P 117

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam:

Guide to Computing Infrastructure
10th Edition

Chapter 3

Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory

Ron Schenkelberg
RSchenkelberg@Coastline.edu

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Objectives

♦ Compare characteristics and features of Intel and AMD processors

used for personal computers
♦ Select, install, and upgrade a processor
♦ Compare the different kinds of physical memory and how they
work
♦ Upgrade memory

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Types and Characteristics of Processors (1 of 3)
♦ Processor
 Installed on motherboard and determines system computing power
♦ Two major processor manufacturers
 Intel and AMD
♦ Features affecting processor performance and compatibility with motherboards
 Processor speed
 Lithography
 Socket and chipset the processor can use
 Multiprocessing abilities
♦ Multiprocessing
♦ Multithreading
♦ Multicore processing
♦ Dual processors

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Types and Characteristics of Processors (2 of 3)
♦ Features affecting processor performance and compatibility with
motherboards (continued)
 Memory cache
 Memory features on the motherboard that the processor can support
 Support for virtualization
 Integrated graphics
 Overclocking
♦ Today’s processor architectures fall into two categories
 Hybrid processors – known as x86-64 processors
• Can handle a 32-bit OS or a 64-bit OS
 64-bit processors – known as x64 processors or IA64
• Require a 64-bit OS and can handle 32-bit applications only by simulating
32-bit processing

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Types and Characteristics of Processors (3 of 3)

♦ Figure 3-2 This quad-

core processor has four
cores and each core can
handle two threads

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 Intel Processors (1 of 2) P 121

♦ Current families of processors for desktops and laptops include:

 Intel Core processors
• Core i9 and Core i7 are made for high-end desktops and laptops
• Core i5 is well suited for mainstream desktops and laptops
• Core i3 is an entry-level processor for desktops and laptops
 Pentium processors
• Designed for entry-level desktops and laptops
 Atom processors
• Made for low-end desktops, notebooks, and laptops
 Celeron processors
• Made for low-end netbooks and laptops

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Intel Processors (2 of 2)

♦ Some Intel mobile processors are packaged in the Centrino

processor technology
 The Intel processor, chipset, and wireless network adapter are all
interconnected as a unit
♦ Intel dominates the market for servers with highly stable and
powerful processors
 Models of the Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 processors are designed
for server use
 For high-end servers, Intel offers the Xeon, Xeon Phi, and Itanium
processors

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AMD Processors (1 of 2)

♦ Processors by AMD are popular in the game and hobbyist markets

 They are generally less expensive than comparable Intel processors
♦ Current AMD processor families include:
 For desktops, the Ryzen, Ryzen Pro, Ryzen Threadripper, A-Series, A-Series
Pro, and FX
 For laptops, the Ryzen, Ryzen Pro, A-Series, and A-Series Pro
 For servers, the EPYC and Opteron

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AMD Processors (2 of 2)

♦ Figure 3-6 The AMD

FX processor installs in
the AMD AM3+ socket
and has eight cores

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Selecting and Installing a Processor

♦ A hardware technician is sometimes called on to:

 Assemble a computer from parts
 Exchange a faulty processor
 Add a processor
 Upgrade an existing processor
♦ In each situation, it is necessary to know how to:
 Match a processor to the system
 Install a processor on the motherboard

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 Selecting a Processor to Match System Needs (1 of 2) P 123
♦ First requirement:
 Select a processor that the motherboard is designed to support
♦ Next:
 Select the best processor meeting general system requirements and user
needs
♦ Processor features to consider:
 Use the highest-performing processor the board supports
 Understand the processor’s ability to multitask
 Balance the performance and power of the CPU with that of the entire
system
 Read reviews of the processors you are considering and look for reviews
that include comparison benchmarks of several processors

♦ When processors and coolers are boxed together, the cooler heat sink
might have thermal compound already applied to the bottom

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 Selecting a Processor to Match System Needs (2 of 2)P 125

♦ Figure 3-7 Thermal compound

is already applied to the bottom
of this cooler that was purchased
boxed with the processor

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (1 of 14) P 125
Always read motherboard user guide and follow directions
♦ General procedure for installing an Intel processor:
1. Use an ESD strap or antistatic gloves
2. When replacing a processor, power down the system, unplug the power cord,
press the power button to drain the system of power, and open case
3. Remove the socket protective cover
4. Open the socket by pushing down on socket lever and gently push away from
socket to lift lever
5. As you lift the lever, the socket load plate is raised
6. Remove protective cover from processor
7. Hold processor with index finger and thumb and align processor so the two
notches on the edge of the processor line up with the posts embedded on the
socket
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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (2 of 14) P 125

♦ General procedure for installing an Intel processor (continued):

 8. Ensure the processor is aligned correctly in socket
 9. Push down on the lever and gently return it to its locked position

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (3 of 14) P 128

♦ Figure 3-10 Lift the

socket load plate to
expose the processor
socket

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (4 of 14) P 127

♦ Figure 3-11 Align the processor

in the socket using the gold
triangle and the right-angle mark

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (5 of 14) P 128

♦ Figure 3-13 Verify

the processor is
seated in the socket
with notches aligned
to socket posts

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (6 of 14) P 128
♦ General steps to install a cooler assembly:
1. Understand how cooler posts work
2. Apply thermal compound if necessary (may be preapplied)
3. Some heavy coolers provide a plate that fits underneath the motherboard
Install plate, if provided
4. After plate is installed, install the cooler on top of the processor
5. For lighter coolers with locking pins, verify locking pins are turned counter-
clockwise as far as they will go
Push down on each locking pin until it pops into the hole
6. Connect power cord from cooler fan to motherboard

Check BIOS/UEFI setup to verify the system recognized processor after

system up and running
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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (7 of 14) P 129

♦ Figure 3-15 If the cooler

does not have preapplied
thermal compound, apply it
on top of the processor

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (8 of 14) P 130

♦ Figure 3-16 A cooler assembly plate

on the bottom of the motherboard
prevents a heavy cooler from
bending the board

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (9 of 14) P 131

♦ Figure 3-18 The pins are turned

clockwise to secure the cooler to the
motherboard

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (10 of 14)P 131

♦ Figure 3-19 Connect

the cooler fan power
cord to the
motherboard 4-pin
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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (11 of 14)

♦ Figure 3-20 Verify that the CPU

is recognized correctly by
BIOS/UEFI and that CPU and
motherboard temperatures are
within acceptable range

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (12 of 14)P 132

♦ Installing an AMD processor:

 1. Open the socket lever and remove protective cover
 2. Orient the four empty pin positions on the bottom with the four filled
hole positions in the socket and carefully place processor in the socket
 3. Verify processor pins are sitting slightly into the holes
 4. Press the lever down and gently into position
 5. Apply thermal compound and install cooler
 6. Clip into place the clipping mechanism on one side of the cooler
 7. Connect fan power cord to power connection

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (13 of 14)P 133

♦ Figure 3-21 Orient the four

alignment positions on the bottom of
the processor with those in the socket

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 Installing a Processor and Cooler Assembly (14 of 14)P 134

♦ Figure 3-24 The clips on the cooler

attach the cooler to the retention
mechanism on the motherboard

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Replacing the Processor in a Laptop (1 of 4)
♦ Before replacing, consider the laptop might still be under
warranty or it might be more cost effective to replace the
laptop rather than replacing processor
♦ If you decide to replace:
 Use a CPU supported by manufacturer and notebook model
 For some laptops, remove the cover on the bottom to expose the processor
fan and heat sink assembly
 Remove the seven screws and the fan power connector
 Lift the CPU straight up from the socket, without bending the CPU pins
 Before placing the new processor into the socket:
• Be sure the socket screw is in the open position
 Place the processor into its socket
 Use thermal compound on top of the processor

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Replacing the Processor in a Laptop (2 of 4)

♦ Figure 3-25 The cover is removed

from the bottom of a laptop,
exposing several internal
components

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Replacing the Processor in a Laptop (3 of 4)

♦ Figure 3-26 Seven screws hold the

processor heat sink and fan assembly
in place

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 Replacing the Processor in a Laptop (4 of 4)

♦ Figure 3-29 The processor

removed from the socket

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Memory Technologies (1 of 2)

♦ Random access memory (RAM):

 Temporarily holds data and instructions used by CPU
♦ Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
 Loses its data rapidly, and the memory controller must refresh it several
thousand times a second
♦ Variations of DRAM
 DIMM – dual inline memory module
• Used by desktops
 SO-DIMM (small outline DIMM) are used on laptops and microDIMMs are
used on subnotebook computers

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Memory Technologies (2 of 2)

♦ Figure 3-31 Evolving memory

technologies result in many details
and options

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (1 of 15)
♦ The “D” in DIMM stands for “dual”
 Named for the independent pins on both sides of the module’s edge connector
 All DIMMs have a 64-bit data path

♦ SO stands for Small Outline (Laptop)

♦ SIMM (single inline memory module) is an older technology that has pins on only one side
♦ DDR (Double Data Rate) DIMM
 Twice as fast as earlier DIMMs when it was invented
♦ DDR2 SDRAM
 Faster than DDR and uses less power
♦ DDR3 SDRAM
 Faster than DDR2 and uses less power
♦ DDR2 and DDR3 use 240 pins
 Not compatible: use different notches
♦ DDR4 is faster and uses less power than DDR3
• Uses 288 pins and has a single notch in the edge connector
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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (2 of 15)

♦ Factors that affect capacity, features, and performance of DIMMS:

 Number of channels they use
 How much RAM is on one DIMM
 Speed
 Error-checking abilities
 Buffering

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (3 of 15)
♦ Single, Dual, Triple, and Quad Channels
 Early single channel DIMMs:
• Memory controller is accessed one DIMM at a time
 Dual channels:
• Memory controller communicates with two DIMMs at the same time and doubles speed
of memory access
 Triple channel motherboards can access three DIMMs at once
 Quad channel motherboards can access four DIMMs at the same time
 DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 DIMMs use dual channels
• DDR3 DIMMs can also use triple channels
• DDR3 and DDR4 can use quad channels

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (4 of 15)

♦ For dual, triple, or quad channels to work:

 The motherboard and the DIMM must support the technology
 Motherboard manufacturer typically color-codes DIMM slots to show you
how to configure dual, triple, or quad channeling
♦ Setting up dual channeling:
 Pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and
features
• Use same manufacturer (recommendation)
♦ Setting up triple-channeling:
 Three DIMM slots populated with three matching DDR3 DIMMs

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (5 of 15)

♦ Figure 3-32 Using dual

channels, the memory controller
can read from two DIMMs at the
same time

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (6 of 15)

♦ Figure 3-33 Matching pairs of DIMMs installed in four DIMM slots that support
dual channeling

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (7 of 15)

♦ Figure 3-34 Three identical DDR3 DIMMs installed in a triple-channel configuration

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 DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (8 of 15) P 142

♦ Expect a motherboard that uses quad channeling to have eight

memory slots
 The eight DIMM slots support four channels; each channel has two slots
 The processor can address four slots or four channels at the same time
♦ To know which of the eight slots to populate for optimum
performance, see the motherboard user manual

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (9 of 15)

♦ Figure 3-35 The Gigabyte AMD

X399 Gaming motherboard has
eight DIMM DDR4 slots and
supports quad channeling

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (10 of 15)
♦ DIMM Speeds are measured in MHz and PC rating
♦ PC rating is a measure of the total bandwidth of data moving between
the module and the CPU
♦ To calculate the PC rating for a DDR4 DIMM:
 Multiply the speed by 8 bytes because a DIMM has an 8-byte or 64-bit data
path
 Example: a DDR4 DIMM that runs at 3,000 MHz has a bandwidth or transfer
rate of 3,000 x 8 or 24,000 MB/second (expressed as a PC rating of PC4 24000
 A DDR4 PC rating is labeled PC4

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (11 of 15)
♦ Error Checking and Parity
 Error-correcting code (ECC):
• Detects and corrects error in a single bit
▶ Can detect errors in 2 bits but cannot correct it
• Application: ECC makes 64-bit DIMM a 72-bit module
 Parity – used by older SIMMs and uses error-checking based on an extra
(ninth) bit
• Odd parity
▶ Parity bit set to make odd number of ones
• Even parity
▶ Parity bit set to make even number of ones
 Parity error
• Number of bits conflicts with parity used

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (12 of 15)

♦ Figure 3-36 Server memory uses ECC for fault tolerance

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (13 of 15)

♦ Buffered and Registered DIMMS

 Buffers and registers hold data and amplify a signal before data is written
• Can increase memory performance in servers
 Registered DIMM (RDIMM)
• Uses registers
 Unbuffered DIMM
• No buffers or register support

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (14 of 15)

♦ CAS (column access strobe) Latency is a way of measuring access

timing
 Refers to number of clock cycles it takes to write or read a column or row of
data off a memory module
• Lower values are better than higher values
 Memory module ads
• Provide CAS latency value within series of timing numbers
▶ Example: 5-5-5-15

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DIMM and SO-DIMM Technologies (15 of 15)

♦ Types of Memory Used in Laptops

 Today’s laptops use DDR4, DDR3L, DDR3, or DDR2 SO-DIMM memory
 Only use the type of memory the laptop is designed to support
 The number of pins and the position of the notches on a SO-DIMM keep
you from inserting the wrong module in a memory slot

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How to Upgrade Memory (1 of 2)

♦ To upgrade memory means to add more RAM to a computer

♦ Adding more RAM might solve:
 Slow performance
 Applications refusing to load
 An unstable system
 Windows “Insufficient memory” error message

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How to Upgrade Memory (2 of 2)

♦ Questions to ask when adding more memory to your computer:

 How much RAM do I need and how much is currently installed?
 What type of memory is currently installed?
 How many and what kind of modules can I fit on my motherboard?
 How do I select and purchase the right modules for my upgrade?
 How do I physically install the new modules?

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How Much Memory Do I Need and How Much is
Currently Installed?
♦ When deciding how much memory the system can support:
 Consider the limitations of the motherboard, processor, and operating
system
♦ Limitations when considering the OS:
 Windows 10/8/7 require at least 1 GB for a 32-bit installation and 2 GB for
a 64-bit installation
 For 64-bit installations, Windows 10 Pro can support up to 2 TB of memory,
Windows 8 Pro can support up to 512 GB, and Windows 7 Pro can support
up to 192 GB
 A 32-bit Windows 10/8/7 installation can support no more than 4 GB of
memory

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 What Type of Memory is Already Installed? (1 of 3) P 147

♦ 1. Open the case and look at memory slots

 How many slots do you have?
 How many are filled?
 Review module imprint
♦ 2. Examine the motherboard for the imprinted manufacturer and
model
♦ 3. Read motherboard documentation
 See if the board supports dual, triple, or quad channels
♦ 4. If you still have not identified the module type:
 Take the motherboard and old memory modules to a good computer parts
store for confirmation
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 What Type of Memory is Already Installed? (2 of 3) P 147

♦ Figure 3-40 Use the

label on this DIMM to
identify its features

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 What Type of Memory is Already Installed? (3 of 3) P 148

♦ Figure 3-41 Look for the manufacturer and model of a motherboard imprinted somewhere on the board

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How Many and What Kind of Modules Can Fit on
my Motherboard? (1 of 3)
♦ Read motherboard documentation
 Indicates how much memory the motherboard can physically hold
♦ DIMM modules
 DIMMs can be installed as single modules
 To support dual channeling:
• Install matching DIMMs in each channel for best performance
♦ Motherboard using DDR3 triple-channel DIMMs
 Use three matching DIMMs in the three blue slots
• If fourth slot populated, board reverts to single channeling
 Dual channeling:
• Install two matching DIMMs in two blue slots farthest from processor
• Leave other two slots empty
 For one installed DIMM:
• Place it in the blue slot farthest position from processor

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How Many and What Kind of Modules Can Fit on
my Motherboard? (2 of 3)
♦ Motherboard using DDR3 triple-channel DIMMs (continued)
 Serial Presence Detect (SPD):
• DIMM technology that declares module’s size, speed, voltage, and data path width to
system BIOS at startup
• Today’s memory always supports SPD

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How Many and What Kind of Modules Can Fit on
my Motherboard? (3 of 3)

♦ Figure 3-43 Four

DDR3 slots on a
motherboard
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How Do I Select and Purchase the Right Memory
Modules? (1 of 2)
♦ Compromises if the exact match is not available:
 Mixing unbuffered memory with buffered or registered memory will not
work
 Match memory module manufacturer, if possible
• In a pinch, try using memory from two different manufacturers
 If mixing memory speeds:
• All modules perform at slowest speed
♦ Use a web site to research your purchase
 Look for search utility matching modules to your motherboard

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How Do I Select and Purchase the Right Memory
Modules? (2 of 2)

♦ Figure 3-44 Use the Crucial upgrade utility to find the correct memory for an upgrade
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How Do I Install the New Modules? (1 of 4)

♦ Follow these precautions:

 Always use an ESD strap
 Turn off power, unplug power cord, press power button, and remove case
cover
 Handle memory modules with care
 Do not touch edge connectors on memory module or memory slot
 Do not stack cards or modules
 Look for notches on one side or in the middle for correct orientation

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How Do I Install the New Modules? (2 of 4)

♦ Install DIMMS:
 Pull out supporting arms on the sides of the slot
 Use notches on DIMM edge connector as a guide
 Insert DIMM straight down into the slot
 When the DIMM is fully inserted, the supporting clips pop back into place
 When the computer powers up, it counts the memory present
• You can enter BIOS/UEFI to verify that the memory is recognized

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How Do I Install the New Modules? (3 of 4)

♦ Figure 3-46 Clips on each side of a

slot hold a DIMM in place

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How Do I Install the New Modules? (4 of 4)

♦ Figure 3-47 Insert the

DIMM into the slot by
pressing down until the
support clips lock into
position

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 P 153
How to Upgrade Memory on a Laptop

♦ Upgrading memory on a laptop is similar to upgrading memory on

a desktop
♦ Considerations:
 Make sure warranty is not being voided
 Search for best buy on a suitable and authorized part
♦ General steps:
 Decide how much memory to upgrade
 Purchase memory
 Install it
♦ Be sure to match the type of memory to the type the laptop supports

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Chapter Summary (1 of 3)
♦ The most important component on the motherboard is the
processor, or CPU
♦ Processors are rated by their processor speed, lithography, the
socket and chipset they use, multiprocessing features, memory
cache, memory features supported, virtualization, integrated
graphics, overclocking, and processor architecture
♦ The core of a processor has two arithmetic logic units (ALUs)
♦ The current families of Intel processors for desktops include Core,
Pentium, Atom, and Celeron
♦ The current AMD desktop and laptop processor families are Ryzen,
Ryzen Pro, Ryzen Threadripper, A-Series, A-Series Pro, and FX
♦ Select a processor that the motherboard supports
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Chapter Summary (2 of 3)
♦ When installing a processor, always follow the directions in the motherboard
user guide and be careful to protect the board and processor against ESD
♦ Always apply thermal compound between the processor and cooler assembly to
help draw heat from the processor
♦ DRAM is stored on DIMMs for desktop computers and SO-DIMMs for laptops
♦ Types of current DIMMs are DDR4, which have 288 pins, and DDR3 and
DDR2 DIMMs, which have 240 pins
♦ Matching DIMMs can work together in dual channels, triple channels, and
quad channels so that the memory controller can access more than one DIMM
at a time
♦ DIMM speeds are measured in MHz or PC rating
♦ The memory controller card can check memory for errors and possibly correct
them using ECC

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 P 154
Chapter Summary (3 of 3)

♦ Buffers and registers are used to hold data and amplify a data signal
♦ CAS Latency (CL) measures access time to memory
♦ Today’s laptops use DDR4, DDR3L, DDR3, or DDR2 SO-DIMMs
♦ When upgrading memory, use the type, size, and speed the
motherboard supports and match new modules to those already
installed
♦ When upgrading components on a laptop, including memory, use
components that are the same brand as the laptop, or use only
components recommended by the laptop’s manufacturer

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