all is well

1. 1.Study of Motherboard
Q1.List any four components of motherboard.
Components of motherboard:
• CPU socket with processor
• Chipsets
• Co-processor
• RAM slots
• CMOS battery
• BIOS ROM
• Expansion slots –PCI/PCI express
• IDE, SATA, SCSI connectors
• Front panel connectors
• Power supply connector
• Connectors for peripherals
• Accelerated Graphics Port
• Heat Sink/ fan
Q2.State any two motherboard selection criteria.
Motherboard selectioncriteria:
 Motherboard Chipset: Motherboard should use a high performance chipset that supports
DDR or DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs. It should also support PCI- Express X16 video support
and Serial ATA or faster hard drive support.
 Processor:A modern system should use a socket based processor with on-die L2 cache.
The processor should have highest speed CPU bus (Front Side Bus: FSB).
 Processor Sockets:For maximum upgradability and performance, a socket based system
should be used. The main sockets used are Socket A(Socket 426) for Athlon XP and
Socket 775 for Pentium 4.
 Motherboard Speed: 200MHz to 400MHz for Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP –based boards
and 400MHz to 1066MHz for Pentium 4 based boards.
 Cache Memory: Use a processor with full core speed on-die L2 cache as it offers
maximum in performance.
 SIMM/DIMM/RIMM memory: Current systems use either DDR or DDR2 DIMMs.
Currently DDR and DDR2 SDRAM and RDRAM are the fastest type of memory
available, with RDRAM being by far the most costly.
 Bus Type: Current systems offer PCI as well as PCI Express slots. PCI slots should
confirm with PCI 2.1 or later revision. Systems without on-board video should also
feature PCI Express X 16 slot.
 Basic Input Output System (BIOS): The motherboard should use industry standard
BIOS such as those from AMI, Phoenix or Award. The BIOS should be of a flash ROM
or EEPROM design for easy updating.
 Form Factor: For maximum flexibility, performance, reliability and ease of use,
motherboard with ATX form factor should be used.
 Built-in Interfaces: The motherboard should contain as many built-in standard
controllers and interfaces as possible.
 On-board IDE interfaces: It should be included on the motherboard.

2.  Power Management: The motherboard should support the latest standard for power
management which is ACPI.
 Documentation: Good technical documentation is essential. It should include
information on all jumpers and switches found on the board, connector pin out for all
connectors, specifications for other plug-in components etc.
 Technical Support: Good online technical support goes beyond documentation. It
includes driver and BIOS updates, FAQs, updated tables of processor and memory
compatibility, and the utility programs to help you monitor the condition of your system.
Q3.List any four features of SD-RAM.
SDRAM features:
will
be ready, so the CPU no longer has to wait between memory accesses.
memory retrieval even faster.
ronize itself with the CPU's
bus they'll be used in.
What is need of cache memory? Describe types of memory.
Cache memory :
Need: Computer‟s CPU is very fast device and most of the time it has to slow down because of
slower RAMs. When CPU needs some data or information from these slower RAMs, it takes
more time. To increase this fetch time cache memory is introduced in between CPU and RAM.
Cache memory is extremely fast memory that is built into a CPU, or located next to it on a
separate chip. It supplies the processor with the most frequently requested data and instructions.
L3 cache memory:
The L3 cache has been present in high end work stations and servers such as Xenon and Itanium.
There are three types of cache memory:
L1, L2 & L3 cache memory.
L1 cache memory:
gral cache is always a part of the processor chip.
L2 cache memory:
cache because it was external to the processor chip
when it was introduced.
n the motherboard and runs at CPU bus speed.

3. Q4. State different functions of BIOS. (any four)
1. The main function of the BIOS is to give instructions for the power-on-self-test (POST). This
self-test ensures that the computer has all of the necessary parts and functionality needed to
successfully start itself, such as use of memory, a keyboard and other parts.
2. If errors are detected during the test, the BIOS instruct the computer to give a code that reveals
the problem. Error codes are typically a series of beeps heard shortly after startup.
3. The BIOS also works to give the computer basic information about how to interact with some
critical components such as drives and memory that it will need to load the operating system.
4. Once the basic instructions have been loaded and the self-test has been passed, the computer
can proceed with loading the operating system from one of the attached drives.
5. Computer users can often make certain adjustments to the BIOS through a configuration screen
on the computer. The setup screen is typically accessed with a special key sequence during the
first moments of the startup. This setup screen often allows users to change the order in which
drives are accessed during startup and control the functionality of a number of critical devices.
Features vary among individual BIOS versions.
Q5.Draw and explain hub architecture in detail.
Hub Architecture:
The Hub architecture has following major components:
Processor: - It supports Pentium IV Processor which is connected with Memory Controller Hub
(MCH). Data is transmitted at a speed of 3.2 GB/s between processor and MCH.
Memory Controller Hub (MCH): - The MCH is one where all memories are collected so that
data can be feed to processor and saved to internal/External memory after processing. HUB
architecture provides AGP which a dedicated bus for Graphics operations keeping PCI slots free
for other cards.
I/O Controller HUB (ICH): - The ICH acts as a connection point where various I/O devices are
connected. ICH supports connection to ATA100/IDE drives for secondary memory. It provides
10/100 Ethernet connection for network facility. Also it facilitates with USB and PCI Slot to
enhance existing capability of system.
Flash Bios: - Hub architecture has Flash BIOS. With the flash BIOS you can boot with a special
disk or execute a set of instructions and update the BIOS without having to open the case.

5. Q6.Write any two modes of operationof CPU. Also mention one effectof
each.
Processor modes refer to the various operating environment that affect the instructions and
capabilities of the chip. The processor mode controls how the processor sees and manages the
system memory and the tasks that use it.
Different Modes ofoperation
1. Real Mode (16 bit software): These 16 bit operating systems and applications are designed to
run on original 8088 processor. The 16 bit instruction mode of 8088 is called the real mode.
2. IA -32 Mode: It has multi tasking capabilities. It has backward compatibility to run 16 bit OS
and applications without any modification - Protected mode (32 bit software) - Virtual real mode
(16 bit program within 32 bit environment)
3. IA 32 e – 64 bit extension mode: When DOS prompt is created within windows, virtual real
mode is created. Several real mode sessions can be run each having its own software on a virtual
PC. - 64 bit mode (64 bit software) - Compatibility mode.
Q7.Explainthe terms extended memory and expanded memory with
suitable example.
Extended Memory It is the memory beyond 1 MB limit. Any memory available after 1 MB is
called extended memory. It is available in 286 and later processors only. Extended memory is of
no use for DOS users because DOS does not use this memory. For windows users this memory is
very useful as the OS can use this extended memory by allowing multiple DOS programs to run
in the extended memory in its own 640 KB memory area.
Expanded Memory It is a specification which defines a method to access system memory above
1 MB of RAM on PC XT and AT computers. This memory is accessed via 16 KB window with
in the first 1 MB. Expanded memory is not a part of main memory, it is separately installed into
the system which can be accessed in fixed size pages using a method called „bank switching‟ In
this method a small window located in the upper memory area in the main memory is used to
view the contents of EMS(Expanded Memory Specification). The EMS is arranged in the blocks of
16KB each. To access this memory one block is copied in the window in main memory and after
processing it is copied back to the EMS memory.

6. Q8. Describe the CMOS setup. State any two importance of
CMOS setup.
During booting by pressing a function key F2 or del key CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) Set up utility is used in a PC to set up the basic properties of a computer as given
below.
Standard CMOS Setup: It is used to set time date, hard disk type, type of floppy drive, type of
monitor and keyboard.
Advanced CMOS Setup: It is used to set typematic rate and delay, above 1 MB memory test,
memory test tick sound, Hil< Del> message display, system boot up sequence etc
.
Advanced Chipset Setup: It is used to set features of chipset.
Power Management Setup: It is used to control power conservation options.
PCI/Plug and Play Setup: It is used to set options of PCI bus and that of plug and play devices
.
Peripherals Setup: It is used to control options related to I/O controllers.

7. CPU Configuration Setup: This setup is used to select the types of CPU installed in the
motherboard. In AMI BIOS, the setting automatically finds out the type of CPU in the computer
system.
Importance:
1. Used to set date and time, which in turn can be helpful to keep the system up-to-date.
2. Setting up various peripheral automatically or manually.
3. Enable or disable the devices used in the system.
4. Stores information that is updated
Q9. Write two important features of the following:
i. SDRAM
ii. DDR
iii. Cache
iv. DDR2
(i) SDRAM:
1. Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) is dynamic random access
memory (DRAM) that is synchronized with the system bus.
2. It waits for a clock signal before responding to control inputs and is therefore synchronized
with the computer's system bus.
3. Any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
4. SDRAM is volatile, meaning that they lose their contents when the power is turned off.
(ii) DDR:
1. DDR memory‟s primary advantage is the ability to fetch data on both the rising and falling
edge of a clock cycle, doubling the data rate for a given clock frequency.
2. Data Bus: 64 bits
3. Data Rate: 200/266/333/400MHz
4. Voltage: 2.5V
5. DRAM Frequency: 100/133/166/200Mhz.
(iii) Cache:
1. Runs at the same speed as the CPU/main memory. Typically runs at 66, 100,133 MHz.
2. Available in Sizes 8KB, 16 KB, 32KB, 64KB etc.
(iv) DDR2:
1. Data Bus: 64 bits
2. Data Rate: 400/533/677Mhz
3. Voltage: 1.8V
4. DRAM Frequency: 200/266/333Mhz

8. Q10.Draw and explain the north and south bridge chipset
architecture.
Intel‟s earlier chipset were broken into multi-tired architecture known as North Bridge and South
Bridge components as well as Super I/O chip. North Bridge: it is the connection between the high
speed processor bus and the slower AGP & PCI buses. South Bridge: it is the bridge between PCI
bus and even slower ISA bus. Super I/O chip: contains commonly used peripheral items all
combined in single chip.
North Bridge Northbridge is also referred to as PAC (PCI-AGP) controller is the main
component of the motherboard and only motherboard circuit (besides the processor) that runs at
the full motherboard speed. It serves as the four way connection between CPU, Memory, Video
card and south bridge.
South Bridge The Southbridge is the lower speed component of the chipset. The south bridge
connects to the 33MHz PC and contains the interface to ISA bus. It also contains dual ATA/IDE
hard disk controller interfaces, one or more USB interfaces, CMOS RAM, real time clock
functions, interrupt controller, DMA controller.
Super I/O chip contains serial port, floppy controller, keyboard & mouse interface.

9. Q11.Define the terms cache hit and cache miss.
Cache Hit: Whenever the data needed by processor is found in cache memory it is known as
CACHE HIT.
Cache Miss:Whenever the data needed by processor is not found in the cache it is known as
CACHE MISSand it leads to delay in the execution because the processor checks in RAM. And if
this also fails then it goes to look onto the slower storage device thus making the system slow.
Q12.Compare DDR2andDDR3 with respectto clock frequency, transfer
rate, bank used and voltage required.
Q13Whatfactors to be consideredin the selectionof motherboard?
1. Motherboard Chipset: Motherboard should use a high performance chipset that supports
DDR or DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs. It should also support PCI- Express X16 video support
and Serial ATA or faster hard drive support.
2. Processor:A modern system should use a socket based processor with on-die L2 cache.
The processor should have highest speed CPU bus (Front Side Bus: FSB).
3. Processor Sockets:For maximum upgradability and performance, a socket based system
should be used. The main sockets used are Socket A(Socket 426) for Athlon XP and
Socket 775 for Pentium 4.
4. Motherboard Speed: 200MHz to 400MHz for Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP –based boards
and 400MHz to 1066MHz for Pentium 4 based boards.
5. Cache Memory: Use a processor with full core speed on-die L2 cache as it offers
maximum in performance.

10. 6. SIMM/DIMM/RIMM memory: Current systems use either DDR or DDR2 DIMMs.
Currently DDR and DDR2 SDRAM and RDRAM are the fastest type of memory
available, with RDRAM being by far the most costly.
7. Bus Type: Current systems offer PCI as well as PCI Express slots. PCI slots should
confirm with PCI 2.1 or later revision. Systems without on-board video should also
feature PCI Express X 16 slot.
8. Basic Input Output System (BIOS): The motherboard should use industry standard
BIOS such as those from AMI, Phoenix or Award. The BIOS should be of a flash ROM
or EEPROM design for easy updating.
9. Form Factor: For maximum flexibility, performance, reliability and ease of use,
motherboard with ATX form factor should be used.
10. Built-in Interfaces: The motherboard should contain as many built-in standard
controllers and interfaces as possible.
11. On-board IDE interfaces: It should be included on the motherboard.
12. Power Management: The motherboard should support the latest standard for power
management which is ACPI.
13. Documentation: Good technical documentation is essential. It should include
information on all jumpers and switches found on the board, connector pin out for all
connectors, specifications for other plug-in components etc.
14. Technical Support: Good online technical support goes beyond documentation. It
includes driver and BIOS updates, FAQs, updated tables of processor and memory
compatibility, and the utility programs to help you monitor the condition of your system.
Q14.Compare PCI with PCI-express bus.

11. Q15.Whatare the different modes of operation of CPU?
Processor Modes (Processor modes refer to the various operating environment that affect the
instructions and capabilities of the chip. The processor mode controls how the processor sees and
manages the system memory and the tasks that use it
Different Modes ofoperation
1. Real Mode (16 bit software)
2. IA -32 Mode
- Protected mode (32 bit software)
- Virtual real mode (16 bit program within 32 bit environment)
3. IA 32 e – 64 bit extension mode
- 64 bit mode (64 bit software)
- Compatibility mode
1.Real Mode It is based on 8086 & 8088 processor. The original IBM PC included an
8088 processor that could execute 16 bit instructions using 16 bit internal registers and
could address 1 MB using 20 address lines. These 16 bit operating systems and
applications are designed to run on original 8088 processor. The 16 bit instruction mode
of 8088 is called the real mode. All softwares running in the real mode must use only 16
bit instructions and work within 20 bit memory architecture it supports. No multi tasking
– no protection is there to keep one program from overwriting another program
2. IA 32 mode – Protected Mode 386 is the first 32 bit processor. The chip can run an
entirely new 32 bit instruction set ( 32 bit OS and 32 bit application).This 32 bit mode is
the protected mode. It has multi tasking capabilities. It has backward compatibility to run
16 bit OS and applications without any modification IA 32 Mode Virtual Real mode It
is a 16 bit environment that works inside 32 bit protected mode. When DOS prompt is
created within windows, virtual real mode is created. Several real mode sessions can be
run each having its own software on a virtual PC. They can run along with other 32 bit
applications. In virtual real mode, it can access up to 1MB memory .Each virtual machine
has a limit of 1MB address space. This mode is an enhancement of the protected mode is
normally used to run graphical multitasking operating systems, such as MMX, SSE etc
3. IA – 32 e (64 bit Mode )Registers, Data units, memory addresses integers has 64 bits.
CPU with 64bits might have external buses with different size. Supports both external and
internal 64 bit support. Operating systems and some software need a change. OS of 64 bit
architecture support both32 bit and 64 bit applications
Its features are:
64 bit linear memory addressing
Physical memory support up to 4GB
8 new general purpose registers
8 new registers for graphic extensions

12. Q16.Drawthe block diagram of Northbridge/ Southbridge architecture
and describe various blocks.
Northbridge / Southbridge architecture–
 Northbridge
 Northbridge is also called Memory Controller Hub (MCH) in Intel Systems. It is one of
the two chips in the core logic chipset on the PC motherboard.
 It handles communication between CPU, RAM, AGP or PCI Express and the
Southbridge.
 Some North-bridges also have the integrated Video controller called Graphics Memory
Controller Hub (GMCH).
 Since different processors and RAM require different signaling, a north-bridge will work
with one or two types of CPU and only one type of RAM It provides the number, Speed,
type of CPU, Size, type of RAM that can be used.
 The north-bridge plays an important role in deciding how far a computer can be over-
clocked.
 It uses a heat sink and some kind of cooling( Fan).
South bridge
 The Southbridge, also known as the I/O Controller Hub (ICH)
 It is a chip that implements the "slower" capabilities of the motherboard in north
bridge/south bridge chipset computer architecture.

13.  It is not directly connected to the CPU. Rather, the northbridge ties the south bridge to the
CPU.
 A particular type of south bridge may work with different northbridge chipsets.
 The interface between the northbridge and the south bridge is the
Q17. Define the following terms.
1) Cache Hit
2) Cache Miss
1. Cache Hit: Whenever the data needed by processor is found in cache memory it is known as
CACHE HIT.
2. Cache Miss:Whenever the data needed by processor is not found in the cache it is known as
CACHE MISS and it leads to delay in the execution because the processor checks in RAM. And
if this also fails then it goes to look onto the slower storage device thus making the system slow.
Q18.Explain conventional memory and extended memory.
Conventional Memory
 The PC and PC-XT systems used 8086/8088 processor. These chips had 20 address lines
hence the processor could access 2 20 bytes or 1 MB of memory.
 Out of 1MB, 0 – 640 Mb of this memory was used by DOS and other programs such as
WordStar, Lotus etc. This 640 KB is known as conventional memory or Dos memory or Base
memory. Even today to make the older software and hardware compatible to the new
generation software and hardware the 640 KB limitation exists.
Extended Memory
 It is the memory beyond 1 MB limit. Any memory available after 1 MB is called extended
memory.
 It is available in 286 and later processors only. Extended memory is of no use for DOS users
because DOS does no the use of this memory.
 For windows users this memory is very useful as the OS can use this extended memory by
allowing multiple Dos programs to run in the extended memory in its own 640 KB memory
area.

14. Q19.ExplainNorth Bridge and south Bridge Architecture with neat
diagram.
Intel’s earlier chipset were broken into multi-tired architecture known as North Bridge and South
Bridge components as well as Super I/O chip. North Bridge: it is the connection between the high
speed processor bus and the slower AGP & PCI buses. South Bridge: it is the bridge between PCI
bus and even slower ISA bus. Super I/O chip: contains commonly used peripheral items all
combined in single chip.
North Bridge
Northbridge is also referred to as PAC (PCI-AGP) controller is the main component of the
motherboard and only motherboard circuit (besides the processor) that runs at the full
motherboard speed. It serves as the four way connection between CPU, Memory, Video card and
south bridge.
. South Bridge
The Southbridge is the lower speed component of the chipset. The south bridge connects to the
33MHz PC and contains the interface to ISA bus. It also contains dual ATA/IDE hard disk
controller interfaces, one or more USB interfaces, CMOS RAM, real time clock functions,
interrupt controller, DMA controller.
Super I/O chip contains serial port, floppy controller, keyboard & mouse interface.

15. Q20.List any four features of BIOS.
Features of BIOS
 Standard CMOS Setup: It is used to set time date, hard disk type, type of floppy drive,
type of monitor and keyboard.
 Advanced CMOS Setup: It is used to set typematic rate and delay, above 1 MB memory
test, memory test tick sound, Hil< Del> message display, system boot up sequence etc.
 Advanced Chipset Setup: It is used to set features of chipset.
 Power Management Setup: It is used to control power conservation options.
 PCI/Plug and Play Setup: It is used to set options of PCI bus and that of plug and play
devices.
 Peripherals Setup: It is used to control options related to I/O controllers.
 CPU Configuration Setup: This setup is used to select the types of CPU installed in the
motherboard. In AMI BIOS, the settings are auto as it automatically finds out the type of
CPU in the computer system.
Q21. State any eight features of H67 or P67 chipset.
(Any other relevant feature may be considered)
 8 Features of H 67 Chipset:
 Support for 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor family
 Support for HDMI, Display Port*, eDP and DVI 2
 Dual independent display expands the viewable workspace to two monitors(Multi-
monitor support with Windows 7)
 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST)
 Serial ATA (SATA) :, Next generation high-speed storage interface supporting up to 6
Gb/s transfer rates for optimal data access with up to 2 SATA ports.
 High-speed storage interface supporting up to 4 SATA ports (3 Gb/s )
 PCI Express 2.0 Interface -8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 ports, configurable as x2 and x4
 Provides Gigabit LAN connect
 OR 8 features of p 67 Chipset
 Supports the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Turbo Boost
Technology
 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 10.0
 Intel® Rapid Recover Technology
 Intel® High Definition Audio
 USB 2.0 Rate Matching Hub
 Serial ATA (SATA) :, Next generation high-speed storage interface supporting up to 6
Gb/s transfer rates for optimal data access with up to 2 SATA ports.
 High-speed storage interface supporting up to 4 SATA ports (3 Gb/s )
 PCI Express* 2.0 Interface

16. Q22.Listany eight motherboard selectioncriterion.
 Motherboard Chipset: Motherboard should use a high performance chipset that supports
DDR or DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs. It should also support PCI- Express X16 video support and
Serial ATA or faster hard drive support.
 Processor:A modern system should use a socket based processor with on-die L2 cache. The
processor should have highest speed CPU bus (Front Side Bus: FSB).
 Processor Sockets:For maximum upgradability and performance, a socket based system
should be used. The main sockets used are Socket A(Socket 426) for Athlon XP and Socket
775 for Pentium 4.
 Motherboard Speed: 200MHz to 400MHz for Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP –based boards and
400MHz to 1066MHz for Pentium 4 based boards.
 Cache Memory: Use a processor with full core speed on-die L2 cache as it offers maximum
in performance.
 SIMM/DIMM/RIMM memory: Current systems use either DDR or DDR2 DIMMs.
Currently DDR and DDR2 SDRAM and RDRAM are the fastest type of memory available,
with RDRAM being by far the most costly.
 Bus Type: Current systems offer PCI as well as PCI Express slots. PCI slots should confirm
with PCI 2.1 or later revision. Systems without on-board video should also feature PCI
Express X 16 slot.
 Basic Input Output System (BIOS): The motherboard should use industry standard BIOS
such as those from AMI, Phoenix or Award. The BIOS should be of a flash ROM or
EEPROM design for easy updating.
 Form Factor: For maximum flexibility, performance, reliability and ease of use,
motherboard with ATX form factor should be used.
 Built-in Interfaces: The motherboard should contain as many built-in standard controllers
and interfaces as possible.
 On-board IDE interfaces: It should be included on the motherboard.
 Power Management: The motherboard should support the latest standard for power
management which is ACPI.
 Documentation: Good technical documentation is essential. It should include information on
all jumpers and switches found on the board, connector pin out for all connectors,
specifications for other plug-in components etc.
 Technical Support: Good online technical support goes beyond documentation. It includes
driver and BIOS updates, FAQs, updated tables of processor and memory compatibility, and
the utility programs to help you monitor the condition of your system.