CompTIA A+ Module 1: Installing Motherboards and Connectors

Main Sections Covered

• Cable Types and Connectors
• Install and Configure Motherboards
• Legacy Cable Types

Introduction

• 20 modules in total for the full CompTIA A+ 1100 series course
• Free training on various IT courses
• Importance of likes and subscriptions for spreading free training

1. Cable Types and Connectors

System Case vs Tower

• All-in-One:
  • Integrated screen and computer components
  • Often includes a touch screen
  • Takes up less space
  • Expensive and hard to upgrade
• Tower:
  • Separate components like a screen, keyboard, and mouse
  • Easier and cheaper to upgrade
  • Takes up more space

Front Panel Ports and Features

• Standard features
  • USB ports
  • Audio and mic jacks
  • Power button and restart button
  • Optical drive (inclusion varies)
• Ports placement varies (front or top)

Side and Rear Panel

• Side panel gives access to internal components: motherboard, RAM, graphics card, etc.
• Rear panel ports include a combination of motherboard ports, graphics card ports, and PSU

Types of USB and Video Cables

• USB 2.0 and 3.0 Connectors
  • Type A, Type B, Type B Mini, Type B Micro
  • USB 3 has additional pins for faster speeds
• HDMI and DisplayPort
  • HDMI: standard for high-definition video and audio
  • DisplayPort: similar to HDMI, royalty-free
• Thunderbolt and Lightning
  • Thunderbolt: used for both video and peripheral devices, supports daisy chaining
  • Lightning: proprietary Apple connector

SATA and Molex Connectors

• SATA:
  • Data and power connectors for modern storage devices
  • Power connectors on PSU usually include both Molex and SATA
• Molex: Older power connector used mostly for case fans now

Network and Phone Cables

• RJ45 (Ethernet): Standard network connector
• RJ11 (PotS): Used for old landline phones

2. Install and Configure Motherboards

Electrical Safety and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)

• Unplug devices before working
• ESD can damage internal components
• Anti-static tools and wrist straps recommended (though rarely used in practice)
• Discharge yourself by touching the frame of the case before handling components

Motherboard Connector Types

• CPU Socket: Where the CPU is placed
• Memory Slots: RAM slots, often color-coded for channels
• Disk Drive Connectors: SATA for data and power
• Expansion Slots: PCIe slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards
• I/O Ports: Input/output ports like USB, audio, and video
• CMOS Battery: Keeps track of system time and some settings

Installation Tips

• Start with CPU, then choose a compatible motherboard
• Check motherboard RAM support
• Channels: Fill the same color/channel slots first
• Be mindful of power supply placement (top or bottom of the case)

Front Panel Headers

• Power Button: Usually red-coded pins
• Reset Button: Blue-coded pins (sometimes)
• LED Indicators: HDD activity and power LED

Legacy Components

• IDE Cable: Older parallel cable for hard drives and optical drives, largely replaced by SATA
• Serial Cable (RS-232/DB9): Used for modems and older peripheral devices, some server room usage
• SCSI Cable: Used for older storage devices, largely phased out

Adapter Cables

• Different ends (e.g., VGA to HDMI, USB converters)
• Active cables have circuitry for signal translation

Conclusion

• Thanks and importance of sponsorship for ongoing free training
• Stay tuned for Module 2