Question Q-5680 A DDR4 DIMM operating at 3200 MHz has a data…
1 comment · last active Mar 15, 2026
CompTIA A+ Hardware Fundamentals
By Jordan Blake · Updated Jun 4, 2026
| Questions | 23 |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Format | 70% Multiple Choice |
| Sessions Logged | 1,735 |
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DRAM refreshes constantly; SRAM is cache — faster, no refresh, expensive. Exam loves that contrast.
+1 votes
ATX = full desktop standard with most expansion slots. Mini-ITX is one slot SFF builds.
NVMe M.2 vs 2.5" SATA SSD — different connectors, both SSD. M.2 can be SATA or NVMe (check keying).
SATA power vs Molex, 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU — know your power connectors cold.
ECC RAM = server/workstation error correction. Consumer desktops usually non-ECC DDR4/DDR5.
Front panel headers (power switch, HDD LED) — consult motherboard manual every time. No universal layout.
+1 votes
PSU wattage: add GPU TDP + CPU + 20% headroom. Don't cheap out on no-name PSUs.
Question catalog for this preview
Catalog listing of the 5 preview questions for this quiz.
Question 1
The [[blank1]] connector is the main 24-pin power connector on ATX motherboards, providing multiple voltage rails (+3.3V, +5V, +12V) to the motherboard.
Explanation
The 24-pin ATX connector (evolved from the original 20-pin ATX) supplies all primary voltage rails to the motherboard: +3.3V, +5V, +12V, -12V, +5VSB (standby), and ground. A separate EPS12V connector (4-pin or 8-pin) provides dedicated 12V power to the CPU VRM. The 20+4 pin design allows the 4-pin section to detach for compatibility with older 20-pin motherboards. Without this connector seated properly, the system will not power on.
Question 2
A technician measures the 12V rail on an ATX power supply under load and gets a reading of 11.3V. According to ATX specifications, what does this indicate?
Explanation
ATX specification requires all voltage rails to remain within ±5% of nominal under load. For 12V: acceptable range is 11.4V to 12.6V. A reading of 11.3V is below the 11.4V floor — the PSU is out of spec and should be replaced. Undervoltage on the 12V rail can cause system instability, unexpected shutdowns, data corruption, and component damage over time. The 12V rail powers CPU (via EPS connector) and GPU (via PCIe connectors), making stability critical.
Question 3
Place the following steps in the correct order for replacing a laptop's SSD:
1. Power on the laptop and verify the new SSD is recognized in BIOS
2. Ground yourself with an ESD wrist strap
3. Remove the bottom panel screws and access the SSD slot
4. Power off the laptop and disconnect the battery
5. Install the operating system or restore from backup
6. Carefully remove the old M.2 SSD at a 30-degree angle
7. Insert the new M.2 SSD at a 30-degree angle and secure with the retention screw
Explanation
Safety first: (2) ESD protection before touching any components. (4) Power off and disconnect battery to prevent electrical damage and allow capacitors to discharge. (3) Access the SSD by removing the bottom panel. (6) M.2 SSDs are held at an angle — remove by unscrewing the retention screw and sliding out at ~30°. (7) Insert the new drive at ~30° into the M.2 slot and press down to secure with the screw. (1) Verify BIOS recognition before loading software. (5) Finally, install the OS or restore data.
Question 4
Which tool should a technician use to safely discharge static electricity before handling sensitive computer components?
Explanation
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can permanently damage sensitive components with as little as 10V (humans don't feel static until ~3,000V). An ESD wrist strap (anti-static wrist strap) connects the technician to ground via a 1 MΩ resistor (which prevents shock if accidentally touching live circuits). It must be connected to a true ground — either an ESD mat or the metal chassis of a plugged-in (but powered-off) computer. Rubber gloves insulate but don't discharge existing static. Compressed air does not remove static. Anti-static spray is used on work surfaces, not components.
Question 5
Which form factor is most commonly used in modern desktop motherboards and offers the widest expansion slot availability?
Explanation
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) is the standard full-size desktop motherboard form factor, measuring 305×244 mm. It provides the most expansion slots (typically 7 PCIe/PCI slots) and connectors. Mini-ITX is the smallest consumer form factor (170×170 mm) with only one PCIe slot. Micro-ATX is mid-size with fewer slots. E-ATX is larger than ATX and used in high-end workstation/server builds.
Thermal paste pea/rice grain, even pressure — too much paste is a myth problem but uneven mount kills temps.