Chapter 6 SolutionsCopyright © 2007 by TheMcGraw-Hill Companies

Mike Meyers’ A+ Guide: PC Technician

Chapter 6 Solutions

Key Term Quiz

  1. The motherboard bookis your primary source for all of the critical information about the motherboard.
  2. The motherboard mounts to the case via small connectors called standoutsthat slide into keyed slots or screw into the bottom of the case.
  3. A system that has suffered a catastrophic failure will simply not boot.
  4. When a single device, connection, or component exhibits intermittent problems, component failure is the likely cause.
  5. Manufacturing defects may result in a burn-in failure.
  6. High-quality cases provide a removable motherboard mount to which you can more easily attach the motherboard.
  7. Sometimes you can upgrade a motherboard’s technology by flashing the BIOS.
  8. The form factor determines the physical size of the motherboard.
  9. A removable face makes disassembly of a case much easier.
  10. A POST cardenables you to identify POST errors without having to connect a monitor or speaker.

Multiple Choice Quiz

  1. In a routine check of a system newly built by her latest intern, Sarah discovers that everything works except the hard drive and power LEDs on the front of the case. What could be the problem? (Select two.)
  2. The intern forgot to connect the LED leads to the motherboard.
  3. The intern reversed the LED leads to the motherboard.
  4. There is no power to the motherboard.
  5. There is no activity on the hard drive.
  6. Robert installed a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM into his old case. After he attached the power correctly and pressed the power button, not only did the system not boot up, but he could smell ozone and realized the motherboard had shorted out. What could have been the cause?
  7. Robert installed an ATX motherboard into a BTX case.
  8. Robert installed a BTX motherboard into an ATX case.
  9. Robert used an AT power supply on an ATX motherboard.
  10. Robert left a standout in the wrong place under the motherboard.
  11. Martin bought a new motherboard to replace his older ATX motherboard. As he left the shop, the tech on duty called after him, “Check your standouts!” What could the tech have meant?
  12. Standouts are the connectors on the motherboard for the front panel buttons, like the on/off switch and reset button.
  13. Standouts are the metal edges on some cases that aren’t rolled.
  14. Standouts are the metal connectors that attach the motherboard to the case.
  15. Standouts are the dongles that enable a motherboard to support more than four USB ports.
  16. Amanda bought a new system that, right in the middle of an important presentation, gave her a blue screen of death. Now her system won’t boot at all, not even to CMOS. After extensive troubleshooting, she determined that the motherboardwas at fault and replaced it. Now the system runs fine. What was themost likely cause of the problem?
  17. Burn-in failure
  18. Electrostatic discharge
  19. Component failure
  20. Power supply failure
  21. Solon has a very buggy computer that keeps locking up at odd moments and rebooting spontaneously. He suspects the motherboard. How should he test it?
  22. Check settings and verify good components.
  23. Verify good components and document all testing.
  24. Replace the motherboard first to see if the problems disappear.
  25. Check settings, verify good components, replace components, and document all testing.
  26. As tech support for a computer shop, you receive a call from an irate customer insisting that you sent him the wrong motherboard because it won’t fit in his old case. Which of the following questions might enable you to determine the problem? Select the best answer.
  27. Could you describe the location of the connectors on the back of the motherboard?
  28. Could you describe the location of the standouts on the case?
  29. What kind of CPU are you using?
  30. What type of RAM are you using?
  31. What should you avoid when purchasing a new case?
  32. Removable faceplate
  33. Front-mounted USB ports
  34. A good deal with an included power supply
  35. Detachable motherboard mount
  36. What is the correct order of steps for installing a motherboard?
  37. Secure the motherboard to the case, install RAM and CPU, configure jumpers
  38. Install the CPU, secure the motherboard to the case, install RAM
  39. Configure jumpers, secure the motherboard to the case, install RAM and CPU
  40. Install RAM and CPU, configure jumpers, secure the motherboard to the case
  41. How can you test a new motherboard without a keyboard or monitor?
  42. Use a POST card
  43. If the power supply fan spins, the motherboard is good
  44. Use a multimeter
  45. You cannot test a motherboard without a keyboard and monitor
  46. What damage can be done by incorrectly attaching the LED wires to a motherboard?
  47. You can destroy the motherboard
  48. Data corruption on the hard drive
  49. Loss of CMOS data
  50. No damage, the LEDs simply will not work

Essay Quiz

  1. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation or write a paper that would help your classmates select and replace a bad motherboard. Be sure to walk through all the necessary steps.

The answers may include several points, such as the following:

  • Determine what motherboard you need and make sure your CPU will work with the motherboard.
  • Make sure that the motherboard form factor matches the case and will fit inside the box.
  • Consult the motherboard book to configure any jumpers or dip switches necessary for your particular CPU.
  • Be sure you can return the motherboard if it does not match your CPU or case.
  • After unplugging the computer, remove any cards or drives that prevent you from accessing the motherboard.
  • Remove the power connector from the old motherboard.
  • Unscrew the old motherboard and lift it out.
  • Check to see if you need to move any of the standouts for the new motherboard to fit into the case. Use as many standouts as your new motherboard will support.
  • If you are going to use the same CPU or RAM, remove it from the old motherboard and place it into the new one. If you have a new CPU and new RAM, insert it into the new motherboard. Also place the CPU fan into position before you attempt to insert the motherboard into the case.
  • Plug in the wires for the LEDs and buttons on the front of the box, making sure that you align the positive and negative connections as directed in the motherboard book.
  • Test the motherboard with either a POST card or by installing a keyboard, video card, and monitor.
  • Then replace the cards, drives, and other components.
  • Check the CMOS setup for anything you may need to configure.
  1. Your neighbors Dora and Jim just learned that you’re studying computer hardware. They feel that their computer is slightly out of date. They want to upgrade the processor, but not the motherboard. Prepare a list of at least five questions that you should ask them before you know what CPU they can choose or whether it is feasible to upgrade their system.

Answers will vary. Questions might include the following:

  • What is the manufacturer and model of your current CPU?
  • What kind of CPU socket or slot does your motherboard have?
  • Who is the manufacturer and what is the model of your motherboard?
  • What chipset does your motherboard use?
  • How much RAM does your computer currently have?
  • Why do you want to upgrade your CPU?
  • Are you sure you want to upgrade only the CPU or are you willing to upgrade the motherboard and the RAM as well?

Page 1 of 6