Question 1

Which cache has the fastest data retrieval time and why?
A)L1 cache is the fastest because it is the smallest.
B)L2 cache is the fastest because it is bigger than the L1 cache.
C)L1 cache is the fastest because it is on the CPU.
D)L2 cache is the fastest because it is on a separate chipset.

Accepted Answer

The ability to quickly retrieve data from the CPU cache is dependent on the size of the cache and not its location. L1 is the smallest and therefore the fastest.
Key Takeaway: By loading frequently used bits of data into the L1 cache, the computer can process requests faster. Most computers also have L2 and L3 caches, which are slower than L1 caches but faster than random access memory (RAM).

Question 2

Which of the following are Intel and AMD hexa-core CPUs? Choose two.
A)Intel Core i7-980X
B)AMD Phenom II X2 545
C)Intel Pentium D 940
D)AMD Athalon64 FX-62

Accepted Answer

The Intel Core i7-980X and the AMD Phenom II X2 545 are both hexa-core processors.
Key Takeaway: The core is the part of the processor that actually performs the reading and executing of instructions. A multi-core processor is a single component with two or more independent actual processors. A hexa-core processor has six cores.

Question 3

You need to upgrade the memory on a computer with a 64-bit data bus that runs an automated program. You are able to upgrade the computer using a single stick of DRAM. How is this possible?
A)The computer has SO DIMM slots.
B)The computer has SIMM slots.
C)The computer has DIMM slots.
D)The computer has RIMM slots.

Accepted Answer

DIMM slots only require a single stick (memory) upgrade on 64-bit computers.
Key Takeaway: The 64-bit data bus into a DIMM slot is the difference. SIMM modules only have a 32-bit bus and would require two sticks for the 64-bit bus on a computer.

Question 4

The Technology Department needs a computer that runs different operating systems, or at least different versions of the same operating system. Which multiprocessing solution do you recommend?
A)Bound multiprocessing (BMP)
B)Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
C)Asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP)
D)Homogenous multiprocessing (HMP)

Accepted Answer

Asymmetric multiprocessing most closely meets the requirements.
Key Takeaway: AMP offers a heterogeneous mode to run different operating systems or different versions of the same operating system.

Question 5

As you are replacing a failed PCI NIC card, the customer wants you to use a newer PCI Express card as the replacement. He heard he would receive faster network and Internet speeds. What do you tell the client?
A)A PCI Express card will greatly increase network and Internet speeds.
B)The PCI and PCI Express cards are not compatible and cannot use the same slots.
C)The PCI and PCI Express cards are compatible and can use the same slots.

Accepted Answer

PCI and PCI Express are not compatible standards. PCI cards use parallel data transfers, and PCI Express use serial communications.
Key Takeaway: PCI and PCI Express card slots are not compatible, and PCI Express would not significantly improve network and Internet speeds.

Question 6

You've been given two memory modules, each with 184 pins and possessing heat spreaders. What type of slot will accept these modules?
A)SIMM slots
B)SODIMM slots
C)DIMM slots
D)SDIMM slots

Accepted Answer

The modules described are DDR SDRAM modules and will fit in a DIMM slot.
Key Takeaway: Direct Rambus DRAM modules, which were proprietary memory modules produced by Rambus in the 1990s was the original 184-pin memory module and used the RIMM slow, a proprietary form of DIMM. RDRAM is no longer supported on any modern mainstream computer architecture.

Question 7

A manager's assistant wants to purchase an external hard drive that has a storage capacity of or near 500 GB and that can connect to computers using a wide variety of interfaces. For which of the following interface types is the assistant likely to find a compatible external hard drive? Choose three.
A)USB 2.0
B)Fire Wire 400
C)ATA/IDE
D)eSATA

Accepted Answer

While USB is the most common interface for external drives, FireWire- and eSATA-compatible external drives can also be found.
Key Takeaway: External SATA (eSATA) drives are a recently-developed (2004) type of SATA drive used for external connectivity. Most external hard-disk-drive cases with FireWire or USB interfaces have either PATA or SATA drives and use "bridges" to translate between the drives' interfaces and the enclosures' external (USB or FireWire) ports. This bridging incurs some inefficiency. While an eSATA interface connection may be faster, few devices have eSATA connectors.

Question 8

Which of the following combinations of components can deliver the best performance on a computer?
A)PCI for sound card; AGP for the video card
B)ISA for the sound card; PCI for the video card
C)AGP for the sound card; PCI for the video card
D)PCI for both cards.

Accepted Answer

Of the combinations given here, PCI for a sound card and AGP for a video card delivers the best performance. PCI supports a maximum bus speed of 133 MB/s on a shared bandwidth. AGP supports a 1.066 GB/s speed on a dedicated bandwidth.
Key Takeaway: A motherboard with AGP slots and 2-3 PCI slots is preferred. AGP cards can be used to obtain optimal video performance, and PCI cards can be used for other additional purposes like TV, audio, and network connections.

Question 9

While installing a new power supply, you notice the connector on the power supply cable has 20 pins and the power connector on the motherboard has 24 pins. Is this okay?
A)This is not a problem because the motherboard is using a proprietary ATX power supply and the four extra pins are used for redundant grounding.
B)This may work, but this is taking a chance.
C)No, the power supply will not work.

Accepted Answer

Sometimes this will work, but success if not guaranteed.
Key Takeaway: It's best to stick with a power supply and power supply connection that are specifically made to work with the motherboard. Also, pins 21-23 provide +5V each, and pin 24 acts as a ground.

Question 10

The Customer Service Department manager is looking to upgrade his 32-bit processor machines with AMD Athlon 64-bit processors. The manager wants to know if his 32-bit applications (like the 32-bit Windows XP Professional) will run on the 64-bit hardware. What do you tell the manager?
A)The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is backward compatible with 32-bit software but not 32-bit operating systems.
B)The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is backward compatible with 32-bit operating systems but not 32-bit software.
C)The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is not backward compatible with 32-bit operating systems or software.
D)The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is backward compatible with 32-bit operating systems and software.

Accepted Answer

The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is completely backward compatible with 32-bit operating systems and software.
Key Takeaway: Because of the 64-bit processor architecture, a 32-bit operating system will run more efficiently on a 64-bit processor than when using a 32-bit CPU.

Question 11

The Accounting Department needs to create an exact copy of the data from disk 1 onto disk 2. What level of RAID do you use?
A)RAID 5
B)RAID 0
C)RAID 1
D)RAID does not provide this duplication option.

Accepted Answer

RAID (redundant array of independent disks) Level 1 will write the identical data from a disk to one or more other disks.
Key Takeaway: In RAID 1, identical data may be written to multiple disks. RAID Level 1 is also called mirroring without parity or striping.

Question 12

How many bits does a 168-pin DIMM with parity use to store eight bytes of data?
A)80
B)76
C)72
D)68

Accepted Answer

Parity memory uses 8 bits to store a byte of data plus one bit for parity; 9 bits per byte. To store 8 bytes of data, parity memory uses 72 bits.
Key Takeaway: A DIMM (dual in-line memory module) is a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) module comprised of integrated circuits and designed for use in personal computers, workstations, and servers. Multiple DIMMs may be mounted on a printed circuit board.

Question 13

While working on an older computer, you notice that the modem and audio interfaces are not integrated into the PC. These are located on a riser card mounted in a slot containing two rows, each with 23 pins. What kind of card is this?
A)AMR
B)CNR
C)PCMCIA
D)AGP

Accepted Answer

An audio/modem riser (AMR) card was used on motherboards taking Pentium III, Pentium 4, and other Intel CPUs.
Key Takeaway: AMR cards were designed to act as an extension to the motherboard and save space. AMR has been superseded by ACR and CNR risers, and riser technology is being replaced by PCI Express or components that integrate with the motherboard.

Question 14

Mary is a graphic interface designer who intends to use many heavy applications on her computer. She has added two new applications, and her work involves keeping at least four applications running concurrently. Unfortunately, her computer slows down if she opens more than three applications concurrently. Which of the following components should she consider upgrading?
A)Motherboard
B)Processor
C)Hard drive
D)Memory

Accepted Answer

Mary should consider upgrading her memory, or RAM. Running several programs simultaneously on the computer can consume a high amount of RAM. It is important to optimize one of the two; either have enough RAM, or do not run many programs simultaneously.
Key Takeaway: All applications running on a computer are temporarily transferred to the system memory. If the system memory is insufficient, the hard drive is used for virtual memory. The motherboard and processor, on the other hand, play a crucial role in the installation of applications. Although the hard drive plays a crucial part in running the programs, it is a memory upgrade that speeds up the applications running on the computer.
Always keep track of the minimum amount of RAM required by applications used. Make sure that the sum of minimum RAM required by applications does not exceed the RAM on your computer.

Question 15

The local manager uses a USB keyboard and mouse but would like to use wireless input devices. The USB keyboard and mouse are plugged in and work fine. What additional configurations or parts are necessary for the wireless keyboard and mouse? Choose all that apply.
A)None; the wireless components should work automatically.
B)A USB wireless transmitter is required
C)The mouse and keyboard will need batteries for power.
D)The USB transmitter will need batteries for power.

Accepted Answer

A USB transmitter is required, and the other input components will need batteries to ensure they are powered.
Key Takeaway: The wireless USB transmitter receives power from the computer. On a rare occasion, you will need to install drivers from a disc with the components.

Question 16

While working on a computer you notice RDRAM memory is installed. What are some of the disadvantages of using RDRAM? Choose two.
A)RDRAM runs much more slowly than SDRAM.
B)RDRAM modules generate significantly more heat.
C)RDRAM can only be used in PCs and cannot be adapted for other uses.
D)RDRAM modules have a memory controller on each module.

Accepted Answer

RDRAM chips generate more heat than SDRAM modules and require the use of heat spreaders. The fact that they have a memory controller on each stick increases manufacturing complexity.
Key Takeaway: Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM, also known simply as Rambus DRAM or RDRAM) is a type of synchronous dynamic RAM designed by the Rambus Corporation.

Question 17

A memory module that uses a 64-bit path and takes on non-Rambus memory is called:
A)SIMM.
B)SO RIMM.
C)DIMM.
D)RIMM.

Accepted Answer

DIMM memory slots use a 64-bit data transfer bus.
Key Takeaway: A DIMM (dual in-line memory module) is a series of dynamic RAM integrated circuits. DIMM modules were designed for use in personal computers, servers, and workstations. DIMMs have overtaken SIMMs, which have only a 32-bit data path, as the predominant type of data module. Both RIMMs (Rambus in-line memory modules) and SO RIMMs (small outline Rambus in-line memory modules) are types of packaging for RDRAM, created by Rambus, Inc. RIMMs have a 64-bit transfer rate, while SO-RIMMs are significantly smaller and come in 32-bit and 64-bit models.

Question 18

You are building a custom PC that requires the following: • A processor with 6 cores
• Max clock speed of 3.0 GHz
• A total of L2 and L3 cache of 9 MB
Which of the following processors meets these requirements?
A)Intel Core i7 930
B)AMD Phenom II 1075T
C)Intel Core i5 750
D)AMD Phenom II 1090T

Accepted Answer

Only the AMD Phenom II 1075T processor can meet the requirements. The AMD Phenom II 1100T has a clock speed of 3.3 GHz.

Question 19

John is troubleshooting a display issue on his computer. He is not able to get any display on the screen. After a series of troubleshooting steps, he connects his monitor to another computer. Now he is able to get a display on the computer. Which of the following components need to be replaced?
A)Motherboard
B)VGA port
C)Monitor
D)Monitor Cable

Accepted Answer

The motherboard needs to be replaced, since all other components are working fine.
Key Takeaway: If the monitor works fine on another computer, it means that the monitor is a good-known one. The issue is with the display element on the PC. The only display element on the PC is the VGA port, which is integrated to the motherboard. A VGA port cannot be replaced individually. The entire motherboard has to be replaced. In general, any port failure on the motherboard demands the replacement of the motherboard.

Question 20

How much physical memory does a 64-bit Windows 8 Professional computer support?
A)64 GB of DRAM
B)512 GB of DRAM
C)256 GB of DRAM
D)4 GB of DRAM

Accepted Answer

512 GB of DRAM is the current limit (as of August 2013).
Key Takeaway: All 64-bit versions of Windows impose a usermode 8 TB limit on address space and limit physical memory due to the impracticality of installing 8 TB of DRAM.

Quiz 1: Hardware

Which cache has the fastest data retrieval time and why?

Which of the following are Intel and AMD hexa-core CPUs? Choose two.

You need to upgrade the memory on a computer with a 64-bit data bus that runs an automated program. You are able to upgrade the computer using a single stick of DRAM. How is this possible?

The Technology Department needs a computer that runs different operating systems, or at least different versions of the same operating system. Which multiprocessing solution do you recommend?

As you are replacing a failed PCI NIC card, the customer wants you to use a newer PCI Express card as the replacement. He heard he would receive faster network and Internet speeds. What do you tell the client?

You've been given two memory modules, each with 184 pins and possessing heat spreaders. What type of slot will accept these modules?

Which of the following combinations of components can deliver the best performance on a computer?

While installing a new power supply, you notice the connector on the power supply cable has 20 pins and the power connector on the motherboard has 24 pins. Is this okay?

The Customer Service Department manager is looking to upgrade his 32-bit processor machines with AMD Athlon 64-bit processors. The manager wants to know if his 32-bit applications (like the 32-bit Windows XP Professional) will run on the 64-bit hardware. What do you tell the manager?

The Accounting Department needs to create an exact copy of the data from disk 1 onto disk 2. What level of RAID do you use?

How many bits does a 168-pin DIMM with parity use to store eight bytes of data?

While working on an older computer, you notice that the modem and audio interfaces are not integrated into the PC. These are located on a riser card mounted in a slot containing two rows, each with 23 pins. What kind of card is this?

The local manager uses a USB keyboard and mouse but would like to use wireless input devices. The USB keyboard and mouse are plugged in and work fine. What additional configurations or parts are necessary for the wireless keyboard and mouse? Choose all that apply.

While working on a computer you notice RDRAM memory is installed. What are some of the disadvantages of using RDRAM? Choose two.

A memory module that uses a 64-bit path and takes on non-Rambus memory is called:

You are building a custom PC that requires the following: • A processor with 6 cores • Max clock speed of 3.0 GHz • A total of L2 and L3 cache of 9 MB Which of the following processors meets these requirements?

John is troubleshooting a display issue on his computer. He is not able to get any display on the screen. After a series of troubleshooting steps, he connects his monitor to another computer. Now he is able to get a display on the computer. Which of the following components need to be replaced?

How much physical memory does a 64-bit Windows 8 Professional computer support?