CHAPTER 3: ADVANCED COMPUTER
HARDWARE
1. BOOT PROCESS AND FIRMWARE
1.1 POST (Power-On Self-Test)
Definition
POST is a diagnostic process that runs automatically when a computer is powered on.
Function
● Checks that critical hardware components are functioning correctly.
● Tests RAM, CPU, keyboard, storage devices, and motherboard.
● Detects hardware faults before the operating system loads.
Therefore:
● If a problem is detected, POST produces beep codes or error messages.
● Beep codes differ depending on the motherboard manufacturer.
● If no RAM is installed, the computer will produce a memory error beep code.
1.2 BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
Definition
BIOS is firmware stored on a ROM chip on the motherboard.
Function
● Starts the boot process.
● Performs POST.
● Identifies and configures hardware.
● Determines which device to boot from.
● Manages communication between hardware and operating system.
Key Responsibilities
BIOS identifies:
● Bootable drives
● Memory configuration
● PCIe expansion slots
● SATA and USB ports
● Power management settings
1.3 CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor)
Definition
CMOS is a small memory chip that stores BIOS configuration settings.
Function
● Stores system date and time.
● Stores hardware configuration settings.
● Retains BIOS settings using a CMOS battery.
Therefore:
● If the CMOS battery fails:
○ Date and time reset.
○ BIOS settings are lost.
● A common sign of a dead CMOS battery is incorrect system time.
1.4 UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
Definition
UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS.
Function
● Initializes hardware during boot.
● Supports large hard drives (over 2TB).
● Provides faster boot times.
● Includes improved security features.
Security Feature: Secure Boot
Secure Boot ensures that only trusted operating systems can load during startup.
It protects the system from malware such as rootkits.
1.5 BIOS/UEFI Security Features
● Password protection (restrict access to settings)
● Drive encryption (protects stored data)
● TPM (Trusted Platform Module) – stores encryption keys securely
● Secure Boot – prevents unauthorized OS loading
1.6 Flashing the BIOS
Definition
Flashing the BIOS means updating the motherboard firmware electronically.
Benefits
● Modern BIOS uses EEPROM (can be updated electronically).
● Updates improve system stability and compatibility.
● Always follow manufacturer instructions when updating firmware.
2. ELECTRICAL POWER
2.1 Basic Electrical Units
Voltage (V)
Definition: Electrical pressure that pushes electrons through a circuit.
Measured in: Volts (V)
Current (I)
Definition: Flow of electrons through a circuit.
Measured in: Amperes (A)
Resistance (R)
Definition: Opposition to current flow.
Measured in: Ohms (Ω)
Power (P)
Definition: Electrical work done.
Measured in: Watts (W)
Important Formulas
Ohm’s Law:
V=I×R
Power Formula:
P=V×I
2.2 Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Definition
The PSU converts AC power from the wall into DC power for the computer.
Function
● Supplies stable power to motherboard, CPU, RAM, drives, and peripherals.
● Regulates voltage levels.
Voltage Selector
Some PSUs have a switch:
● 110/115V
● 220/230V
Wrong selection can damage the computer.
2.3 Power Fluctuations
Blackout
Complete loss of power.
Brownout
Reduced voltage for a period of time.
Surge
Large increase in voltage.
Spike
Very short, sudden increase in voltage.
Noise
Electrical interference from lightning or generators.
These can cause:
● Data loss
● Hardware damage
2.4 Power Protection Devices
Surge Protector
Protects against voltage spikes by diverting excess electricity.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Provides backup battery power during blackouts and brownouts.
Allows safe shutdown of the computer.
SPS (Standby Power Supply)
Provides backup power but switches on slower than a UPS.
3. ADVANCED COMPUTER
FUNCTIONALITY
3.1 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Definition
The CPU is the main processing component of the computer.
Function
● Executes program instructions.
● Performs calculations.
● Controls system operations.
Performance Measurement
● MHz (Megahertz)
● GHz (Gigahertz)
Higher GHz = Faster processing speed.
3.2 CPU Architectures
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
Uses fewer, simpler instructions.
Designed for fast execution.
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)
Uses many complex instructions.
Completes tasks in fewer steps.
3.3 Multicore Processors
Definition
A processor with two or more cores on one chip.
Function
● Allows multitasking.
● Improves performance.
● Reduces heat compared to multiple CPUs.
3.4 CPU Enhancements
Hyper-Threading (Intel)
Allows one CPU core to act like two logical processors.
Virtualization
Allows multiple operating systems to run on one computer.
Overclocking
Running CPU faster than manufacturer specifications (not recommended).
Throttling
Reducing CPU speed to lower heat or save power.
3.5 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Definition
A processor responsible for rendering graphics and video.
Types
Integrated GPU – built into CPU, uses system RAM.
Dedicated GPU – separate card with its own memory.
Integrated GPUs are suitable for basic tasks.
Dedicated GPUs are used for gaming and heavy graphics work.
3.6 CPU Cooling Systems
Heat Sink
Metal component that absorbs and dissipates heat.
Thermal Compound
Improves heat transfer between CPU and heat sink.
CPU Fan
Moves air to cool the heat sink.
Water Cooling
Uses liquid to remove heat from the CPU.
Without proper cooling → CPU overheats and the system shuts down.
4. RAID
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
Definition
A storage technology that combines multiple hard drives.
Purpose
● Improve performance
● Provide redundancy
● Increase storage capacity
RAID Concepts
Striping – Data split across drives (fast, no protection).
Mirroring – Data duplicated on another drive (protection).
Parity – Error checking information stored for recovery.
Double Parity – Can survive two drive failures.
5. PORTS, CABLES, AND CONNECTORS
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Used to connect peripheral devices and transfer data/power.
Types:
● USB-A
● USB-B
● Mini-USB
● Micro-USB
● USB-C (newest standard)
● Lightning (Apple devices)
SATA
Used to connect internal storage devices to the motherboard.
Requires:
● SATA data cable
● SATA power cable
RJ-45
Used with Ethernet (UTP) cable to connect to a network.
VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
Used to connect monitors.
HDMI and DisplayPort support both video and audio.
6. MONITORS
Monitor
An output device that displays visual information.
Resolution
Number of pixels displayed on screen (e.g., 1920 × 1080).
Higher resolution = clearer image.
Native Resolution
The best resolution for a specific monitor.
Refresh Rate
Measured in Hertz (Hz).
Indicates how many times per second the screen refreshes.
Common Display Standards
VGA – 640 × 480
HD – 1280 × 720
FHD – 1920 × 1080
QHD – 2560 × 1440
UHD (4K) – 3840 × 2160
7. COMPUTER UPGRADES
Motherboard
Main circuit board connecting all components.
Upgrading may require:
● New CPU
● New RAM
● New PSU
CPU Upgrade
Must:
● Match motherboard socket.
● Apply thermal compound.
● Ensure sufficient cooling.
Storage Upgrade
Reasons:
● Increase space
● Improve speed
● Backup data
● Install second OS
Power Supply Upgrade
Required when new components need more wattage.
8. PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Safe Disposal
Computer components may contain hazardous materials.
Properly dispose of:
● Batteries
● Monitors
● Toner cartridges
● Chemical solvents
● Phones and tablets
Follow local environmental regulations.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Definition
A document providing safety information about hazardous materials.
Contains
● Hazard identification
● First aid instructions
● Handling procedures
● Storage requirements
● Disposal instructions
Technicians must consult SDS before disposing of hazardous materials.
