth
demands, it is typically provisioned over a dedicated interface.
• Video cable bandwidth is determined by two main factors:
• The resolution of the image, measured in horizontal pixels by
vertical pixels. For example, 1920x1200 is the typical format of
high-definition (HD) video and 3840x2160 is typical of 4K video.
• The speed at which the image is redrawn, measured in hertz (Hz)
or frames per second (fps).
Explain cable type and
connectors
HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables
• High-Definition Multimedia Interface
• The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the most widely
used video interface.
• It is ubiquitous on consumer electronics, such as televisions, games
consoles, and Blu-ray players as well as on monitors designed for use
with PCs.
• HDMI supports both video and audio, plus remote control and digital
content protection (HDCP).
• Updates to the original HDMI specification have introduced support
for high resolutions, such as 4K and 8K, and gaming features, such as
the ability to vary the monitor refresh rate to match the frame rate of
the video source.
• There are full-size (Type A), mini (Type C), and micro (Type D)
connectors, all of which are beveled to ensure correct orientation.
Explain cable type and
connectors
DisplayPort Interface
• HDMI was developed by consumer electronics companies and
requires a royalty to use.
• DisplayPort was developed as a royalty-free standard by the Video
Electronics Standards Association (VESA), which is an organization
that represents PC graphics adapter and display technology
companies.
• DisplayPort supports similar features to HDMI, such as 4K, audio,
and content protection.
• There are full-size DP++ and MiniDP/mDP port and connector
types, which are keyed against incorrect orientation.
Explain cable type and
connectors
Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables
• Although the Thunderbolt and Lightning interfaces are most closely
associated with Apple computers and mobile devices, Thunderbolt is
increasingly implemented on Windows and Linux PCs too.
• Thunderbolt Interface
• Thunderbolt can be used as a display interface like DisplayPort or
HDMI and as a general peripheral interface like USB.
• Thunderbolt versions 1 and 2 use the same physical interface as
MiniDP and are compatible with DisplayPort so that a monitor with a
DisplayPort port can be connected to a computer via a Thunderbolt
port and a suitable adapter cable.
• Thunderbolt ports are distinguished from MiniDP by a lightning
bolt/flash icon. Version 2 of the standard supports links of up to 20
Gbps.
• Like DisplayPort multiple monitors can be connected to a single port
by daisy- chaining.
Explain cable type and
connectors
Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables
• Although the Thunderbolt and Lightning interfaces are most closely
associated with Apple computers and mobile devices, Thunderbolt is
increasingly implemented on Windows and Linux PCs too.
• Thunderbolt Interface
• Thunderbolt can be used as a display interface like DisplayPort or
HDMI and as a general peripheral interface like USB.
• Thunderbolt versions 1 and 2 use the same physical interface as
MiniDP and are compatible with DisplayPort so that a monitor with a
DisplayPort port can be connected to a computer via a Thunderbolt
port and a suitable adapter cable.
• Thunderbolt ports are distinguished from MiniDP by a lightning
bolt/flash icon. Version 2 of the standard supports links of up to 20
Gbps.
• Like DisplayPort multiple monitors can be connected to a single port
by daisy- chaining.
Explain cable type and
connectors
Lightning Interface
• Apple’s iPhone and iPad mobile devices use a proprietary
Lightning port and connector.
• The Lightning connector is reversible.
• The Lightning port is found only on Apple’s mobile devices.
• To connect such a device to a PC, you need a suitable adapter
cable, such as Lightning-to-USB A or Lightning-to-USB C.
Explain cable type and
connectors
SATA Hard Drive Cables
• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is the standard
means of connecting internal storage drives within a desktop PC.
SATA uses cables of up to 1 m (39 in.) terminated with compact 7-
pin connectors. Each SATA host adapter port supports a single
device.
• The 7-pin data connector does not supply power. A separate 15-
pin SATA power connector is used to connect the device to the
PC’s power supply.
• The first commercially available SATA standard supported speeds
of up to 150 MBps. This standard was quickly augmented by SATA
revision 2 (300 MBps) and then SATA revision 3 (600 MBps).
Explain cable type and
connectors
Molex Power Connectors
• Internal storage device data cables
are unpowered.
• While the SATA power connector is
the best option for new devices,
legacy components connect to the
power supply unit (PSU) via a
Molex connector.
• A Molex connector is usually white
or clear plastic and has 4 pins.
• The colour coding of the wire
insulation represents the DC
voltage: red (5 VDC), yellow (12
VDC), and black (ground).
Explain cable type and
connectors
• External SATA
• There is also an external SATA (eSATA) standard for the
attachment of peripheral drives, with a 2 m (78 in.) cable.
• You must use an eSATA cable to connect to an external eSATA
port; you cannot use an internal SATA cable.
• eSATAp is a nonstandard powered port used by some vendors
that is compatible with both USB and SATA (with an eSATAp
cable).
• The USB interface dominates the external drive market,
however.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Functions
• All computer software and data are processed by using the ones
and zeroes of binary code. Software works by running instructions
in the central processing unit (CPU). This can be referred to as the
compute or processing function of a PC.
• Instructions and data also require storage. The CPU can only store
a limited number of instructions internally at any one time.
Additional storage for running programs and open data files is
provided through system memory. This random-access memory
(RAM) storage technology is nonpersistent. Nonpersistent means
that the RAM devices can only hold data when the PC is powered
on. Mass storage devices are used to preserve data when the
computer is turned off.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Functions
• These processing and storage components are connected by bus
interfaces implemented on the motherboard. The instructions and
data are stored using transistors and capacitors and transmitted
between components over the bus using electrical signals.
• The motherboard’s system clock synchronizes the operation of all
parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU.
• Clock speeds are measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz
(GHz). Clock multipliers take the timing signal produced by the
generator and apply a multiplication factor to produce different
timing signals for different types of buses. This means that one
type of bus can work at a different speed (or frequency) to
another type of bus.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Functions
• The type of motherboard influences system speed and the range
of system devices and adapter cards that can be installed or
upgraded.
• There are many motherboard manufacturers, including AOpen
(Acer), ASRock, ASUSTek, Biostar, EVGA Corporation, Gigabyte,
Intel, and MSI.
• Each motherboard is designed to support a particular range of
CPUs.
• PC CPUs are principally manufactured by Intel and Advanced
Micro Devices (AMD).
Install and configure
motherboards
• Electrical Safety and ESD
• When you open the case to perform upgrades or troubleshooting,
you must follow proper operational procedures to ensure your
safety and minimize the risk of damaging components.
• Electrical Safety
• When working with a PC, you must ensure your own safety. This
means that the PC must be disconnected from the power supply
before opening the case. Additionally, hold the power button for a
few seconds after disconnecting the power cord to ensure that all
internal components are drained of charge. Do not attempt to
disassemble components that are not field repairable, such as the
power supply.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Electrostatic Discharge
• You need to use tools and procedures that minimize the risk of
damage to the sensitive electronic components used inside the
PC.
• Components such as the CPU, system RAM, adapter cards, and the
motherboard itself are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• This is where a static charge stored on your clothes or body is
suddenly released into a circuit by touching it.
• Handle components by their edges or plastic parts, and ideally,
use an anti-ESD wrist strap and other protective equipment and
procedures.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard CPU and System Memory Connectors
• All motherboards have a variety of connector types and socket
types for the system devices: CPU, memory, fixed disk drives, and
adapter cards.
Install and configure
motherboards
• CPU Sockets
• New motherboards are generally released to support the latest CPU models.
• Most PC CPUs are manufactured by Intel and AMD, and these vendors use
different socket designs. Because CPU technology changes rapidly, a given
motherboard will only support a limited number of processor models.
• The CPU socket has a distinctive square shape. When the CPU has been
installed, it is covered by a heat sink and fan.
• The function of the CPU is supported by the motherboard’s chipset.
• This consists of controllers that handle the transfer of data between the CPU
and various devices.
• The chipset is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
• The type of chipset on the motherboard determines the choice of processor;
the type and maximum amount of RAM; and support for integrated
interfaces/ports, such as video, sound, and networking.
• Interfaces that are not supported by the chipset can be installed or upgraded as
an adapter card.
Install and configure
motherboards
• System Memory Slots
• System memory uses a type of memory technology called random-access memory
(RAM).
• Program code is loaded into RAM so that it can be accessed and executed by the
processor.
• RAM also holds data, such as the contents of a spreadsheet or document, while it is
being modified.
• System RAM is volatile; it loses its contents when power is removed.
• System RAM is normally packaged as a dual inline memory module (DIMM) fitted to a
motherboard slot.
• A DIMM slot has catches at either end, is located close to the CPU socket, and is
numbered and often color-coded.
• There are successive generations of RAM technologies, such as DDR3, DDR4, and
DDR5.
• A DIMM form factor is specific to a particular DDR version.
• A label next to the slots should identify the type of DIMMs supported.
• The capabilities of the memory controller and number of physical slots determine
how much memory can be fitted.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Storage Connectors
• One or more fixed disks installed inside the PC case provide
persistent storage for the operating system, software programs,
and data files.
• Fixed disks use either solid state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive
(HDD) technology.
• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment Interface
• The motherboard will contain several Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment (SATA) ports to connect one or more fixed drives.
• SATA can also be used to connect removable drives, such as tape
drives and optical drives (DVD/Blu-ray).
• SATA devices are installed to a drive bay in the chassis and then
connected to a data port via a cable and to the power supply via a
SATA power or Molex connector.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Storage Connectors
• M.2 Interface
• An SSD can be provisioned in an adapter card form factor.
• These often use an M.2 interface.
• An M.2 port is oriented horizontally.
• The adapter card is inserted at an angle and then pushed into
place and secured with a screw.
• M.2 adapters can be different lengths (42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or
110 mm), so you should check that any given adapter will fit on
your motherboard.
• Labels indicate the adapter sizes supported. M.2 supplies power
over the bus, so there is no need for a separate power cable.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Storage Connectors
• External SATA Interface
• There is also an external SATA (eSATA) standard for the
attachment of external drives, with a 2 m (78 in.) cable.
• You must use an eSATA cable to connect to an external eSATA port;
you cannot use an internal SATA cable.
• eSATAp is a nonstandard powered port used by some vendors that
is compatible with both USB and SATA (with an eSATAp cable).
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Adapter Connectors
• Expansion slots accept plug-in adapter cards to extend the range
of functions the computer can perform. There are two main types
of expansion slot interface.
• Peripheral Component Interconnect Express Interface
• The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus is the
mainstream interface for modern adapter cards. It uses point-to-
point serial communications, meaning that each component can
have a dedicated link to any other component.
• Each point-to-point connection is referred to as a link. Each link
can make use of one or more lanes. The raw transfer rate of each
lane depends on the PCIe version supported. Transfer rates are
measured in giga transfers per second (GT/s). Throughput in GB/s
is the rate achieved after loss through encoding is accounted for.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Adapter Connectors
• Peripheral Component Interconnect Interface
• Computers can support more than one expansion bus, often to
support older technologies.
• Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is a legacy bus type,
having been superseded by PCI Express.
• PCIe is software compatible with PCI, meaning that PCI ports can
be included on a PCIe motherboard to support legacy adapter
cards, but PCI cards cannot be fitted into PCIe slots.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Form Factors
• The motherboard form factor describes its shape, layout, and the
type of case and power supply that can be used, plus the number
of adapter cards that can be installed.
• Advanced Technology eXtended Form Factor
• The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) specification is the
standard form factor for most desktop PC motherboards and
cases.
• Full-size ATX boards are 12 inches wide by 9.6 inches deep (or 305
mm x 244 mm).
• An ATX board can contain up to seven expansion slots.
• The Micro-ATX (mATX) standard specifies a 9.6-inch (244 mm x
244 mm) square board.
• mATX boards can have a maximum of four expansion slots.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Form Factors
• Information Technology eXtended Form Factor
• Small form factor (SFF) PCs are popular as home machines and for
use as mini servers. SFF PCs often use Via’s Mini-ITX (Information
Technology Extended) form factor.
• Mini-ITX is 6.7 inches (170 mm x 170 mm) square with one
expansion slot. These are designed for small cases but do note
that most mini-ITX boards can be mounted in ATX cases.
• There are also smaller nano-, pico-, and mobile-ITX form factors,
but these are used for embedded systems and portables, rather
than PCs.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Installation
• The motherboard is attached to the case by using standoffs. These
hold the motherboard firmly and ensure no other part of it
touches the case. The standoffs are positioned in holes that line
up in the same position in the case and the motherboard if they
use compatible form factors
• The general procedure for installing a motherboard is as follows:
1. Use the motherboard documentation to familiarize yourself with
the specific installation procedure. Check whether any jumper
clips need to be adjusted. A jumper is placed over header pins in
a particular orientation
2. Orient the board to the oblong I/O cutout at the rear of the case.
Prepare the motherboard I/O blanking plate in the correct
orientation by removing caps so that USB, audio, and video ports
will be uncovered when the board is fitted. Fit the blanking plate
to the case by snapping it into the cutout.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Installation
3. Insert standoffs into the case to match the hole locations on the
motherboard. Standoffs are usually threaded, though older cases
might use push-down pegs. There might be a guide standoff
attached to the case or all standoffs might come preinstalled. Make
sure that corners, long edges, and the center of the board will be
supported. Do not add standoffs where there is no corresponding
hole in the motherboard.
4. Optionally, add the CPU and memory modules to the
motherboard before installing the board in the case.
5. Check the alignment and standoff location again and verify that
each standoff is secure. If everything is correct, place the
motherboard on the standoffs.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Installation
6. Secure each standoff using the appropriate screw type. Make sure
that the board is firm and stable, but do not overtighten the
screws or you risk cracking the board.
7. To complete PC installation, add the power and disk devices to the
case, install any addon adapter cards to the motherboard, and
install the data and power connectors.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors
• In addition to slots and sockets for system devices, motherboards also include
connectors for components such as case buttons, speakers, and fans.
• Headers
• Components on the front and rear panels of the case connect to headers on the
motherboard:
• Power button (soft power)—Sends a signal that can be interpreted by the OS as
a command to shut down rather than switching the PC off. Holding down the
power button for a few seconds will cut the power, however.
• Drive (HDD) activity lights—Show when an internal hard disk is being accessed.
• Audio ports—Allow speakers and/or headphones and a microphone to be
• connected to the computer.
• USB ports—Internal USB 2 connections are made via 9-pin headers, which
accept up to two 4-pin port connections (the 9th pin is to orient the cable
correctly). USB 3 headers use a 2x10 format and can be cabled to two ports.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors
• Power Connectors
• The motherboard also contains various connection points for the
power supply and fans.
• The main P1 motherboard power connector is a distinctive 2-pin x
12-pin block with square pin receptacles.
• Fan connectors are 3- or 4-pin Molex KK format.
• There will be one for the CPU and one or more for the case fans
and components such as memory and video adapters.
• 4-pin fan connectors support precise fan-speed control via a pulse
width modulation (PWM) signal carried by the blue wire.
• 3-pin fans are controlled by varying the voltage.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Video Cards and Capture Cards
• An expansion card adds functions
or ports that are not supported by
the integrated features of the
motherboard.
• An expansion card can be fitted to
an appropriate PCIe or PCI slot.
• Some of the main types of
expansion card are sound, video,
capture, and network.
• Video Cards
• The video card (or graphics
adapter) generates the signal to
drive a monitor or projector.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Video Cards and Capture Cards
Video cards are distinguished by the following features:
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)—A microprocessor designed and
optimized for processing instructions that render 2-D and 3-D
images and effects on-screen. The basic test for a GPU is the frame
rate it can produce for a particular game
or application. Other performance characteristics include support for
levels of texture and lighting effects.
• Graphics memory—3-D cards need a substantial amount of
memory for processing and texture effects. A dedicated card may be
fitted with up to 12 GB GDDR RAM at the high end; around 4–6 GB
would be more typical of current mid-range performance cards.
Low-end cards use shared memory (that is, the adapter uses the
system RAM). Some cards may use a mix of dedicated and shared
memory.
• Video ports—The type and number of connectors, such as HDMI,
DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Sound Cards
• Audio playback is achieved
via speakers or headphones,
which are connected to a
sound card via an audio jack.
• Sound cards are also used to
record input from a
microphone.
• Most audio jacks are 3.5 mm
(1⁄8 inch) mono or stereo
jacks. These are also referred
to as phone plugs or mini tip,
ring, sleeve (TRS) connectors.
Install and configure
motherboards
• Network Interface Cards
• Most computers have an
Ethernet network adapter
already installed as part of
the motherboard chipset.
• A Wi-Fi adapter can be
added to connect to a
wireless network.
• Wi-Fi adapters are
developed to different
802.11 standards.
• There are also cards that
can connect to cellular data
networks.
Explain legacy cable types
• DVI and VGA Video Cables
• The HDMI and DisplayPort video interfaces only support digital flat-
panel displays.
• Older video interfaces were used when computer monitors and
projectors were predominantly of the cathode ray tube (CRT) type,
driven by an analog signal.
• Digital Visual Interface
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is designed to support both analog and
digital outputs. While popular for a period after its introduction in
1999, DVI is no longer in active development. You are only likely to
encounter DVI on older display devices and video cards.
• There are five types of DVI, supporting different configurations for
single and dual link (extra bandwidth) and analog/digital output
signaling. The pin configuration of the connectors identifies what type
of DVI is supported by a particular port.
Explain legacy cable types
• DVI and VGA Video Cables
• Video Graphics Array Interface
• The 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) port was the standard
analog video interface for PC devices for a very long time.
• Up until a few years ago, most video cards and monitors included
a VGA port, though it is starting to be phased out completely now.
• VGA will usually support resolutions up to HD (1920x1080),
depending on cable quality.
• The connector is a D-shell type with screws to secure it to the
port.
Explain legacy cable types
• Small Computer System Interface
• Modern bus interfaces such as USB and Thunderbolt use serial
communications.
• These serial links can achieve Mbps and Gbps speeds through the
use of improved signaling and encoding methods.
• Back when serial interfaces were much slower, PC vendors used
parallel data transmission to support better transfer rates.
• While a serial interface essentially transfers 1 bit at a time, a
parallel interface transfers 8 bits (1 byte) or more.
• This requires more wires in the cable and more pins in the
connectors, meaning parallel interfaces are bulky.
Explain legacy cable types
• Small Computer System Interface
• Small computer system interface (SCSI) is one example of a legacy
parallel bus.
• One SCSI host bus adapter (HBA) can control multiple devices
attached by internal ribbon cables or external SCSI cables.
• The SCSI standard also defines a command language that allows
the host adapter to identify which devices are connected to the
bus and how they are accessed.
• SCSI could be used for both internal devices and external
peripherals, such as scanners and printers, but you are now
unlikely to find it used for any purpose other than the connection
of internal hard disk drives.
Explain legacy cable types
• Integrated Drive Electronics Interface
• The integrated drive electronics (IDE) interface was the principal mass
storage interface for desktop PCs for many years.
• The interface is also referred to as parallel advanced technology
attachment (PATA).
• The extended IDE (EIDE) bus interface uses 16-bit parallel data
transfers.
• A motherboard supporting IDE may come with one or two host
adapters, called the IDE1 channel and the IDE2 channel.
• These may also be labelled primary (PRI IDE) and secondary (SEC IDE).
• A single IDE channel is now more typical if the motherboard also
supports SATA.
• Each IDE channel supports two devices, 0 and 1.
Explain legacy cable types
• Integrated Drive Electronics Interface
• An EIDE cable typically has three color-coded connectors.
• The blue connector is for the motherboard port.
• The black (end) and grey (middle) connectors attach to devices 0
and 1 respectively.
• When inserting a connector, pin 1 on the cable must be oriented
with pin 1 on the port.
• On the cable, pin 1 is identified with a red stripe.
• The connectors are also keyed to prevent them from being
inserted the wrong way around.
Explain legacy cable types
• Serial Cables
• The serial port is a legacy connection interface where data is
transmitted over one wire one bit at a time.
• Start, stop, and parity bits are used to format and verify data
transmission.
• Serial ports are generally associated with connecting external
modems, used to establish dial-up Internet connections, though
even this function has largely been superseded by USB.
Explain legacy cable types
• Adapter Cables
• Given the numerous cable types and connector types, it will often
be the case that a basic peripheral cable will not provide a
connection between a port available on the PC and the port used
on the peripheral device.
• An adapter cable can often be used to overcome this issue.
• An adapter cable has connectors for two different cable types at
each end.
• An active adapter uses circuitry to convert the signal, while a
passive adapter simply converts between two connector form
factors.
Explain legacy cable types
• Adapter Cables
• The following types of adapter cable are typical:
• Video adapters convert between signaling types, such as HDMI to
VGA, HDMI to DisplayPort, or HDMI to DVI.
• USB adapters to convert connector types, such as USB-C to USB-A.
There are also USB hubs that provide additional ports.
• USB adapters to various kinds of output, including Lightning and
HDMI.
End of Chapter 1.

• Lecturer to complete group discussions in