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CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
INSTITIÚID TEICNEOLAÍOCHTA CHORCAÍ
Semester 2 Examinations 2010
Module Title: Computer Hardware
Module Code: COMH
School: School of Mathematics & Computing
Programme Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Computing in Information Technology Support Bachelor of Science in Computing Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development & Computer Networking
Programme Code: KITSU_6_Y KCOMP_7_Y KDNET_8_Y
External Examiner(s): Mr. A. O Leary Internal Examiner(s): Mr. S. Lankford Mr. D. Long
Instructions: Answer Question 1 and TWO other questions
Duration: 2 Hours
Sitting: Summer 2010
Requirements for this examination:
Note to Candidates: Please check the Programme Title and the Module Title to ensure that you have received the correct examination paper. If in doubt please contact an Invigilator.
a) Explain briefly what is meant by RAID? (5 marks)
b) What are the main components usually found in a motherboard bundle? (5 marks)
c) What is over clocking and what are the disadvantages of using it? (5 marks)
d) Briefly explain the following terms and where might they be found: a. RIMM b. microDIMM (5 marks)
e) What are the 3 main system resources? (5 marks)
f) Describe what is meant by the following terms and describe any differences: i. PGA ii. LGA 775 (5 marks)
g) Describe PCI Express outlining what type of data transmission takes place. How does it differ from PCI and what are the speeds associated with different implementations? (5 marks)
h) What are the main types of ROM that are available? (5 marks)
[40 marks]
a) Briefly describe what is meant by DRAM and SRAM. In your explanation outline the key features and characteristics associated with each type of RAM. (10 marks)
b) Briefly describe the operation of a typical hard disk outlining how the various components of the disk operate. Illustrate the internal structure of such a hard disk. (10 marks)
c) Briefly describe the operation of a typical CD-ROM drive outlining how the various components of the drive operate. Illustrate the internal structure of such a CD ROM drive. (10 marks)
[30 marks]
Q4. a) What is meant by the term System bus? What are its components? (4 marks)
b) What does BIOS stand for and what is its function at system startup i.e. what tasks does it perform? (8 marks)
c) Briefly explain what is meant by the term motherboard form factor and what are the most common motherboard form factors today? (8 marks)
d) Briefly, describe what is meant by the chipset of a motherboard and outline the functions of the Southbridge and Northbridge? Using a simple block diagram, illustrate how the chipset components on the motherboard. In your diagram, label all the important components. (10 marks)
[30 marks]
