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Unit Notes 1ICAICT303A Connect Internal Hardware

Components

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ICAICT303A Connect Internal Hardware Components

Table of ContentsGetting Started with ICAICT303A Connect internal hardware components 4Identify and categorise the different internal hardware components 5Explain the purpose of the different internal hardware components 8Distinguish between the different types of devices within each internal hardware component category 9Activity 1 9

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Getting Started with ICAICT303A Connect internal hardware components This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to modify and connect system hardware components according to client and user requirements

Using the Unit NotesIcons and symbols are used throughout the guide to provide quick visual references. They indicate the following:

Icon Meaning Icon MeaningACTIVITY: An activity is listed to be completed

ACTIVITY: A Learning activity requiring some physical action

WWW: A web link is listed REFLECTION: A point is to be considered and thought about more deeply

IMPORTANT: A pivotal point is detailed

SEARCH: A particular item / book etc needs to be found and applied

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Identify and categorise the different internal hardware componentsComponents in computer systems are continually being refined and improved. Motherboards contain a variety of connectors that support specific types of components. The specifications of a motherboard will clarify which components are supported.

A Gigabyte motherboard, with 4 RAM slots and 6 SATA connectors.

http://flyinghighcomputers.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=98095501

RAM requirements

RAM is perhaps the easiest upgrade that will improve the performance of a computer. Computer users are often reluctant to upgrade the hardware specs of their computer, yet are very keen to install newer applications. As a result, the applications can be difficult to run smoothly if the system requirements are not met.

Types of RAM

Historically, there have been many types of RAM used in personal computers.

DDR RAM (Double Data Rate Transfer)

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http://flyinghighcomputers.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=98095501

A DDR-266 184 pin double in line memory module (DIMM) has a data rate represented by the 266. Data transfer rates are many times the speed at which the RAMs internal data rate.

DDR RAM was a standard from 1996 to about 2001, though continued to be used in personal computers for a few years later.

DDR RAM was typically used in sizes up to 256MB, 512Mb and 1GB per module.

DDR2

In a similar way and representing an improvement in technology, DDR2 RAM had memory transfer rates of twice that of DDR RAM. This was in the range of 200-533Mhz. DDR2 Ram is still widely used in 2011.

DDR2 modules are generally available in 1 and 2GB.

DDR3

This represents the latest standard in personal computer memory. At 4 times the rate of DDR2 RAM, this represents a considerable improvement in technology.

Clock cycles for this RAM are typically 400-1066 MHz.

Typical sizes for DDR3 modules are 2 and 4GB.

Each of these types of RAM is available in a smaller form factor for devices such as notebook computers. These are known as SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module) modules.

The choice of RAM for a computer is of course bound by the motherboards slots, with each supporting one only of the above types of RAM.

The maximum memory availability is given by the largest available module x number of slots in the mother board.

A machine currently equipped with 4GB DDR3 RAM, would have 2 slots each with a 2GB module installed or 1 slot of 4GB. Thus it is upgradable to 8GB limited by the motherboard. (4GB x 2)

For more information about DDR standards, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_SDRAM

Why is it important to be able to identify RAM components readily?

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_SDRAM

Hard Disk Drive requirements

Types of Hard disks

IDE These drives used a series of platters in which to store data. It uses a parallel cable to transfer data the data bus on the motherboard.

Storage sizes typically ranged from 10GB to 320GB.

Data transfer rates for these drives is up to 130MB/s.

SATAThese drive used the same disk technology as the IDE drive. The advantage over the IDE drive is in the data transfer rate. The transfer rate along a serial cable is more reliable and significantly faster.

These drives have a data transfer rate of up to 1GB/s, though this is limited by the rate of transfer of other devices within the computer.

Solid State Drives (SSD)Here, a change in technology sees data stored in memory chips, containing no moving parts.

The interface used is various. They include SATA connectors, USB and PCI express.

Drive sizes range from 256GB to more than 1TB.

Data transfer rates of up to 6GB/s have been achieved on recent devices.

For more information see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive

What role does RAM play in a computer system?

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive

Explain the purpose of the different internal hardware components

RAM

RAM is an essential component in a personal computer. Its role is to store data in various forms for temporary use.

When a computer starts up, the operating system is loading into memory. This allows the user to interact with devices on the computer, such as a DVD burner or a set of speakers.

It also serves as a temporary storage medium for user data which is being modified. This is commonly the case with an application into which the user provides data from the keyboard, such as a word processor or a spread sheet.

Disk Drive

Disk drives store permanent data. They perform the following roles:

Storage of applications. These are loaded into memory when they are launched by the operating system.

Storage of user data. Applications that allow users to store data for later use will interact with the operating system in order that storage of user data is possible. This is seen when a dialog box is presented to the user, allowing them to “browse” for a location in which to store a file. Many applications will have their own file extension e.g. .doc, which allows the operating system to associate a file with an application, so making easier access to the file.

What applications make use of disk drives?

What is the advantage of Solid State Drives (SSD) over mechanical drives?

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Distinguish between the different types of devices within each internal hardware component categoryRAM The three types of DDR RAM can be distinguished by the placement of the notch among the gold leaves on the edge of the RAM module. Clearly this notch is necessary to allow the modules to be seated correctly in the RAM slot on the motherboard.

Also, The ICs on DDR RAM are larger than those on DDR2 and DDR3 RAM modules.

Each of these modules is designed for use with a motherboard with slots designed to support a specific type of RAM.

Software tools are available to scan a computer’s system and identify components, removing the need to ‘open the box’ to examine the motherboard.

Disk drivesThese can be identified by their connector.

IDE drives will have a wide connector to take a ribbon cable 5cm in width.

SATA connectors are much smaller in size about 1.5cm in width.

Solid State Drives have different connectors again and look more like RAM modules.

Their connectors will vary.

How can you be sure that a RAM module is the correct type for a motherboard?

Activity 1Open your computer’s case and remove a RAM module by pressing the tabs at the ends of the slot.

How can the type of RAM be identified?

Can you see there is only one way in which the module can be installed?

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