COMPUTER HARDWARE Questions and Answers pdf :-

1. What is a computer?

2. What are the different functions of a computer?

3. Draw the hierarchical classification of the computer.

4. How is a minicomputer different from a mainframe?

5. What is Super computer?

6. Differentiate Input and Output device.

7. What is a storage device? What is the common classification?

8. What do you mean by a processing device? What are the

various types of processing devices?

9. Differentiates Serial and Parallel port.

10. What is an interface?

11. What is a microprocessor?

12. What are the factors affecting the speed of the microprocessor?

13. What are the differences between Multitasking and Multiprocessing?

Multitasking- Enables the processor to do multiple programs simultaneously by fast switching through
the programs. Here doesn’t have the involvement of multiple processors.

Multiprocessing- Enables the processor to do multiple programs simultaneously by the use of multiple
processors.

14. What the difference between FSB and BSB?

Front Side Bus. Another name for the system bus. The Front
Side Bus connects the CPU to main memory. A microprocessor bus that connects the CPU to a Level
2 cache is called Back Side Bus. Typically, a backside bus runs at a faster clock speed than the Front Side
Bus.

15. What is packaging a microprocessor? What are the different packaging available?

Packaging is the process of connecting a microprocessor with a computers motherboard.

The types of microprocessor packaging

are;

a. PGA

b. SPGA

c. SECC

d. LGA

16. What is LGA ?

An LGA socket is the connection point for a central processing unit (CPU. to fit into a motherboard.
The LGA stands for Land Grid Array.

17. What is CISC and RISC?

Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC. and Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC. are two
philosophies by which computer chips are designed. RISC became a popular technology buzzword in
the 1990s, and many processors used in the enterprise business segment were RISC-based.

18. What is Intel Pentium?

The Intel Pentium is a series of microprocessors first developed

by the Intel Corporation. These types of processors have been

found in many personal computers since 1993.

19. Any difference between Pentium III and IV?

There have been a number of Pentium processor lines starting with the base Pentium in 1993.The of
the recent Pentium entries are Pentium III and Pentium 4.

a. In a Pentium III processor, the bus speed is generally 133

MHz (although there were a few with 100 MHz). The lowest bus

speed on a Pentium IV is 400 MHz, and there are versions with

much higher speeds (topping at 1066 MHz for the “extreme

edition”).

b. The Pentium 4s are smaller than the Pentium IIIs

c. Pentium III processors had (for the most part. about 512 KB

of cache. Pentium 4 processors, on the other hand, start at 512

KB.

20. What are the differences between Intel Celeron and Pentium

family of Processors?

Celeron

According to Build Gaming Computers, Celeron processors are

the low-end processor intended for standard home computer

use. SciNet reports the best Celeron processor has an L2 Cache

of 128kb, a clock speed limit of about 2.0 GHz and runs at a core

voltage of 1.75V. These are useful numbers for comparison.

Pentium

The top Pentium processor is the Pentium 4 Prescott. CPU

Scorecard reports it has an L2 cache of 1MB (1024kb), a

potential 3.0 GHz clock speed and runs at about 1.4V. The

lowest performing Pentium 4 processor, the Willamette, has an

L2 cache of 256kb, a potential 2.0 GHz clock speed and runs at

about 1.7V.

21. What is Hyper Threading? What is the use of it?

A thread of execution, or simply a “thread,” is one series of

instructions sent to the CPU. Hyper-threading is a technology

developed to help make better use of spare processing cycles.

Hyper-threaded processors have a duplicate set of registers,

small spaces of high-speed memory storage used to hold the

data that is currently needed to execute a thread. When a CPU

core is delayed, waiting for data to be retrieved from another

place in memory, it can use these duplicate registers to spend

the spare computation cycles executing a different thread. The

second set of registers will be pre-loaded with the data needed

to execute the second thread, so the CPU core can begin work

immediately

22. What is Intel Atom processor?

The Intel Atom family of processors are extremely small central

processing units (CPU. found mostly in ultraportable devices,

such as netbooks, cell phones and tablet PCs, according to Intel.

While small and light on energy use, Atom processors can

handle the most common tasks, such as email and instant

messaging.

23. What is Nehalem Architecture?

Nehalem is Intel’s new microprocessor architecture The Core i7

chips were the first processors ever produced using an

architecture called Nehalem.

24. Which is a heavy-duty Microprocessor of Intel?

Intel Xeon.

25. Which is the processor suitable from Intel family of

processors for Server and Workstation?

Intel Xeon.

26. What is full name of AMD?

Advanced Micro Devices.

27. What are the latest Processor of Intel and AMD?

For intel it is Intel Core i7 and AMD Opteron 6200 Series

processor.

28. Write socket LGA 775 is apt for which type of Intel

Processors?

The top of the line for the LGA775 series CPU socket was the
Core 2 processor series, with the Core 2 Duo E8600, Core 2

Extreme QX9770 and Core 2 Quad Q9650 being the three top

performers

29. Socket 939 is developed by AMD. It supports a maximum of

how many bits of computing? What are the the different

processors of AMD is suitable for this socket?

AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon 64FX and AMD Athlon 64 X2.

30. Which type of socket is needed to connect a dual core

processor of Intel?

Socket LGA 775.

31. What is Heat Sink? What is its use? If it is not in the system

what will happen?

A heat sink is a component used to lower the temperature of a

device.It is most commonly there on the microprocessor. If it is

not properly fixed the system, the system will shutdown

automatically to prevent further damage to the processor.

32. A CPU fan should be placed in system. Why?

To make the system cool and more functioning.

33. What is Upgrading a microprocessor? Why we have to do it?

34. Upgrading a microprocessor is just physically replacing a

processor with a new one. Before doing so we have to make sure

that the processor we want to use for your upgrade is physically

compatible with the socket on your computer’s motherboard.

We also have to make sure that the motherboard has the

internal logic to support the processor.

35. What are the causes of overheating of microprocessor?

a. Processor fan may not be properly connected.

b. Heat sink may be not contacted with the processor.

c. Jumpers may be configured to over clock the CPU.

d. Voltage supply incompatible

36. No Display. What is the problem?

a. CPU fan problem

b. Heat sink related issue

c. Power related issues

d. Improper Jumper settings

37. What is the use of Conventional memory in the system?

The size of conventional memory is 640KB. It is also called DOS

memory or Base memory. This memory is used by some small

programs like Word star, Lotus etc…DOS cannot use more than

640KB.

38. What is main memory in a computer?

The main memory in a computer is called Random Access

Memory. It is also known as RAM. This is the part of the

computer that stores operating system software, software

applications and other information for the central processing

unit (CPU. to have fast and direct access when needed to

perform tasks.

39. What is Cache memory? What is the advantage if a

processor with more cache memory you are using?

Cache memory is the memory area between RAM and Processor. If cache memory increases the speed
of the system will also improved.

40. What are the different types of RAM?

SRAM, DRAM, VRAM, SGRAM, DDR-SDRAM etc….

41. Differentiate SRAM and DRAM.

SRAM

Static RAM stores each bit of data on six metal oxide

semiconductor field effect transistors, or MOSFETs. SRAM is

used in devices that require the fastest possible data access

without requiring a high capacity. Some examples are CPU

caches and buses, hard drive and router buffers and printers.

DRAM

Dynamic RAM stores data using a paired transistor and

capacitor for each bit of data. Capacitors constantly leak

electricity, which requires the memory controller to refresh the DRAM several times a second to
maintain the data.

42. What are the different DRAM types?

FPMDRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR-SDRAM

43. What is the difference between DDR-I and DDR-II?

DDR2 is the successor to DDR RAM. DDR 2 incorporates several technological upgrades to
computer system memory, as well as an enhanced data rate.

DDR 2 is capable of achieving twice the data transfer rate of DDR-I memory because of its higher
clock speed. It operates at a lower voltage than DDR-I as well: 1.8 volts instead of 2.5.

44. Which is the latest DDR version?

Which processor of Intel will support it?The latest DDR version is DDR-III. Intel’s all latest
processors such as Core i3, i5 and i7 will support it.

45. What are VRAM and SGRAM?

VRAM is Video Random Access Memory. Video adapter or video system uses VRAM. VRAM is dual
ported. It is costly. ButSGRAM is not dual ported and not costly. It is a less expensive approach to
graphics functions. Most commonly all low cost graphics cards are using it.

46. What is the SODIMM memory module?

Small outline dual in-line memory module (SODIMM or SO-DIMM. is a type of random access
memory (RAM). It is asmaller version of a dual in-line memory module (DIMM).It is the type of the
memory module that can be used in laptop.

47. Which is the memory packaging suitable for a sub-note book system?

Micro DIMM

48. What is ECC/EPP?

EPP/ECP (Enhanced Parallel Port/Enhanced Capability Port. isa standard signaling method for
bi-directional parallel communication between a computer and peripheral devices thatoffers the
potential for much higher rates of data transfer thanthe original parallel signaling methods. EPP is for
non-printerperipherals. ECP is for printers and scanners. EPP/ECP is part of IEEE Standard 1284.
49. What is overclocking?

Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component torun at a higher clock rate.

50. What is a memory bank?

Sets of physical memory modules are referred to as memory banks. A memory bank serves as a
repository for data, allowing data to be easily entered and retrieved.

51. What we need to consider before connecting a memory to the system?

a. Capacity of the RAM required

b. Check if installed memory is supported by motherboard andprocessor

c. Form factor of the RAM

d. Type of RAM needed.

e. Warranty of the RAM

52. What is Upgrading the memory?

Adding a memory module to the existing bank on the available slot or replacing the previous one with
the increased memory size is also called upgrading memory. This will surely increase the performance
of the computer.

53. What is BIOS beep code?

What does it mean?BIOS beep codes are the signs of different issues of the computer. The beep code
may vary depending on the manufactureof BIOS. For example in case of Award BIOS the beep code
will be,1 long beep- shows memory problem1 long beep and 2 short beeps- failure of DRAM parity1
long beep and 3 short beeps- signifies Video errorContinuous beep- signifies failure in memory or
Video memory.

54. What does Solid State Drive mean?

A solid-state drive (SSD), sometimes called a solid-state disk orelectronic disk, is a data storage device
that uses solid-state memory to store data. SSDs use microchips which retain data in non-volatile
memory chips and contain no moving parts.Compared to electromechanical HDDs, SSDs are typically
less susceptible to physical shock, are silent, have lower access time and latency, but are more expensive
per gigabyte (GB).
55. What is RDRAM?

Short for RAMBUS DRAM, a type of memory (DRAM.developed by Rambus, Inc.

56. What is SIMM? Is it used now?

Acronym for Single In line Memory Module, a small circuit board that can hold a group of memory
chips. Typically, SIMMshold up to eight (on Macintoshes. or nine (on PCs. RAM chips. On PCs, the
ninth chip is often used for parity error checking.Unlike memory chips, SIMMs are measured in bytes
rather than bits.

Now a days this memory module is not used.

57. Why do we call a motherboard a motherboard?

Motherboard is the basic integrated board of the computer on which all other components are
connected. So that usually wecall motherboard a “motherboard”.

58. What is motherboard?

What are the different types of it?Motherboard is the basic integrated board of the computer on which
all other components are connected. This is classified mainly into three Desktop, Laptop and Server
motherboard.

59. What is the difference between integrated and non-integrated motherboard?In an integrated
motherboard all of the external ports will be present. But in case of a non-integrated motherboard only
some important ports will be available instead of all. The non-integrated motherboard is an old type of
motherboard which nowadays is not commonly available.

60. How a server motherboard different from a desktop? A server motherboard is different from a
desktop in features and performance. The number of processor support, RAM slots,Expansion card
slots etc…are more. For example the Intel®Server Board S5000PSL has the performance and features
for growing businesses demand. It provides excellent dataprotection, and advanced data management.
It support 64-bitMulti-Core Intel® Xeon® processor. Eight fully buffered533/667 MHz DIMMs. Up
to six SATA 3Gb/s ports.

61. What is form factor of motherboard?

The form factor of a motherboard determines the specifications for its general shape and size. It also
specifies what type of case and power supply will be supported, the placement of mounting holes, and
the physical layout and organization of the board.Form factor is especially important if you build your
own computer systems and need to ensure that you purchase thecorrect case and components.

62. What is ATX?

How it is different from AT? Which is usingnow? AT is a short for advanced technology, the AT is an
IBM PCmodel introduced in 1984. It includes an Intel 80286 microprocessor, a 1.2MB floppy drive,
and an 84-key ATkeyboard. The ATX form factor specified changes to the motherboard, along with
the case and power supply. Some of the design specification improvements of the ATX form factor
included a single 20-pin connector for the power supply, apower supply to blow air into the case
instead of out for better air flow, less overlap between the motherboard and drive bays,and integrated
I/O Port connectors soldered directly onto the motherboard. The ATX form factor was an overall
better design for upgrading.

63. What is the need of expansion slot in motherboard?

Alternatively referred to as an expansion port, an expansion slot is a slot located inside a computer on
the motherboard or riser board that allows additional boards to be connected to it.

64. What is a PCI slot? How is it different from PCI Express (PCI-E)?

Short for PERIPHERAL COMPONENT INTERCONNECT, a local bus standard developed by

Intel Corporation. PCI Express(Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), officially abbreviated as
PCIe, is a computer expansion card standard designed to replace the older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP bus
standards.

65. What is an AGP slot? What is it’s use?

The Accelerated Graphics Port (often shortened to AGP. is a high-speed point-to-point channel for
attaching a video card toa computer’s motherboard, primarily to assist in the acceleration of 3D
computer graphics. Since 2004 AGP has been progressively phased out in favor of PCI Express (PCIe).

66. What is a jumper? What is the need?

A metal bridge that closes an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits
over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards. By placing a
jumper plug over a different setof pins, you can change a board’s parameters.

67. What CMOS and CMOS battery?

Short for complementary metal oxide semiconductor.Pronounced see-moss. The CMOS chip holds
the date, time, and system setup parameters. This chip is powered by a 3Volt CMOS battery.

68. What is a chipset? A number of integrated circuits designed to perform one or more related
functions. This is one of the processing devices in a computer.

69. Explain any three Intel chipset?

a. Intel P55 Express Chipset.-Desktop PC platforms based on the Intel® P55 Express Chipset
combined with the Intel®Core™ i7-800 series processors and Intel® Core™ i5-700 series processors
create intelligent performance for faster multi-tasking, digital media creation and gaming.

b. Intel HD55 Express Chipset- a new architecture designed todeliver quality, performance, and
industry-leading I/Otechnologies on platforms powered by the Intel® Core™ i7-800, Intel® Core™
i5, and Intel® Core™ i3 processors.c. Intel E7500 Chipset- a volume chipset supports dual-processor
(DP. server systems optimized for the Intel® Xeon®processor.

70. Which is the chipset needed for Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors?

Intel Core i7 900-series uses x58 chip set and Core i7 800-series and Core i5 processors runs on P55
chipset.

71. Which is the socket used by Intel Core i7 and i5 processors?

Intel Core i7 900-series uses LGA1366 socket and Core i5CPUs–all three run on Intel’s latest P55
chipset and LGA 1156 socket.

72. What are the motherboard manufacturing companies?Intel, Gigabyte, ASUS, Mercury, HP, Acer,
Biostar, Compaq,Digital, IBM, AMI.73. Before upgrading/replacing a motherboard what you need to
consider?

a. Power Connectors

b. Memory Support

c. Hard Disk Support

d. System Case

74. Can you upgrade motherboard?

Yes
75. One system is not starting, but the fan is working. What is the problem

?76. What is Intel LGA 1155 Socket?

LGA 1155, also called Socket H2, is an Intel microprocessor compatible socket which supports Intel
Sandy Bridge and theup-coming Ivy Bridge microprocessors.LGA 1155 is designed asa replacement for
the LGA 1156 (known as Socket H).

77. What is power supply unit? A power supply unit (PSU. supplies direct current (DC. power to the
other components in a computer. It converts general-purpose alternating current (AC. electric power
from the mainsto low-voltage (for a desktop computer: 12 V, 5 V, 5VSB, 3V3, -5 V, and -12 V. DC
power for the internal components of the computer.

78. What are the different types of Form Factors of PowerSupply?

AT , ATX, Flex ATX, Micro ATX etc…

79. What is NLX?

NLX (New Low Profile Extended. was a form factor proposed by Intel and developed jointly with
IBM, DEC.

80. What is Switching Mode Power Supply? A switched-mode power supply (switching-mode power
supply,SMPS, or simply switcher. is an electronic power supply that incorporates a switching regulator
in order to be highly efficient in the conversion of electrical power. Like other types of power supplies,
an SMPS transfers power from a source like the electrical power grid to a load (e.g., a personal
computer. while converting voltage and current characteristics. An SMPS is usually employed to
efficiently provide a regulated output voltage, typically at a level different from the input voltage.

81. What is the use of a Molex Power connector?

Molex is a four pin power connector found in SMPS. It is used tosupply power to HDD, CD Drive,
DVD Drive etc…

82. What is Berg (mini Molex. connector is used to….

To provide power to Floppy Disk Drive.

83. What are the different color cables found in Molex Connector?
What is the Power of it .-12V –Blue, -5V –White, 0V –Black, +3.3V –Orange, +5V –Red,+12V
–Yellow.

84. What are the methods used in a system for cooling?

a. Large System Case

b. Arrangement of Internal Components

c. Keeping the System Clean.

d. Proper Working of the System Case Fan.

85. Power supply fan is not working and it emits a lot of sound. What will the probable cause?

Most of the time this issue arises due to lots of dust accumulated on the fan motor.

86. What is the capacity of a Floppy Disk?

1.44MB

87. Which is the medium used in a floppy for storing data?

Magnetic Media.

88. What is write protected notch in a floppy? What is its use?

This is a switch used to eliminate the accidental deletion of data from the floppy.

89. How many tracts and sectors found in a normal floppy dick?

80 tracks and 18 sectors.

90. Which is the file system of a floppy disk?FAT91. How can you format a floppy? What is happening
if you do so?

Insert the floppy to the system and open my computer. There we can find the icon. Just right click and
select the format option.Otherwise we can use the format command . Formatting a floppy will create
sectors and tracks on the floppy.

92. System is not showing floppy disk drive icon in Mycomputer. What will the probable cause?
The device is not detected or disabled.

93. I have inserted a new floppy disk into my drive. The data can be read. But not able to make
modifications. Why?

The disk may be in write protected mode.

94. What is HDD?

What are the different types available in the market now? A hard disk drive (HDD; also hard drive or
hard disk. is a non- volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. Itis the secondary
storage media. There are different types of harddisk, based on the interfaces they used we can classify
them as IDE, SATA, SCSI etc…

95. What is SATA?

Serial ATA (SATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment.is a computer bus interface for
connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives. Serial
ATA was designed to replace the older parallel ATA (PATA. standard (often called by the old name
IDE), offering several advantages over the older interface: reduced cable size and cost (7 conductors
instead of 40), native hot swapping,faster data transfer through higher signaling rates, and more
efficient transfer through an (optional. I/O queuing protocol.

96. In Speed how SATA is different from IDE?

SATA- Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA. is high speed serial interface designed to
replace IDE and EIDE drive standard SATA has a seven pin connector. SATA transfer speedof data up
to 600 MB per second. Now a day use SATA.IDE- Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE. it has a 40/80
pin connector. IDE transfer speed of data up to 100/133 MB per second few time ago mostly use IDE.

97. What is eSATA?

External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or eSATA isan external interface for SATA
technologies. eSATA cables are narrow and can be up to 6.56 feet (2 meters. in length. eSATA requires
its own power connector. It is still an excellent choice for external disk storage.

98. What is SCSI? Is the SCSI Hard Disk needed for a home purpose?SCSI is Small Computer System
Interface , is a type of interface used for computer components such as hard drives, optical drives,
scanners and tape drives. SCSI is a faster, more robust technology than IDE and SATA, and has
traditionally been utilized in servers. Aside from speed, another great advantage over IDE and SATA is
that the SCSI card can connect 15 or more devices in a daisy chain. The controller assigns each device
its own SCSI ID, allowing for great flexibility towards expanding any system. It is more costly. It is not
needed for a home purpose.

99. Is there a USB HDD? If yes, what is the speed?

Yes.

If your HDD is based on USB 3.0 it can offer a maximum transmission speed of up to 5 Gbit/s (640
MB/s), which is over 10 times faster than USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s, or 60 MB/s).

100. What is IEEE 1394 Interface?

The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard for high-speed communications. The
interface is also known by the brand names of FireWire (Apple), i.LINK (Sony), and Lynx(Texas
Instruments). IEEE 1394 replaced parallel SCSI in many applications, because of lower
implementation costs and simplified, more adaptable cabling system. The original release of IEEE
1394-1995 specified what is now known as FireWire400. It can transfer data between devices at 100,
200, or 400 Mbit/s. EEE 1394c-2006 was published on June 8, 2007 that provides 800 Mbit