2 29 2024 Lab Journal Hardware Compatibility - Jsheepy101/SYS-140 GitHub Wiki

  1. Case form factors refer to the physical size of the case. The "Form Factor" is generally used to measure the size of possible motherboards that will fit inside of the case. Cases come in many different sizes, 3 of which being ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX.

  2. CPU Socket types are what define the connection between CPU and motherboard. If both don't match, then they wont connect. Each variant has its own benefits, but the main 3 are PGA, BGA, and LGA. PGA (pin grid array) is the most common socket type. It offers decent connections with speed and power, however if one pin is damaged it can cause the whole CPU to become scrap. LGA (land grid array) is basically the opposite of PGA. The pins are smaller, and they are on the motherboard, not the CPU. The smaller pins can improve speeds and performance, and they are much less likely to be damaged when installing. Finally, BGA (ball grid array) is more uncommon. Instead of pins, this CPU uses little balls to connect to the motherboard. These balls are highly unlikely to be damaged, and offer a very short and powerful connection. If a ball is damaged, that singular ball can be replaced and reinstalled with no problems. This is a better alternative to buying a whole new CPU when a ball is damaged.

  3. A heat sink is a form of CPU cooling. Instead of a fan, a heat sink is designed to go on top of the CPU (typically with thermal past) and it absorbs the head from the CPU. The heat sink then disperses the heat in an aura, so that the heat is not all on the CPU. This is good with addition to case fans, as the heat sink itself will not push all the heat out of the PC case.

  4. The chassis is the case itself. Technically you could connect all the PC components together, and it would work. But then you have a bunch of fragile pc components out in the open. The Case protects all of the components, while also organizing them for easy trouble shooting.

  5. Electrical power is measured in Watts in a PC. The Wattage is important because most PC components need power. If the wattage on a power supply is too high, it can cause parts to become over charged and damaged.