A+ Guide to Hardware:

Managing, Maintaining, and

Troubleshooting, 5e

Chapter 4
Supporting Processors
 Objectives

• Learn about the characteristics and purposes of

Intel and AMD processors used for personal
computers
• Learn about the methods and devices for keeping a
system cool
• Learn how to install and upgrade a processor
• Learn how to solve problems with the processor, the
motherboard, overheating, and booting the PC

A+ Guide to Hardware 2
 Types and Characteristics of
Processors
• Processor
– Installed on motherboard
– Determines system computing power
• Two major processor manufacturers
– Intel and AMD

Figure 4-1 An AMD Athlon 64 X2 installed in socket AM2+ with cooler not yet installed
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
A+ Guide to Hardware 3
 Types and Characteristics of
Processors (cont’d.)
• Features affecting processor performance and
motherboards
– System bus speeds the processor supports
– Processor core frequency
– Motherboard socket and chipset
– Multiprocessing ability
– Memory cache
– Amount and type of DDR, DDR2, DDR3 memory
– Computing technologies the processor can use
– Voltage and power consumption
A+ Guide to Hardware 4
 How a Processor Works

• Three basic components

– Input/output (I/O) unit
• Manages data and instructions entering and leaving the
processor
– Control unit
• Manages all activities inside the processor
– One or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs)
• Performs all logical comparisons, calculations

A+ Guide to Hardware 5
 Figure 4-2 Since the Pentium processor was first
released in 1993, the standard has been for a
processor to have two arithmetic logic units so
that it can process two instructions at once
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning

A+ Guide to Hardware 6
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Registers
– Small holding areas on processor chip
• Holds counters, data, instructions, and addresses ALU
is currently processing
• Processor internal memory caches (L1, L2, L3)
– Holds data and instructions to be processed by ALU
• Busses
– Front-side bus (FSB)
– Internal
– Back-side bus (BSB)
A+ Guide to Hardware 7
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Processor frequency (speed)

– Speed at which processor operates internally
• Multiplier
– Factor multiplied against system bus frequency
• Determines processor frequency
– System bus frequency × multiplier = processor
frequency
• Motherboard firmware
– Automatically detects processor speed, adjusts
system bus speed accordingly

A+ Guide to Hardware 8
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Overclocking
– Running motherboard or processor at higher speed
than manufacturer suggests
– Override default frequencies
• Change setting in BIOS setup
– Disadvantages
• Overheating
• Voids most warranties
• Not recommended in business environment

A+ Guide to Hardware 9
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Throttling
– Offers some protection against overheating
• Throttle down, shut down system prevents permanent
processor damage
– Reduces power consumption when demands low
– PowerNow! by AMD
– Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) by
Intel

A+ Guide to Hardware 10
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Three methods to improve performance

– Multiprocessing
• Processor contains more than one ALU
– Multiple processors
• Installing more than one processor on a motherboard
– Multi-core processing
• Processor housing contains two or more cores
operating at same frequency, independently of each
other
• Dual core, triple core, quad core, octo core

A+ Guide to Hardware 11
 Figure 4-4 Quad-core processing with L1, L2, and
L3 cache and the memory controller within the
processor housing
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning

A+ Guide to Hardware 12
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)

• Memory cache (L1, L2, or L3)

– Holds anticipated data and instructions needed by
controller
– Improves performance
– Static RAM (SRAM)
• Holds data as long as power on
• Lets processor bypass slower dynamic RAM (DRAM)
• Memory controller
– Included in processor package
– Significant increase in system performance

A+ Guide to Hardware 13
 Figure 4-5 Cache memory (SRAM) is used to
temporarily hold data in expectation of what the
processor will request next
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
A+ Guide to Hardware 14
 How a Processor Works (cont’d.)
• Instruction set
– Microcode used for basic operations
• Processor computing technologies
– MMX (Multimedia Extensions) and SSE (Streaming
SIMD Extension)
– 3DNow! and SSE2
– Intel Hyper-Threading and AMD HyperTransport
– PowerNow! and Cool’n’Quiet
– Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST)
– Execute Disable Bit
– 32-bit and 64-bit instructions, operating systems
A+ Guide to Hardware 15
 Intel Processors

Table 4-1 Current Intel processors

A+ Guide to Hardware 16
 Intel Processors (cont’d.)

Table 4-1 Current Intel processors (continued)

A+ Guide to Hardware 17
 Intel Processors (cont’d.)
• Processor identification
– Processor number
• Example: Core 2 Quad processors
• Use five-character value beginning with “Q”
– eSpec number printed on processor
• Intel Processor Spec Finder site identifies exact
processor
• Centrino technology improves laptop performance
– Processor, chipset, wireless network adapter
interconnected as a unit

A+ Guide to Hardware 18
 AMD Processors

Table 4-2 Current AMD processors

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 Cooling Methods and Devices

• Processor overheating results

– Processor damage and instability
• Entire system overheating results
– Sensitive electronic component damage
• Devices used to keep system cool
– CPU fans, case fans, coolers, heat sinks, liquid
cooling systems, dust-preventing tools
• Important
– Keep processor and entire system cool

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 Coolers, Fans, and Heat Sinks
• Cooler sits on top of processor
• Maintains 90–110 degrees F temperature
– Consists of fan, heat sink
– Made of aluminum, copper, combination of both
– Bracketed to motherboard using wire, plastic clip
– Thermal compound eliminates air pockets
– Fan power cord connects to 4-pin fan header

Figure 4-9 A cooler sits on top of a processor to help keep it cool

Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
A+ Guide to Hardware 21
Coolers, Fans, and Heat Sinks (cont’d.)

Figure 4-9 A cooler sits on top of a processor to help keep it cool

Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning

A+ Guide to Hardware 22
 Figure 4-11 Thermal compound is Figure 4-12 A cooler fan gets its power
already stuck to the bottom of this from a 4-pin PWM header on the
cooler that was purchased boxed motherboard
with the processor Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage
Courtesy: Course Learning
Technology/Cengage Learning

A+ Guide to Hardware 23
 Case Fans and Other Fans and Heat
Sinks
• Rear case fan draws air out of the case
– High-end systems have seven or eight fans
• BTX form factor: fewer fans required
• Ball-bearing case fans last longer
• Cooling graphic cards
– Some come with with fan on side
– Heat sinks or fans to mount on card may be used
– Fan card mounted next to graphics card may be used
– For additional cooling consider a RAM cooler

A+ Guide to Hardware 24
 Liquid Cooling Systems
• Exotic systems hobbyists use for overclocking
– Refrigeration
• Units containing small refrigerator compressor inside
case
• Can reduce temperatures to below zero
– Peltiers
• Heat sink carrying an electrical charge
• Acts as an electrical thermal transfer device
– Water coolers (most popular)
• Small pump sits inside computer case
• Tubes move liquid around components and away from
them where fans cool the liquid
A+ Guide to Hardware 25
 Dealing with Dust

• Dust insulates PC parts like a blanket

– Causes overheating
• Dust inside fans
– Jams fans, causing overheated system
• Ridding PC of dust
– Make it a part of regular preventive maintenance
– Tools
• Antistatic vacuum
• Compressed air

A+ Guide to Hardware 26
 Selecting and Installing a Processor

• PC repair technician tasks

– Assemble PC from parts
– Exchange faulty processor
– Add a processor
– Upgrade existing processor
• Must know how to:
– Match processor to system
– Install processor on motherboard

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 Select a Processor to Match System
Needs
• First requirement
– Select processor motherboard is designed to support
• Select best processor meeting general system
requirements and user needs
– May have to sacrifice performance for cost
• General steps
– Read motherboard documentation
– Select processor by comparing processors board
supports
– Select cooler assembly
A+ Guide to Hardware 28
 Install a Processor

• Installing an Intel processor in socket 1366

– 1. Read and follow all directions
– 2. Use a ground bracelet
– 3. Open the socket
– 4. Lift socket load plate
– 5. Remove socket protective cover
– 6. Remove processor protective cover
– 7. Lower processor straight down into the socket
– 8. Verify processor aligned correctly in the socket
– 9. Return lever to its locked position
A+ Guide to Hardware 29
 Install a Processor (cont’d.)

• Installing an Intel processor in socket 1366 (cont’d.)

– General steps to install the cooler
• Understand how cooler posts work
• Apply thermal compound if necessary
• Verify locking pins turned perpendicular to heat sink
• Align cooler over the processor
• Push down on each locking pin until it pops into the
hole
• Connect power cord from cooler fan to motherboard
– Check BIOS setup to verify the system recognized
processor after system up and running
A+ Guide to Hardware 30
 Install a Processor (cont’d.)

• Installing an Intel processor in socket 775

– Socket 775 has a lever and socket cover
– Summary of installation steps
• 1. Use ground bracelet, read all directions
• 2. Release lever from the socket, lift socket cover
• 3. Place processor in the socket
• 4. Close the socket cover
• 5. Apply thermal compound and install cooler
• 6. Connect fan power cord to power connection
– After components installed, verify system works

A+ Guide to Hardware 31
 Install a Processor (cont’d.)

• Installing an Intel processor in socket 478

– Similar to socket 775 installation
– Summary of installation steps
• 1. Open the socket, open the load plate, carefully install
the processor, return lever to its position
• 2. Apply thermal compound and install cooler
• 3. Connect fan power cord to power connection
– After components installed, verify system works

A+ Guide to Hardware 32
 Install a Processor (cont’d.)

• Installing an AMD processor in socket AM2+

– Summary of installation steps
• 1. Use ground bracelet, read all directions
• 2. Open the lever
• 3. Place processor in the socket
• 4. Verify processor pins sitting slightly into the holes
• 5. Press the lever down and gently into position
• 6. Apply thermal compound and install cooler
• 7. Connect fan power cord to power connection
– After components installed, verify system works

A+ Guide to Hardware 33
 BIOS Power Management Settings for
the Processor
• Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
– Current power management standards
• Used by BIOS, hardware, and OS
– Four modes indicate power-saving function levels
• S1 state: hard drive, monitor turned off and everything
else runs normally
• S2 state: hard drive, monitor, processor turned off
• S3 state: everything shut down except RAM and
enough of the system to respond to a wake-up call
• S4 state: everything in RAM copied to hard drive file,
then system shuts down (hibernation)

A+ Guide to Hardware 34
 BIOS Power Management Settings for
the Processor (cont’d.)
• ACPI defines CPU P states
– Saves power by lowering CPU frequency, voltage
– P0 has highest frequency
• Higher P state values have lower frequencies
– EIST, PowerNow!
• Implements P states if enabled in BIOS setup
• If enabled in BIOS, P states are controllable by
Windows power management

A+ Guide to Hardware 35
 BIOS Power Management Settings for
the Processor (cont’d.)
• ACPI defines C states
– Processor stops its internal operations
• Conserves power
– C0 state: processor can execute an instruction
– C1 though C6 states
• Processor shuts down various internal components
– Deeper the C state, the longer it takes for processor
to wake up
– Mobile processors usually offer more C states than
desktop processors
– Feature must be enabled in BIOS

A+ Guide to Hardware 36
 Troubleshooting the Motherboard and
Processor
• Motherboard field replaceable units (FRUs)
– Processor
– Processor cooler assembly
– RAM
– CMOS battery
– Motherboard
• Be careful when substituting good hardware
components for those suspected to be bad

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 Problems with Installations
• Check simple things first
– Verify motherboard supports processor
– Check cooling fan installation
– Remove processor, examine, reinstall
– Reinstall old processor, flash BIOS, install new
processor
• Check other system items
– System and monitor plugs, peripheral connections
– Case door closure, power switches, voltage
– OS drivers
– Various motherboard connections
A+ Guide to Hardware 38
 Problems with the Motherboard or
Processor
• Use BIOS jumpers to reset passwords
• Verify CMOS battery
– Replace if necessary
• Symptoms of failing motherboard or processor
– System begins to boot, then powers down
– Error message displayed during boot
– System unstable, hangs, freezes at odd times
– Intermittent Windows or hard drive errors occur
– Motherboard components or connected devices do
not work
A+ Guide to Hardware 39
 Problems with the Motherboard or
Processor (cont’d.)
• Check the simple things first
– Review power saving features
– Look at applications or OS
– Look at power cords, hard drives, overheating, failed
RAM, power supply
– Reduce system to essentials
• Remove unnecessary hardware
• See if problem resolved

A+ Guide to Hardware 40
 Problems with the Motherboard or
Processor (cont’d.)
• Hanging system problem persists
– Assume processor or motherboard at fault
• Verify solid installation of components and connectors
• Check BIOS setup, allow BIOS to report on full POST
• Flash BIOS to update firmware
• Look for physical damage
• Run diagnostic tests from motherboard CD
• Update board component drivers
• Disable failed components
• Verify motherboard supports processor
• Exchange processor or motherboard

A+ Guide to Hardware 41
 Problems with Overheating

• Temperature inside case

– Never exceed 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)
– Tools to monitor operating temperature
• BIOS readings, temperature sensor, utility software
– Symptoms of system overheating
• System hangs, freezes at odd times, or a few moments
after boot starts
• Windows error during boot (blue screen of death)
• Cannot hear fan running or fan makes whining sound
• Cannot feel air being pulled into or out of the case

A+ Guide to Hardware 42
 Problems with Overheating (cont’d.)

• Simple things to solve overheating problems

– Verify temperature in BIOS
– Remove dust
– Check airflow inside case
– Install additional fans, chassis air guide (if possible)
– Replace missing faceplates and slot covers
– Verify cables and cooler connection
– Allow case to breath
– Check for overclocking and too many peripherals
– Flash BIOS or replace thermal compound
A+ Guide to Hardware 43
 Problems with Overheating (cont’d.)

• More drastic solutions

– Consider case design
• Use power supply with vents on bottom and front
• Use intake fan on case front to pull air into the case
• Use a chassis air guide (CAG)

A+ Guide to Hardware 44
 Boot Problems Before the Operating
System Loads

Figure 4-56 Use this flowchart when first facing a computer problem
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
A+ Guide to Hardware 45
 Boot Problems Before the Operating
System Loads (cont’d.)
• Troubleshooting POST before video active
– Error messages on screen
• Indicates video and electrical system working
– For blank screen, listen to beep codes
• If no beeps are heard suspect other components

A+ Guide to Hardware 46
 Table 4-3 Beep Codes and Their Meanings

A+ Guide to Hardware 47
 Boot Problems Before the Operating
System Loads (cont’d.)
• Troubleshooting video
– If one beep during boot and a blank screen:
• BIOS successfully completed POST including test of
video card
– Possible monitor problem
• Is monitor electrical cable plugged in?
• Is monitor turned on?
• Is monitor cable plugged into video port?
• Try a different monitor, monitor cable

A+ Guide to Hardware 48
 Boot Problems Before the Operating
System Loads (cont’d.)
• Troubleshooting error messages during boot
• Error message sources
– After video active
• Hardware device failed POST
– After POST
• Startup BIOS turned to hard drive to find an OS
• Could not read from drive
– After BootMgr or Ntldr in control
• Could not find OS files to load the OS

A+ Guide to Hardware 49
 Table 4-4 Error Messages and Their Meanings
A+ Guide to Hardware 50
 Summary

• Processor: most important motherboard component

– Basic CPU components: I/O unit, control unit, ALUs
– Registers: high speed memory used by ALU
– Internal cache: holds frequently used instructions
– CPU bus: internal and external
• Overclocking
– Running system bus or processor at a faster
frequency than recommended
• Throttling offers some protection against
overheating
A+ Guide to Hardware 51
 Summary (cont’d.)

• Multiprocessing, multiple processors, and multi-core

processing improve CPU performance
• Memory cache (L1, L2, or L3)
– Holds anticipated data and instructions
– Made of static RAM chips
• Instruction set
– Microcode used for basic operations
• Various Intel and AMD processors available
• Many cooling options available
• Match processor to system, install and troubleshoot
A+ Guide to Hardware 52