Certified - CompTIA Tech+ Prepcast

Internal components are the physical hardware inside a computing device that perform the core operations required for the system to function. They are the parts you would see if you opened up a desktop case or disassembled a laptop. Understanding these components helps you troubleshoot system problems, plan hardware upgrades, and choose the right parts for a new build. In the Comp T I A Tech Plus exam F C zero dash U seven one, you will need to be able to identify these parts by name, describe their purpose, and understand how they work together. In this episode, we will focus on the central processing unit, or C P U, random access memory, or R A M, the graphics processing unit, or G P U, the motherboard, and supporting chipsets.
The central processing unit is often called the brain of the computer because it executes instructions from the operating system and applications. The C P U manages system operations by performing calculations, controlling data flow, and coordinating communication between other hardware components. C P U performance is measured in gigahertz, which represents billions of cycles per second. Modern C P Us also have multiple cores, which allow for parallel processing of multiple tasks at the same time. Performance depends on architecture design, clock speed, and the amount of high-speed cache memory built into the processor.
The C P U connects to the motherboard through a specific socket type, such as L G A or A M four. The socket type determines which processors a given motherboard can support. When upgrading a C P U, you must ensure compatibility with the socket, the motherboard chipset, and the system’s power delivery and cooling capabilities. Selecting an incompatible processor can prevent the system from booting or cause permanent damage to hardware.
Random access memory, or R A M, is volatile memory that temporarily stores active data and running processes. It is used for fast access to instructions and files while the computer is operating. Having more R A M allows for better multitasking, smoother software performance, and faster system responsiveness. R A M is measured in gigabytes and is rated by speed, such as D D R four running at three thousand two hundred megahertz.
R A M is installed in D I M M slots on the motherboard. Systems may support dual-channel or quad-channel configurations, which allow multiple memory modules to work together to improve bandwidth. To get optimal performance, the capacity and speed of the R A M modules should be matched, and they should be installed in the correct slot arrangement for channel symmetry. Improperly seated or mismatched memory can cause errors, system instability, or failure to boot.
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all internal components and routes power and data between them. It contains slots and connectors for R A M, the C P U, storage devices, the G P U, and expansion cards. Common motherboard form factors include A T X, micro A T X, and mini I T X, each of which supports different case sizes and component arrangements. Choosing the right form factor affects compatibility with cases and expansion options.
The chipset on the motherboard controls communication between the C P U, memory, storage devices, and peripherals. It determines which ports, expansion slots, and features are available. Older systems used separate northbridge and southbridge chips, but modern designs integrate most of these functions directly into a single chipset. Chipsets vary by processor generation and directly impact device compatibility.
The B I O S, or basic input output system, is firmware stored on the motherboard that initializes hardware during startup. It also provides a configuration interface for low-level system settings. Many modern systems use U E F I, or unified extensible firmware interface, which offers more advanced features and graphical menus compared to traditional B I O S. Firmware updates can add support for new hardware, improve stability, or address security vulnerabilities.
The graphics processing unit, or G P U, is responsible for rendering images, video, and animations for display. An integrated G P U is built into the C P U or motherboard and shares system memory. A dedicated G P U is a separate expansion card with its own processing cores and video memory. Dedicated G P Us provide higher performance for gaming, video editing, three-dimensional rendering, and artificial intelligence workloads.
Dedicated G P Us install into P C I e, or peripheral component interconnect express, slots on the motherboard. The size, power requirements, and cooling needs of a G P U must be compatible with the case and the power supply unit. High-end G P Us often require extra power connectors from the power supply. Integrated graphics save power and space but are limited in performance compared to dedicated solutions.
C P Us and G P Us generate significant heat during operation, requiring cooling systems to maintain safe operating temperatures. Common cooling methods include air cooling with heatsinks and fans, as well as liquid cooling systems for higher-performance builds. Poor thermal management can cause the processor to throttle performance or even lead to permanent damage. Monitoring software can track temperatures and adjust fan speeds to maintain optimal cooling.
The power supply unit, or P S U, converts electrical current from a wall outlet into the various voltages required by internal components. The wattage rating of the P S U must be sufficient to power all installed hardware. Modular power supplies allow you to attach only the cables you need, improving airflow and cable management. Reliable power delivery prevents startup issues, component instability, and unexpected shutdowns.
Storage devices connect to the motherboard through interfaces such as S A T A or N V M e. S A T A connections are common for traditional hard disk drives and solid state drives. N V M e drives use P C I e lanes for significantly faster data access than S A T A. The storage controller on the motherboard manages communication between the system and its drives. Knowing which interfaces are supported helps you select and configure storage for best performance and reliability.
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Expansion slots on the motherboard allow you to install additional hardware components to enhance the system’s capabilities. These slots use the P C I e, or peripheral component interconnect express, standard, which comes in different lane configurations such as by one, by four, by eight, and by sixteen. A dedicated graphics processing unit typically requires a by sixteen slot, while smaller cards like sound cards or additional network interface cards may use smaller lane counts. When installing expansion cards, you must ensure compatibility with the motherboard’s form factor, available slots, and power supply capacity.
A network interface card, or N I C, provides the system with connectivity to a wired or wireless network. Most modern motherboards include an onboard N I C, but expansion cards can offer additional features, such as higher network speeds or wireless capability. Wired N I Cs may support speeds like one hundred megabits per second, one gigabit per second, or even ten gigabits per second. Wireless N I Cs may include external antennas and support Bluetooth in addition to Wi-Fi. Choosing the right N I C depends on the network environment and the performance requirements of the system.
Some components are built into the motherboard, known as onboard components, while others are added as expansion cards. Onboard features such as basic graphics, networking, and audio reduce system cost and power usage. However, they may not deliver the performance required for certain tasks, in which case dedicated expansion cards are preferred. The decision between using onboard or expansion components depends on the workload, the budget, and the space available inside the case.
Many motherboards include diagnostic features such as L E D indicators or beep codes to help identify hardware problems during startup. These are part of the P O S T, or power-on self-test, process. If a system fails to boot, these indicators can point to issues with components like the central processing unit, random access memory, graphics processing unit, or power supply. Understanding these diagnostic signals allows for quicker identification of faults and more efficient troubleshooting.
Internal cabling and connectors are essential for linking components and providing power. Common connectors include S A T A cables for storage drives, front panel headers for power and reset buttons, fan power connectors, and U S B headers for front panel ports. Proper cable routing improves airflow within the case, helping maintain lower temperatures. Incorrectly connected or loose cables can lead to system instability, boot failures, or non-functional devices. Good cable management also makes maintenance and upgrades easier.
Maintaining and upgrading components is part of keeping a system running efficiently over time. Common upgrades include adding more random access memory, installing faster storage drives, or replacing a graphics processing unit for improved performance. Maintenance tasks may involve updating firmware, installing driver updates, and reapplying thermal paste to processors for better cooling. Regular cleaning to remove dust buildup is essential for preventing overheating and extending the lifespan of internal components.
Recognizing the symptoms of hardware failure is a vital skill. If the system has no power, the cause could be a faulty power supply unit, a loose connection, or a damaged motherboard. If there is no display output, potential issues include the graphics card, the display cable, or the monitor itself. Random restarts or freezes might point to faulty memory, overheating, or unstable power delivery. Linking these symptoms to specific components helps narrow down the source of the problem quickly.
On the Comp T I A Tech Plus exam, you may encounter scenarios that ask you to identify a component by its function, physical placement, or performance characteristics. Other questions may present a system symptom and ask which component is most likely at fault. You could also be asked to compare the advantages and disadvantages of integrated versus dedicated components. Diagram-based questions may require you to label motherboard sections or identify ports and slots.
Some important glossary terms to review for this topic include C P U, G P U, R A M, D I M M, P C I e, N I C, B I O S, U E F I, P S U, S A T A, and N V M e. Practicing with flashcards can help you remember these acronyms and their full names. Grouping them by category, such as processing, memory, storage, or connectivity, can also make studying more efficient.
Many I T job roles involve working directly with internal components. Hardware technicians may replace failed processors, memory modules, or storage drives. Support technicians often troubleshoot P O S T failures, reseat memory, or test expansion cards. System builders select and assemble components to meet performance goals and budget constraints. Each of these roles requires both theoretical knowledge of components and practical hands-on skills.
The choices you make when selecting components have real-world consequences. Underpowered systems can create bottlenecks that slow down productivity. Mismatched components can waste money or cause compatibility issues. An optimized build can improve performance, reduce downtime, and scale more easily for future upgrades. Making informed decisions about internal components is an important responsibility for anyone in I T support or system administration.
For final review, study visual diagrams of motherboards to learn where each slot and connector is located. Practice identifying the functions and specifications of internal parts. Pay special attention to distinctions such as integrated versus dedicated components and volatile versus non-volatile memory. Work through practice scenarios that simulate diagnosing and repairing hardware issues. This hands-on approach will reinforce your understanding and prepare you for both the exam and real-world situations.
In the next episode, we will move from internal components to storage technologies. We will compare hard disk drives, solid state drives, N V M e storage, and optical media. You will learn how to evaluate them based on speed, cost, durability, and use case. This knowledge will help you select the right storage for both home and enterprise systems.