Basic Hardware Quiz On CompTIA A+ Exam!

1. Who are the two biggest x86 processor manufacturers in existence?

Intel and AMD

AMD and Sun

AMD and IBM

Intel and Apple

In the personal computing x86 (32-bit) space, Intel and AMD are the largest manufacturers in the world.

Explanation

In the personal computing x86 (32-bit) space, Intel and AMD are the largest manufacturers in the world.

2. Which two form factors of motherboards are most commonly used today?

ATX and ITX

USB 2.0 and HDMI

Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX

Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX

ATX and ITX are the most common, with most motherboards set up as ATX. USB and HDMI are not form factors, and Micro, Mini, Nano, and Pico are smaller versions of ATX and ITX

Explanation

ATX and ITX are the most common, with most motherboards set up as ATX. USB and HDMI are not form factors, and Micro, Mini, Nano, and Pico are smaller versions of ATX and ITX

3. Which of these is not a valid reason to install a new expansion card in your PC?

To boost CPU performance

To connect an extra monitor

To increase the number of network interfaces

To add a VGA connection

Expansion cards are primarily installed to add additional capabilities to your computer, such as adding another connector type for a second monitor, or adding another network connection

Explanation

Expansion cards are primarily installed to add additional capabilities to your computer, such as adding another connector type for a second monitor, or adding another network connection

4. Where is the BIOS stored on a standard PC?

SSD

HDD

RAM

ROM

ROM was created as a read-only type of memory. Storing your BIOS on the ROM of your PC ensures that your computer can successfully boot up, and that no modifications can be made to prevent your system from loading.

Explanation

ROM was created as a read-only type of memory. Storing your BIOS on the ROM of your PC ensures that your computer can successfully boot up, and that no modifications can be made to prevent your system from loading.

5. Which type of RAID array provides zero redundancy?

RAID 1

RAID 10

RAID 0

RAID 5

RAID 0 provides striping of data across multiple drives, but does not mirror data onto any of the drives, providing zero redundancy

Explanation

RAID 0 provides striping of data across multiple drives, but does not mirror data onto any of the drives, providing zero redundancy

6. Which of the following is not a standard rotational speed found on a hard drive?

5,400

5,200

7,200

10,000

Standard drive disks move at a rotational speed of 5,400, 7,200, or 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Explanation

Standard drive disks move at a rotational speed of 5,400, 7,200, or 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

7. What is the most common type of memory found in a typical PC?

ROM

RAM

DDR2

DDR3

All applications and programs must be loaded into RAM to access them. This makes RAM a prime target for upgrades to increase the number or size of items it can hold.

Explanation

All applications and programs must be loaded into RAM to access them. This makes RAM a prime target for upgrades to increase the number or size of items it can hold.

8. Which of the following use a SO DIMM?

Laptop

Mainframe

Desktop Computer

Server

SO DIMM stands for Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module. It is a type of memory module used in computers, specifically laptops. SO DIMMs are smaller in size compared to regular DIMMs, making them suitable for compact devices like laptops. Therefore, the correct answer is "laptop" as it is the only option that typically uses SO DIMMs. Mainframes, desktop computers, and servers usually use regular DIMMs or other types of memory modules.

Explanation

SO DIMM stands for Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module. It is a type of memory module used in computers, specifically laptops. SO DIMMs are smaller in size compared to regular DIMMs, making them suitable for compact devices like laptops. Therefore, the correct answer is "laptop" as it is the only option that typically uses SO DIMMs. Mainframes, desktop computers, and servers usually use regular DIMMs or other types of memory modules.

9. What is the purpose of a heat sink on a motherboard?

To provide a protective covering for hot components on the motherboard

To pull the heat out of a very hot device into the fins of the heat sink

To protect you from touching hot parts on the motherboard

To provide a centralized location for all of the hot components on the motherboard

Heat sinks are designed to sit on top of a very hot component, such as a CPU, and draw the heat away toward its fins. Cool air is then blown past these fins, allowing heat to be absorbed into the air flow.

Explanation

Heat sinks are designed to sit on top of a very hot component, such as a CPU, and draw the heat away toward its fins. Cool air is then blown past these fins, allowing heat to be absorbed into the air flow.

10. What is the name for modifying the contents of the BIOS?

Overclocking

PXE Boot

Clocking

Flashing

It is commonly called “flashing the BIOS” when you replace or modify its contents.

Explanation

It is commonly called “flashing the BIOS” when you replace or modify its contents.