CPUs and motherboards Unit objectives: Describe the function and features of CPUs, identify a CPU, and classify CPUs according to their specifications. Learn how to replace a CPU Describe the techniques used to cool CPUs and other components in a PC Describe motherboards, their components, and form factors. Learn how to replace a motherboard Identify the symptoms of, probable causes of, and potential solutions to problems with motherboards and CPUs

Topic A Topic A: Central processing units Topic B: Cooling techniques Topic C: Motherboards Topic D: Motherboard and CPU troubleshooting

Central processing unit (CPU) “Brains” of your PC Processes instructions, manipulates data, controls interactions of other circuits Contains: –A control unit –One or more execution units –Registers –Single-core vs. multi-core processors

CPU design characteristics Addressable RAM Address bus Data bus Internal bus Cache Clock speed Dual Independent Bus (DIB) Front-side bus speed continued

CPU characteristics, continued Hyperthreading Multimedia extensions (MMX) Multiprocessing Overclocking Pipelining Superscalar Throttling

Multiple-processor support Requires symmetric multiprocessing code for OS and applications Symmetric multiprocessing code is included in: –Windows 2000 Professional –Windows XP Professional –Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, Enterprise –Windows 7 32-bit versions Linux and Linux applications are available in symmetric multiprocessing versions 64-bit versions of Windows 7 use NUMA

Processor specifications Manufacturers (e.g.): –Intel –AMD –Centaur Technology –Elbrus International –Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT) –SIS (Silicon Integrated Systems) –ST Microelectronics Primary specifications Bus width specifications Internal specifications

Activity A-1 Identifying CPUs

Inside the case Chipsets CPU packaging Slots Cooling techniques

Chipsets Memory control System bus functions Audio functions Video display functions System management functions

Northbridge and Southbridge Two most important components of a PC chipset Northbridge controls interactions between the CPU, memory (including cache), AGP and PCIe video control circuitry, and the Southbridge continued

Northbridge/Southbridge, continued Southbridge controls interactions between buses and devices not controlled by the Northbridge –PCI expansion bus –Floppy drive controller –Serial port –Parallel port –PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports –USB and FireWire –BIOS and CMOS –Etc.

CPU packaging Chip = die A package is made up of –Die –Plastic, metal, or ceramic case –Wires or connectors –Support chips –Cooling components

PGA package 80486

SECC package Pentium 3

Packages continued

Packages, continued continued

Packages, continued continued

Packages, continued

Sockets and slots continued

Sockets and slots, continued continued

Sockets and slots, continued continued

Sockets and slots, continued continued

Sockets and slots, continued continued

Pentium with MMX CPU & Socket 7 socket

Activity A-2 Identifying your CPU’s socket and package type

CPU installation CPU typically replaced as part of new motherboard Add another CPU to multiprocessor motherboard CPU packaging must match slot or socket in motherboard CPU packages held in place by retaining clips, locking lever, or other mechanism

Zero insertion force socket

Installing a CPU 1.Unplug the computer and open the case 2.Remove the old CPU 3.Store the old CPU 4.Insert the new CPU package into its socket and secure it with the retaining mechanism 5.Close the case, reconnect cables, and boot the PC

Activity A-3 Replacing a CPU (optional)

Topic B Topic A: Central processing units Topic B: Cooling techniques Topic C: Motherboards Topic D: Motherboard and CPU troubleshooting

Typical cooling mechanisms Fans Heat sinks and cooling fins Heat pipes Water pumps Peltier coolers Phase-change cooling Undervolting

Power supply and CPU fans Power supply fan Auxiliary fan

Cooling fins

Cooling fins and a fan

Other cooling techniques Heat pipes — Small tubes filled with fluid Water pumps — Tubes filled with water, moved away from CPU to outside case and through cooling fins Peltier coolers –Electronic device that gets colder when voltage is applied –Non-convection –Connected directly to CPU –Can be combined with water coolers continued

Other cooling techniques, continued Phase-change cooling –Vapor compression –Gas to liquid –Liquid absorbs processor heat and evaporates –Gas returned to compressor –Cycle begins again –More efficient than water cooling systems –Generate significant noise Undervolting –Less power; less heat –Can cause system problems

Activity B-1 Examining the cooling systems in your PC

Activity B-2 Replacing a system fan

Topic C Topic A: Central processing units Topic B: Cooling techniques Topic C: Motherboards Topic D: Motherboard and CPU troubleshooting

A motherboard

Motherboards Components review CPU Expansion slots AGP graphics adapter slot Hard drive interface connectors Floppy drive interface connector Optical drive interface connector Power connector Memory slots PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports USB port IEEE 1394 / FireWire port Serial port Parallel port Battery Network interface Video connectors

Daughter board A circuit board Connects to another circuit board to provide or assist with its functions Most often used with video cards

Riser card

Form factor Size and shape of a motherboard Dictates power supply and case Describes physical layout of components

Activity C-1 Examining motherboard components and form factor

Motherboard installation Failures from manufacturing defects or rough handling Replaced due to failure; upgrades; building PC from scratch Held in place by screws or plastic clips Remove wires, cables, connectors, and other system components, such as power supply and drives

Installing a motherboard 1.Unplug the computer and open the case 2.Disconnect all wires from old motherboard 3.Remove the power supply and drives 4.Remove the old motherboard 5.Store the old motherboard 6.Orient motherboard; match mounting holes 7.Remove old standoffs and/or install new standoffs 8.Install the new motherboard 9.Reinstall the power supply and drives 10.Connect all wires 11.Close the case, reconnect cables, and boot the PC

Windows activation Type of cataloging process Entered into Microsoft database: –Software product –Product key –Hardware signature Commercial versions have 30-day grace period Activate by: –Internet –Telephone Volume licenses don’t require activation

Activity C-2 Replacing a motherboard (optional)

Topic D Topic A: Central processing units Topic B: Cooling techniques Topic C: Motherboards Topic D: Motherboard and CPU troubleshooting

Motherboard and CPU problems System fails to boot Burning or foul odor or smoke comes out of the case Fans come on and power lights indicate that power is present, but system fails to boot Video display problems occur on system with integrated display adapter Intermittent problems occur that can’t be traced to failure of other components

Activity D-1 Troubleshooting motherboard and CPU problems

Unit summary Described the function and features of CPUs, identified a CPU, and classified CPUs according to their specifications. Learned how to replace a CPU Described the techniques used to cool CPUs and other components in a PC Described motherboards, their components, and form factors. Learned how to replace a motherboard Identified the symptoms of, probable causes of, and potential solutions to problems with motherboards and CPUs