COMPUTER

ARCHITECTURE
CAF411: LECTURE TWO
LU2 | Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards

Topics Covered:
1.Introduction to Expansion Cards
1. Definition and Purpose
2. Types of Expansion Cards
2.Installing Expansion Cards
1. Safety Precautions
2. Step-by-step Installation Guide
3.Configuring Expansion Cards
1. Software Installation
2. Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Introduction to Expansion Cards

1.1 Definition and Purpose

•Definition: Expansion cards are hardware components that can be inserted into the
expansion slots of a computer motherboard.
•Purpose: They add functionality or enhance system performance by providing
additional features not offered by the motherboard, such as improved graphics,
sound capabilities, or network connectivity.
1.2 Types of Expansion Cards
•Graphics Cards: Enhance the quality of images and videos.
•Sound Cards: Improve the audio quality.
•Network Cards: Provide network connectivity.
 LU2 | Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards
video card
It is designed to handle the complex calculations and
rendering required for modern computer graphics,
including 3D modeling and gaming. Video cards come in
different types and with varying levels of performance, from
entry-level cards for basic tasks to high-end cards for
demanding applications.

2020
They typically connect to a motherboard via a PCI Express
slot and require dedicated power from the power supply
unit. The video card also contains its own cooling system,
typically consisting of a heatsink and fan, to dissipate the
heat generated during operation.

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 LU2 | Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards
Sound Cards
Sound cards are expansion cards that provide additional audio
processing capabilities to a computer. They can improve sound
quality and enable features such as 3D positional audio and
surround sound. Sound cards typically include a Digital-to-
Analog Converter (DAC) to convert digital audio signals into
analog signals that can be played back through speakers or

2020
headphones. They may also include a built-in amplifier to boost
the power of the audio signal.

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2. Installing Expansion Cards

2.1 Safety Precautions

•Power Off: Always turn off the computer and unplug it before
installing an expansion card.
•Anti-Static Measures: Use an anti-static wrist strap or mat to
prevent static electricity from damaging the card.
•Handle with Care: Handle the card by its edges to avoid
touching and potentially damaging the circuits.

2.2 Step-by-step Installation Guide

1.Open the Computer Case: Remove the screws securing the
case and slide it open.
2.Locate the Expansion Slot: Identify the correct slot for your
expansion card.
3.Remove the Slot Cover: Unscrew and remove the metal plate
covering the slot.
4.Insert the Card: Align the card with the slot and press it
firmly into place.
5.Secure the Card: Screw the card into place to secure it.
6.Close the Case: Replace the case and secure it with screws.
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LU2 | Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards

Many types of expansion cards can be installed in a computer,

including sound, video, modem, network, interface card, and
others. In many cases, these expansion cards will fit in a slot in
the computer called a PCI slot. However, in the case of video
cards and a few others, they may fit into other types of slots,
like an AGP slot or a PCI Express slot.

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The picture below is an example of a motherboard with six
expansion slots: two PCI Express slots, three PCI slots, and one
AGP slot.

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LU2 | Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards
Network Interface Card

A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a network

adapter or network interface controller, is an expansion
card that enables a computer to connect to a network

2020

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2.Identifying Characteristics of Storage Devices

1.Types of Storage Devices

1. Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
2. Solid State Drives (SSD)
3. Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
4. Flash Drives
2. Characteristics of Storage Devices
1. Capacity
2. Speed
3. Durability
4. Portability

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 LU2 | Storage Devices

Hard Disk Drive Systems

A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a type of storage device that uses magnetic
storage to store and retrieve digital data. It consists of one or more rotating
disks, called platters, which are coated with a magnetic material, and a
read/write head that accesses and modifies the data on the platters.
There are two main types of hard disk drive systems:

Internal HDDs:
External HDDs:

The hard disk drive system contains the following three critical
components: Controller, Hard Disk , Host Bus Adapter

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LU2 | Storage Devices

Internal HDDs: These are installed inside a computer or server and are connected to
the motherboard via a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) or SAS (Serial
Attached SCSI) interface. Internal HDDs are available in various form factors, including
2.5-inch and 3.5-inch sizes, with the latter being more common in desktop computers.

External HDDs: These are standalone hard drives that connect to a computer or other
device via a USB or other interface. External HDDs are popular for backup and portable
storage purposes, as they are easy to transport and can be used with multiple devices.

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CAF411 | LU2 - Anatomy of a Hard Drive
The anatomy of a hard drive consists of several components, including:

▪ Platters
▪ Read/write heads
▪ Tracks
▪ Sectors
▪ Cylinders
▪ Clusters (allocation units)

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Types of Storage Devices
 LU2 | Storage Devices

Definition of HDD
HDD form factor (hard disk drive form factor) is the size or geometry of a data
storage device equipped with one or more magnetic-coated spinning platters
and one or more moving actuator arms with magnetic heads to read and write
information.

.
Characteristics:
1.Storage Capacity: HDDs come in various storage capacities, typically
ranging from a few hundred gigabytes to several terabytes.
2.Speed: The speed of an HDD is determined by its RPM (Revolutions Per
Minute). Common speeds include 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM.
3.Form Factor: Most HDDs have a form factor of 3.5 inches for desktop
computers and 2.5 inches for laptops.
4.Durability: HDDs have moving parts, which makes them more susceptible
to damage from physical shock.

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 LU2 | Storage Devices

Solid State Hybrid Drives

A hybrid drive (also known as a solid-state hybrid drive or
SSHD) is a type of hard drive that combines the features of
both traditional hard disk drives and solid-state drives. It is
essentially a traditional hard drive with a small amount of
solid-state memory built into it.

Characteristics:
1.Storage Capacity: SSHDs come in various storage capacities, typically
ranging from 500GB to 2TB.
2.Speed: SSHDs are faster than HDDs but slower than SSDs. They use
intelligent algorithms to automatically move frequently accessed data to the
SSD portion for quicker access.
3.Form Factor: SSHDs are available in both 3.5-inch (desktop) and 2.5-inch
(laptop) form factors.
4.Durability: SSHDs have moving parts like HDDs, but they are designed to be
more robust and reliable.

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LU2 | Storage Devices

Solid State Drives (SSD)

Solid-state drives (SSDs) use various communication interfaces to connect to the
computer's motherboard and communicate with the CPU. These interfaces
determine the speed and compatibility of the SSD with different systems

Characteristics:
1.Storage Capacity: SSDs come in various storage capacities, typically ranging from
120GB to 4TB.
2.Speed: SSDs are significantly faster than Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which makes
them ideal for tasks that require high-speed data access.
3.Form Factor: SSDs are available in several form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and
PCIe.
4.Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them more resistant to
physical shock.

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Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)

Optical drives, such as CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives, are

storage devices that use laser technology to read and
write data onto optical discs. These drives have been
widely used for many years for various purposes,
including data storage, software installation, media
playback, and backup.

Characteristics:
1.Storage Capacity: The storage capacity varies depending on
the type of disc used. CDs typically store up to 700MB, DVDs up
to 4.7GB, and Blu-ray discs up to 25GB (single layer) or 50GB
(dual layer).
2.Speed: The speed of an optical drive is determined by its
read/write speed, which is usually measured in multiples of ‘X’,
where ‘1X’ is equivalent to 150KB/s for CDs, 1.32MB/s for
DVDs, and 4.29MB/s for Blu-ray discs.

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Flash Drives

Flash drives, also known as USB flash drives, thumb drives, or

memory sticks, are portable storage devices that use flash memory
to store data. They have become increasingly popular due to their
convenience, portability, and large storage capacities compared to
their physical size.

Characteristics:
1.Storage Capacity: Flash drives come in various storage capacities, typically ranging from
2GB to 2TB.
2.Speed: The speed of a flash drive depends on its USB interface, with USB 3.0 and 3.1
drives being faster than USB 2.0 drives.
3.Portability: Flash drives are small and lightweight, making them highly portable.
4.Durability: Flash drives have no moving parts, which makes them resistant to shock and
damage.

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LU2 | Storage Devices

mSATA
mSATA stands for Mini-SATA and is a small form factor
solid-state drive (SSD) that is designed for use in laptops
and other portable devices. It is about one-third the size
of a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD and connects to the
system using a mini-SATA connector.

Characteristics:
1.Form Factor: mSATA SSDs are much smaller than regular 2.5-inch SSDs,
making them ideal for use in laptops and other devices where space is at
a premium.
2.Speed: mSATA SSDs offer the same high-speed data transfer rates as
their larger SATA counterparts.
3.Capacity: mSATA SSDs are available in capacities ranging from 32GB to
1TB.

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LU2 | Storage Devices
RAID
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology used to improve
the reliability and performance of data storage systems by combining multiple
physical disk drives into a single logical unit. The RAID configuration allows for
data to be distributed across multiple disks, so if one disk fails, the data can be
retrieved from the remaining disks without any data loss.

There are several RAID levels, each with different configurations that provide
varying levels of performance, fault tolerance, and capacity. The most common
RAID levels include:

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LU2 | Storage Devices

Removable Storage and Media

Removable storage and media refer to any storage device or media that can be
easily removed from a computer or other device. Removable storage devices
are useful for transferring files between devices, storing backups of important
data, and sharing files with others. There are many different types of removable
storage and media, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ex.:
USB Flash Drives
Memory Cards:
External Hard Drives
Optical Media:
Portable SSDs:

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LU2 | Understanding Power Supplies

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LU2 | Understanding Power Supplies

Power supplies are crucial components in electronic devices and systems.

They convert electrical energy from a power source (like a wall outlet or a
battery) into a form that's usable by the device they're powering

There are several factors to consider when choosing a power supply, including
wattage, efficiency, and form factor. The wattage rating determines how much
power the PSU can supply to the computer components.

Higher voltage PSUs are necessary for systems with high-end components or
multiple graphics cards. Efficiency measures how effectively the PSU converts AC
to DC power, and higher efficiency PSUs will reduce energy waste and save on
electricity bills. The form factor refers to the physical dimensions of the PSU and
the mounting options, with the most common form factors being ATX, SFX, and
TFX.

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LU2 | Understanding Power Supplies
Power Supply Input
The input of a power supply is the electrical power source that the power supply
uses to provide power to electronic devices. The input can vary depending on
the type of power supply and the application, but there are some common types
of inputs:

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List of Power Supply Input
 LU2 | Understanding Power Supplies
Power Supply Input

AC Input: Many power supplies are designed to accept AC (alternating current) power
from a wall outlet or other AC power source. The AC input is typically rated in volts and
hertz, indicating the voltage and frequency of the AC power.

DC Input: Some power supplies can accept DC (direct current) input from a battery or
other DC power source. The DC input is typically rated in volts, indicating the voltage of the
DC power.

Universal Input: Some power supplies are designed to accept both AC and DC input,
providing flexibility for different applications.

Input Protection: Power supplies may also have input protection features such as
overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, and surge protection, which protect the
power supply and the electronic devices being powered from damage due to electrical
surges or other electrical problems.

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LU2 | Power Supply Input
Power Supply Input
AC Input: Many power supplies are designed to accept AC
(alternating current) power from a wall outlet or other AC
power source. The AC input is typically rated in volts and hertz,
indicating the voltage and frequency of the AC power.

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Power Supply Input

DC Input: Some power supplies can accept DC (direct current)

input from a battery or other DC power source. The DC input is
typically rated in volts, indicating the voltage of the DC power.

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 Power Supply Input

Universal Input: Some power supplies are designed to accept

both AC and DC input, providing flexibility for different
applications.

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 Power Supply Input

Input Protection: Power supplies may also have input

protection features such as overvoltage protection,
undervoltage protection, and surge protection, which protect
the power supply and the electronic devices being powered
from damage due to electrical surges or other electrical
problems.

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 Power Supply Output and Ratings
The output of a power supply is the electrical power that it
provides to electronic devices. Power supply output is
typically measured in volts (V) and amperes (A) for DC (direct
current) power, and in volts (V) and watts (W) for AC
(alternating current) power.

Power supply output ratings are important to understand

when selecting a power supply for a specific application. Here
are some common output ratings:

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 Power Connectors
Power connectors are components used to deliver power from
a power supply unit (PSU) to various components in a
computer system. Here are some of the commonly used
power connectors:

24-pin ATX power connector: This connector is used to supply

power to the motherboard and is typically located near the CPU
socket.

4-pin ATX12V power connector: This connector is used to

supply additional power to the CPU and is typically located near
the CPU socket.

6-pin PCIe power connector: This connector is used to supply

power to PCIe expansion cards such as graphics cards.

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 Modular Power Supplies
Modular power supplies are power supplies that allow users to
connect and disconnect cables as needed, rather than having a
fixed set of cables permanently attached to the power supply.
This makes it easier to manage cable clutter inside a computer
case, and also allows users to only use the cables that they
need for their specific system configuration.

key aspect of modular power supplies:

Modular cables:
Customizability:

Cable management:
Compatibility:

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 Multiple PSUs
Multiple PSUs, also known as multiple power supply units, refer
to the use of more than one power supply unit to provide
power to a single system. This is typically done to provide
additional power capacity beyond what a single power supply
can provide, or to provide redundancy in case one of the power
supplies fails.

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Battery Backup Systems

Battery backup systems, also known as uninterruptible power

supplies (UPS), are devices that provide backup power in case
of a power outage or disruption. They are commonly used in
settings where power outages can cause significant damage or
disruption, such as data centers, hospitals, and businesses.

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Class scenario Activity

1.Ensure that the computer is powered off.

2.Install the adapter into an open slot.
3.Connect power, if needed . This most often applies to video cards.
4.After booting up the computer, install the driver . Again, Plug and Play may
take care of this automatically for you.
5.If the card isn't recognized or providing the expected functionality, check the
BIOS for configuration settings.
6.For other configuration options, use the utility provided by the manufacturer,
if applicable.

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 CAF Heading
Main 411 | LU2| Subheading

The End

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