Hardware components, operating system features, and troubleshooting steps tested on the CompTIA A+ exam, distinct from the core terminology deck.
45 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What does DDR stand for in memory terminology?
- Double Data Rate
- What is the typical speed difference between DDR4 and DDR5?
- DDR5 is approximately twice as fast, with speeds starting around 4800 MHz versus DDR4's 3200 MHz
- What physical form factor is most common for desktop RAM?
- DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)
- What is ECC memory used for?
- Error-correcting code memory, used in servers to detect and correct data errors
- What does SSD stand for?
- Solid State Drive
- Which storage interface is significantly faster: SATA or NVMe?
- NVMe is much faster, with speeds up to 7400 MB/s versus SATA's 550 MB/s maximum
- What is the M.2 form factor?
- A small, single-sided circuit board form factor used primarily for NVMe SSDs on modern motherboards
- What is the main disadvantage of HDDs compared to SSDs?
- HDDs have moving mechanical parts that are slower and more prone to failure from physical shock
- What does TDP stand for in CPU specifications?
- Thermal Design Power, the maximum heat output in watts the CPU generates under full load
- What is the difference between CPU cores and threads?
- Cores are physical processing units, while threads are logical units that allow each core to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- What do CPU socket types determine?
- The physical connector type that determines which processors can be installed on a motherboard
- What is the primary function of a motherboard chipset?
- Manages communication between the CPU, RAM, and all peripheral components
- What does a 24-pin ATX connector on a motherboard provide?
- Main power delivery to the motherboard
- How is power supply wattage determined for a computer?
- By adding the power requirements of the CPU, GPU, storage drives, and other components, then adding 20-30 percent headroom
- Name two common types of CPU coolers.
- Air coolers and liquid coolers (AIO or custom loop)