SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

Lucena Campus
Lucena City
CSH04: COMPUTER SYSTEM HARDWARE
PRELIM
NAME : DATE :
COURSE/YEAR : SCORE :

I. Multiple choice: Encircle the letter of the correct answer. Strictly NO erasures allowed

1. Who is known as the "father of computers"?

A. Alan Turing C. John von Neumann
B. Charles Babbage D. Konrad Zuse

2. Which technology replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers?

A. Transistors C. Microprocessors
B. Integrated Circuits D. Quantum Chips

3. Which generation of computers saw the introduction of microprocessors?

A. First Generation C. Second Generation

B. Third Generation D. Fourth Generation

4. Why is the development of the Analytical Engine considered a significant milestone in computing?
A. It was the first device to store data on punch cards.
B. It was the first mechanical computer designed to be programmable.
C. It was the first computer to use binary code.
D. It introduced the concept of graphical user interfaces.

5. What was a major limitation of first-generation computers like UNIVAC?

A. They could only perform addition and subtraction.
B. They required frequent reprogramming for different tasks.
C. They were unable to store any data.
D. They had limited input/output capabilities.

6. How did transistors improve computers compared to vacuum tubes?

A. Transistors made computers more expensive but faster.
B. Transistors were larger, leading to bigger computers.
C. Transistors made computers smaller, faster, more reliable, and energy efficient.
D. Transistors were less reliable but easier to replace than vacuum tubes.

7. How did the introduction of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) change personal computing?
A. It made computers harder to use for beginners.
B. It allowed users to interact with computers using text commands.
C. It made computers more user-friendly by allowing interaction with icons and windows.
D. It increased the size of computer memory.

8. What is the primary advantage of SSDs over HDDs?

A. Higher storage capacity C. Lower cost
B. Faster data access speeds D. Larger physical size

9. Which of the following is an advantage of cloud storage?

A. Requires physical space on your device
B. Limited accessibility
C. Allows access from anywhere with an internet connection
D. High cost of storage
10. What type of storage is a USB flash drive classified as?
A. Optical Storage C. Solid State Storage
B. Magnetic Storage D. Cloud Storage

11. Which type of storage is used to keep data that must not be lost when the computer is powered
off?
A. Volatile Storage C. Cache Storage
B. Secondary Storage D. Temporary Storage

12. In terms of data retrieval speed, how do SSDs compare to HDDs?

A. SSDs are slower than HDDs.
B. SSDs are equally fast as HDDs.
C. SSDs are faster than HDDs.
D. HDDs have a variable speed.

13. What does the term "I/O operations" refer to?

A. Operations that only process data.
B. Input and output operations involving data transfer between devices and the CPU.
C. Operations that only involve storage.
D. Operations that only include user input.

14. What type of data does cache memory store?

A. Permanent data
B. Frequently accessed data
C. Backup data
D. Unused data

15. While using a graphic design software, you notice that the application is running slowly. Which
type of storage upgrade would likely improve performance?
A. Adding more RAM
B. Upgrading to a larger HDD
C. Using a printer with higher resolution
D. Adding an external hard drive

16. After upgrading your computer’s RAM, you find that it is still slow. What could be another
reason for the slow performance?
A. The hard drive is fragmented and needs defragmentation.
B. The operating system is outdated.
C. The computer is using an HDD instead of an SSD.
D. The computer is using an SSD instead of an HDD.

17. Your company has decided to store sensitive data on a local server for better security. Which
storage solution would be the most appropriate?
A. Cloud Storage
B. External USB Drive
C. Network Attached Storage (NAS)
D. Solid State Drive (SSD)

18. You are developing a new software application that requires frequent read and write operations.
Which type of storage would be ideal for optimal performance?
A. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B. Solid State Drive (SSD)
C. Optical Disk
D. Tape Storage
19. Your friend is experiencing issues with their touchscreen not responding. What could be a
potential cause?
A. The monitor is turned off.
B. The drivers for the touchscreen may be outdated or corrupted.
C. The CPU is overloaded with tasks.
D. The computer does not have enough RAM.

20. After a software update, you find that the printer is no longer responding to print commands. What
is the first troubleshooting step you should take?
A. Restart the computer
B. Check the printer connection and power status
C. Replace the printer
D. Update the operating system

21. You are editing a video and require real-time playback without lag. Which type of storage would
you prefer for the best performance?
A. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B. Solid State Drive (SSD)
C. Optical Disc
D. USB Flash Drive

22. You are tasked with designing a new personal computer for home use. Based on historical
advancements, which of the following technologies should you prioritize for performance and
efficiency?
A. Vacuum tubes C. Punched cards
B. Transistors D. Magnetic tape

23. As a software developer, you are creating an application that simulates the experience of using an
early mainframe computer. Which input method would be most historically accurate for your
simulation?
A. Touchscreen C. Punched cards
B. Mouse and keyboard D. Voice commands

24. Imagine you are presenting to a group of business professionals about the evolution of data
storage. If you were to highlight the transition from magnetic tape to cloud storage, which
advantage would you emphasize?
A. Sequential access C. Accessibility from anywhere
B. Limited storage capacity D. Physical media requirements

25. You are advising a company on updating their data processing system. Based on historical
advancements, which feature should you recommend for improved processing efficiency?
A. Use of magnetic core memory C. Reliance on vacuum tubes
B. Integration of microprocessors D. Punched card systems

26. While teaching a class about computer evolution, you want to explain the significance of the
introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI). Which of the following would you mention as a
key benefit?
A. More complex coding requirements
B. Enhanced user-friendliness
C. Increased hardware costs
D. Dependence on command-line interfaces

27. As a historian analyzing the impact of the personal computer revolution, which statement would
best illustrate its societal impact?
A. It limited access to computing power.
B. It made computing accessible to the general public.
C. It focused only on scientific applications.
D. It replaced all mainframe computers immediately.
28. You are developing a curriculum for teaching computer history. If you want to demonstrate the
importance of the internet's development, which example will best show its transformative effect?
A. The use of punched cards for data entry
B. The introduction of vacuum tubes
C. The ability to connect and communicate globally
D. The reliance on physical storage media

29. What is the primary function of the motherboard?

A. To store data
B. To connect and communicate between components
C. To provide power to the CPU
D. To run software applications

30. What does the term “form factor” refer to in relation to motherboards?
A. The speed of the CPU
B. The physical size and layout of the motherboard
C. The type of RAM supported
D. The number of USB ports available

31. What is the purpose of the chipset's Southbridge?

A. To manage high-speed data transfers
B. To connect the CPU to RAM
C. To handle lower-speed peripherals and I/O devices
D. To control the graphics card

32. How does the choice of chipset affect the overall performance of a computer system?
A. It determines the CPU clock speed.
B. It controls data transfer speeds and peripheral compatibility.
C. It defines the physical size of the motherboard.
D. It manages software applications.

33. Why might someone choose a motherboard with an integrated sound card?
A. To reduce the cost of building a system
B. To enhance graphical performance
C. To eliminate the need for external audio interfaces
D. To increase the number of RAM slots

34. Why is it important to check the motherboard’s compatibility with the CPU before purchasing?
A. To ensure the motherboard has enough RAM slots.
B. To confirm that the socket type matches the CPU.
C. To verify the aesthetics of the motherboard.
D. To ensure that it has the right number of USB ports.

35. What is the significance of having multiple RAM slots on a motherboard?

A. They allow for increased cooling efficiency.
B. They support dual or quad-channel memory configurations, improving performance.
C. They enable more storage options.
D. They reduce the motherboard's size.

36. What is the primary function of the System Bus in a CPU?

A. Connect peripheral devices
B. Transfer data between the CPU and memory
C. Store data
D. Manage power supply
37. What does the term "overclocking" refer to in CPU performance?
A. Reducing the CPU speed
B. Increasing the clock speed beyond the manufacturer's specifications
C. Using less power
D. Adding more cache memory

38. Which of the following is a feature of Intel's 9th generation processors?

A. Improved energy efficiency
B. Support for DDR4 memory
C. Enhanced overclocking capabilities
D. Built-in graphics

39. Which AMD architecture is known for its significant performance improvement over its
predecessors?
A. Bulldozer C. K8
B. Zen D. K10

40. What does the "GHz" in CPU specifications represent?

A. Graphical High Level
B. Gigahertz
C. General Hardware
D. Gigabyte Hertz

41. What is the primary purpose of registers in a CPU?

A. Store data permanently
B. Hold data temporarily for processing
C. Increase the processing speed
D. Manage power consumption

42. How do Intel and AMD processors generally differ in architecture?

A. AMD uses larger transistors than Intel.
B. Intel focuses on high clock speeds, while AMD offers more cores for multitasking.
C. AMD processors are always cheaper than Intel processors.
D. Intel processors do not support overclocking, while AMD does.

43. What impact does the clock speed of a CPU have on overall performance?
A. Higher clock speed always means better performance in all applications.
B. Clock speed has no significant effect on CPU performance.
C. Lower clock speed increases power consumption.
D. Only cache size impacts performance, not clock speed.

44. In terms of gaming performance, how do AMD Ryzen processors compare to Intel Core
processors?
A. AMD processors are generally slower in gaming performance.
B. Intel is better for single-threaded tasks, AMD Ryzen excels in multi-threaded.
C. Both are equally good regardless of the game type.
D. AMD processors cannot be used for gaming.

45. What is a significant advantage of AMD's Ryzen series over Intel’s Core series?
A. Higher base clock speeds
B. Better power efficiency
C. More cores and threads for multitasking at a similar price point.
D. Compatibility with older motherboards.

46. How does AMD’s Infinity Fabric technology enhance CPU performance?
A. It connects multiple processors for better parallel processing.
B. It reduces power consumption.
C. It improves single-core performance.
D. It is only used in their graphics cards.
 47. How do Intel’s Core i3 processors typically compare to AMD’s Ryzen 3 processors?
A. Core i3 processors have more cores than Ryzen 3 processors.
B. Ryzen 3 outperforms Core i3 in multi-threaded tasks.
C. Core i3 processors are more power-efficient.
D. Both are identical in performance.

48. In terms of price-to-performance ratio, how do AMD processors generally compare to Intel
processors?
A. AMD processors are always more expensive.
B. AMD offers better price-to-performance in mid-range and high-end markets.
C. Intel processors are cheaper than AMD across the board.
D. Both brands are equal in terms of pricing.

49. Which feature of Intel's Turbo Boost technology allows for improved performance?
A. Reducing clock speed to save power
B. Automatically boosts clock speed during heavy workloads.
C. Adding more cores to the CPU.
D. Using less cache memory.

50. For a system that will primarily run virtual machines, which motherboard feature should be
emphasized?
A. High clock speed
B. Multiple CPU sockets
C. Support for large amounts of RAM
D. Integrated Wi-Fi

II. Enumeration

List 3 parts of a motherboard and their primary functions (2pts Each)

CPU Socket
• Function: Holds and connects the CPU to the motherboard, allowing communication between the
CPU and other components.
2. RAM Slots (DIMM slots)
• Function: Slots where RAM (memory) modules are installed, providing temporary storage for
data that the CPU needs to access quickly.
3. Chipset (Northbridge and Southbridge)
• Function: Manages data flow between the CPU, RAM, and other components. The Northbridge
handles communication with high-speed components like RAM and GPU, while the Southbridge
manages I/O devices like USB and storage.
4. Power Connectors
• Function: Connects the motherboard to the power supply, distributing power to various
components like the CPU, RAM, and PCIe slots.
5. PCIe Slots
• Function: Expansion slots used to connect additional hardware like graphics cards, sound cards,
and network cards.
6. SATA Ports
• Function: Connects storage devices like hard drives and SSDs to the motherboard for data
storage.
7. BIOS/UEFI Chip
• Function: Stores the firmware that initializes hardware during startup and manages
communication between the operating system and hardware.
8. CMOS Battery
• Function: Powers the CMOS chip, which stores BIOS settings like system time and hardware
configuration when the system is turned off.
9. I/O Ports (Rear Panel)
• Function: Provides external connectivity for peripherals like USB devices, monitors, keyboards,
and network cables.
10. VRM (Voltage Regulator Module)
 • Function: Regulates and supplies the appropriate voltage to the CPU and other components to
ensure stable operation.

List 4 Core Components of CPU and their primary functions (2pts Each)

Desktop CPUs: Typically, more powerful and designed for general

computing, gaming, or workstations (e.g., Intel Core, AMD Ryzen).

Mobile CPUs: Found in smartphones and laptops, optimized for power

efficiency (e.g., ARM processors like Qualcomm Snapdragon).

Server CPUs: Designed for high-performance tasks and server

environments (e.g., Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC).

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Handles all arithmetic and logical operations
(e.g., addition, subtraction, comparisons).
CU (Control Unit): Directs the operation of the processor. It tells the
computer's memory, ALU, and input/output devices how to respond to a
program's instructions.

Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU used to hold
temporary data and instructions.

Cache: A small amount of very fast memory located inside or very close to
the CPU, used to store frequently accessed data to speed up processes.

Give 6 Intel Core Processor (1st Generation to 14th Generation)

Ex. 1st Generation – Nehalem

1st Generation (2010) - Nehalem/Westmere

2nd Generation (2011) - Sandy Bridge
3rd Generation (2012) - Ivy Bridge
4th Generation (2013) – Haswell
5th Generation (2015) - Broadwell
6th Generation (2015) - Skylake
7th Generation (2017) - Kaby Lake
8th Generation (2017) - Kaby Lake-R, Coffee Lake, Whiskey Lake
9th Generation (2018) - Coffee Lake Refresh
10th Generation (2019) - Ice Lake, Comet Lake
11th Generation (2020) - Tiger Lake, Rocket Lake
12th Generation (2021) - Alder Lake
13th Generation (2022) - Raptor Lake
14th Generation (2023) - Raptor Lake Refresh