[4학년][1학기][Coursera][Introduction to HW and OS][W6]

Introduction to Hardware and Operating System

Coursera - IBM

Link to Course

Module 4

Internal Computer Components

Learning Objectives

• Recognize internal components of a computer
• Understand the role of the motherboard
• Evaluate how data flows among internal systems

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Motherboard Overview

• The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB)
• Hosts:
  • CPU socket
  • RAM slots
  • Chipset (northbridge & southbridge)
  • I/O and peripheral connectors
• Acts as the communication backbone of the computer

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Chipset Architecture

Component	Function
Northbridge	High-speed communication (CPU ↔ RAM, GPU); directly connected to CPU
Southbridge	Slower components (USB, audio, BIOS); not directly connected to CPU

• Together, the chipset manages data flow between CPU, memory, and peripherals

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Buses and Data Flow

• A bus is a high-speed pathway (printed circuitry) on the motherboard
• Transmits:
  • Control signals
  • Addresses
  • Data
• Example: Front-Side Bus (FSB)
  • Connects CPU ↔ Northbridge (memory controller)

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CPU Socket Types

• Socket: Interface that connects CPU to motherboard
• Types of socket architecture:
  • PGA (Pin Grid Array):
    • Pins on CPU, holes on socket
    • Align and insert carefully (no force)
  • LGA (Land Grid Array):
    • Pins on motherboard, flat contact pads on CPU
    • Newer Intel CPUs typically use LGA

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Power Connectors

• Provide electrical current to motherboard and components
• ATX connector: A common large connector from power supply to motherboard
• Other connectors vary depending on form factor and power needs

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Summary of Key Points

• Internal components are all elements attached to the motherboard
• The motherboard facilitates communication between CPU, memory, and peripherals
• Chipsets (northbridge and southbridge) manage data flow across key areas
• Buses are internal highways for data/control signals
• Sockets allow CPUs to connect to the motherboard and vary by CPU generation
• Power connectors supply electricity to the board and its components

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Data Processing and Storage

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the role of memory in a computing system
• Distinguish between memory slots and expansion slots
• Understand the functions of the BIOS and CMOS

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• CPU is a silicon chip with billions of transistors
• Executes calculations using data stored in memory
• 32-bit CPU: 2-lane data bus
• 64-bit CPU: 4-lane bus → double the data per clock cycle
• Found in laptops, desktops, and servers

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RAM and Memory Slots

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporarily stores working data
• Volatile → data lost when power is off
• Installed in memory slots on the motherboard
• RAM is cold pluggable (must be powered off to install)

RAM Types:

Type	Description
DRAM	Uses capacitors and transistors to store each bit
SDRAM	Synchronous DRAM; faster than standard DRAM
DDR / DDR3 / DDR4	Double Data Rate; each generation is faster and more power-efficient
SO-DIMM	Compact RAM used in laptops; smaller but uses more power

• RAM speed: Measured in MHz (e.g., 1333–2133 MHz)

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Expansion Slots

• Memory slots: Only accept RAM
• Expansion slots (e.g., PCI / PCIe):
  • Used for graphics cards, sound cards, network adapters
  • Add features and capabilities to the system
  • Number and type depend on motherboard model

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Disk Controller

• Allows CPU to communicate with storage devices
• Example: IDE controller
  • Chip-based circuit that manages hard drive read/write
  • Often includes cache memory for performance boost

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BIOS and CMOS

Term	Function
BIOS	Firmware that handles input/output processes during startup
CMOS	Memory chip that stores BIOS configuration settings

• BIOS is preprogrammed on the motherboard
• Can be updated ("flashed") with correct version (check with manufacturer)
• CMOS powered by coin-sized battery
• When CMOS battery dies:
  • System clock resets
  • Hardware settings are lost

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Summary of Key Points

• Internal components like CPU, RAM, BIOS, expansion cards connect via the motherboard
• RAM is stored in memory slots and varies by type, size, and speed
• Expansion slots (PCI/PCIe) allow feature upgrades (e.g., graphics)
• BIOS controls startup and I/O functions; CMOS stores its settings
• CMOS battery must be replaced when expired to retain BIOS configuration

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Internal Storage

Learning Objectives

• Describe hard drive architecture and data flow
• Compare characteristics of PATA, IDE, SATA, SCSI, SSD drives
• Understand optical drive technologies
• Identify the role of expansion slots in storage

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Traditional Internal Hard Drives

• Introduced by IBM in 1956
• Provide non-volatile, long-term data storage
• Use spinning platters and actuator arms with read/write heads
• Key components:
  • Power connector: Supplies power
  • Data connector: Transfers data
  • Jumpers: Configures specific drive settings

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ATA, IDE, and PATA Drives

Type	Description
IDE / ATA	Popular from 1980s–2003
PATA	Parallel version of ATA
Speed	Ranged from 33 Mbps to 133 Mbps

• Used ribbon cables for data connection

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SATA Drives

• Introduced in 2003, using serial bus
• Much faster than ATA: up to 6 Gbps
• Common RPMs: 5400 / 7200
• Capacity: 250 GB to 30+ TB
• Standard for modern desktops and laptops
• Each SATA port supports one drive

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SCSI Drives

• Known as "scuzzy"
• Introduced in 1986
• Fast (10,000–15,000 RPM)
• Discontinued around 1994

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Solid-State Drives (SSD)

• Introduced in 1989
• Store data on non-volatile flash memory
• Faster than HDDs (up to 10–12 GB/s)
• Capacity: 120 GB to 2 TB (typically)
• More reliable but more expensive than SATA
• Also used in:
  • External drives
  • Hybrid drives (SSD as cache + SATA as storage)

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Optical Drives

• Use CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs
• Write/read via low-powered laser beam
• Store data in tiny pits on spiral tracks

Formats and Capacities

Format	Storage	Notes
CD	Up to 750 MB	Single-sided
DVD	4.7–17.1 GB	Single or dual-sided
Blu-ray	25–128 GB (per layer)	High-res video/audio, DRM by region

• BD-XL drives needed for triple/quad-layer Blu-rays

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Expansion Slots

• On the motherboard, used for:
  • Adding storage controllers
  • Supporting additional drives

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Summary of Key Points

• Internal hard drives offer fast access and long-term, non-volatile storage
• SATA drives are standard today due to cost-efficiency and capacity
• SSDs are faster and more reliable but costlier
• Optical drives offer portable storage and are still used for media
• Blu-ray Discs support high-resolution content and regional protection
• Expansion slots allow extending storage capabilities via add-on cards

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Display Cards and Sound Cards

Learning Objectives

• Define the function of a video card (GPU)
• Understand how sound cards handle audio signals
• Evaluate the role of MIDI controllers in audio production

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Video Cards (Graphics Cards)

• Also called:
  • Display adapter, Graphics card, Video adapter, GPU
• May be:
  • Integrated (on the motherboard)
  • Dedicated (plugged into an expansion slot)

Functions:

• Sends graphical data to:
  • Monitors, TVs, Projectors
• Uses a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to:
  • Accelerate graphics rendering
  • Perform parallel processing for:
    • Gaming
    • Video editing
    • Machine learning

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Sound Cards (Audio Cards)

• Generate and process audio signals
• Functions:
  • Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC):
    • E.g., Microphone → Digital file
  • Digital-to-analog conversion (DAC):
    • E.g., MP3 → Speaker output
• Can be:
  • Integrated on the motherboard (common in most PCs)
  • Dedicated expansion cards (for higher quality sound)

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MIDI Controllers

• MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): Standard for digital musical instruments
• MIDI Controller:
  • Sends digital signals to PC or synthesizer
  • Allows sequencing, recording, and virtual instrument control
• Commonly used by musicians for composing and producing music

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Summary of Key Points

• Video cards (GPUs) process and send image data to displays
• Sound cards convert audio signals between analog and digital
• Integrated audio is usually sufficient for general users
• Dedicated sound cards are preferred for audio production
• MIDI controllers are essential tools for digital musicians, sending control signals to PCs and sound modules

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Cooling and Fans

Learning Objectives

• Define system cooling
• Compare air cooling, passive cooling, and liquid cooling
• Evaluate the efficiency and trade-offs of liquid cooling

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What Is System Cooling?

• Computers generate heat during operation
• System cooling prevents overheating of internal components
• Without proper cooling, parts like the CPU can be damaged

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Cooling Methods

1. Passive Cooling

• Slows down the component's operating speed to reduce heat
• No moving parts (e.g., simple heatsinks without fans)

2. Active Cooling (Air Cooling)

• Uses powered fans to move air through the case
• Cool air drawn in from front vents, hot air expelled out the back
• Forced convection with heatsink + fan setup:
  • Thermal paste fills microscopic gaps for better heat transfer
  • Fan blows air over heatsink fins to dissipate heat

3. Liquid Cooling

• Similar to radiator systems in cars
• Circulates liquid through water blocks placed on hot chips (e.g., CPU, GPU)
• Heated liquid → radiator → cooled via fans → recirculates
• Quieter and more efficient, especially for:
  • High-performance PCs
  • Hot environments

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Liquid Cooling

Advantage	Disadvantage
Quiet operation	Higher cost
Efficient heat transfer	Risk of leakage inside system
Effective in high-heat setups	Requires more maintenance

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Summary of Key Points

• System cooling is essential to protect components from heat damage
• Air cooling uses heatsinks, thermal paste, and fans
• Passive cooling slows down performance to reduce heat
• Liquid cooling is quieter and more effective, but costly and riskier
• Best choice depends on system use, heat level, and budget

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