Week 02 vocabulary deck
Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Compatibility
Say the definition before you flip. Use the example and distinction to repair fuzzy terms, then take the separate vocabulary quiz.Vocabulary lab
Flip the idea, not just the card
Explain the term before you reveal the back. Then compare your explanation with the definition, example, and warning.
Read all terms without animation
- motherboard
- The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, storage, expansion, firmware, and power. Example: A technician checks the board manual before installing a CPU and memory kit. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse the motherboard with the case; the case only houses the components.
- CPU socket
- A CPU socket is the physical and electrical interface that accepts a compatible processor. Example: An AM5 processor requires a motherboard with an AM5 socket. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse socket compatibility with performance; a processor can fit and still require firmware support.
- chipset
- A chipset is the motherboard logic that helps coordinate supported I/O features and platform capabilities. Example: Two boards with the same CPU socket may offer different numbers of USB, storage, or PCIe features. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse the chipset with the CPU itself; they have different roles.
- DIMM
- A DIMM is a desktop memory module installed in a motherboard memory slot. Example: A technician installs matched DDR5 DIMMs in the recommended slots. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse DIMM with SODIMM; SODIMMs are smaller modules commonly used in laptops.
- ECC
- Error-correcting code memory can detect and correct certain memory errors to improve reliability. Example: A workstation or server platform may require ECC-capable memory and processor support. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse ECC with dual-channel mode; ECC is about error handling, not channel width.
- dual-channel
- Dual-channel memory uses matched memory channels to increase available memory bandwidth. Example: Two compatible DIMMs are installed in the paired slots recommended by the board manual. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse dual-channel with doubling RAM capacity; it describes how memory channels operate.
- PCIe
- PCI Express is a high-speed expansion interface used by devices such as GPUs, NICs, and NVMe storage. Example: A graphics card is installed in a PCIe x16 slot. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse PCIe lane count with the physical size of every card; devices can use different lane widths.
- M.2
- M.2 is a compact expansion form factor commonly used for SSDs and wireless cards. Example: A technician installs an NVMe SSD in an M.2 socket that supports PCIe storage. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse M.2 with NVMe; M.2 describes the form factor while NVMe describes a storage protocol.
- TPM
- A Trusted Platform Module is a security component that can protect cryptographic keys and support trusted boot features. Example: BitLocker can use the TPM to protect encryption keys tied to the device state. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse a TPM with full-disk encryption itself; it can support encryption but does not replace it.
- thermal paste
- Thermal paste fills microscopic gaps between a processor and heatsink to improve heat transfer. Example: A small amount of thermal compound is applied before mounting the CPU cooler. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse thermal paste with an adhesive; its job is heat transfer.