Cown
07-03-02, 01:44 PM
Here are som FAQ about different terms regarding general computer related hardware, witch some of you might find quite interessting :)
- What is a CPU?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and is the "brains" of the computer. This unit is responsible for all events inside the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic operations.
- What is a BIOS?
The BIOS is Basic Input Output System. It is stored in a CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) IC (Integrated Chip) on the mainboard. It contains the basic system setup information. You can configure items like HD types, AGP (Advanced Graphics Port) aperture sizes, and peripherals inside the mainboard BIOS. Most mainboard BIOS's have a default setup, and automatic settings that will work with most hardware. If you need to manually change any BIOS parameters, your mainboard manual will have basic information about what each setting will do.
If you want to know gow to get the most out of your BIOS try reading this guide (http://www.itcp.net/~awsh/Speed_Demonz/BIOS_Guide/BIOS_Guide_Index.htm)
- What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, that means that it should be able to find any data stored in it directly (without having to skip over lots of other data).
- What is a chipset?
If the CPU is the "brains" of your computer, then the chipset is the "nervous system". Knowledge of chipsets can help in the mainboard purchasing decision. The chipset usually comes in 2 chips commonly referred to as the North Bridge and South Bridge. The chipset controls how the different parts of your computer communicate. For example, the North Bridge decides how the data is passed between the CPU and data bus, and the South Bridge typically includes your HD controllers. These two examples can have a huge effect on stability and performance.
- What is DMA?
Modern drives use DMA (Direct Memory Access) to read and write data between the drives and drive controller. It is a little faster than standard PIO (Programmed Input Output) data transfers, since all PIO data must be transferred through the CPU. Most modern drives can use DMA.
- What is UDMA and ATA?
UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) and ATA (Advanced Technology Adapter) are often used in the same breath, although they are not exactly the same. ATA is the new standard that replaced the older EIDE. ATA includes the old PIO and DMA data transfer modes of EIDE, plus the new UDMA transfers modes. UDMA currently comes in three flavors, UDMA33, 66, and 100. The UDMA numbers represent the maximum burst data transfer rates (Bandwidth.) of the controller. The HD's typically cannot reach these levels. Using high speed (RPM) drives and RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) can increase the total burst data transfers of the HD's.
- What is this RAID I keep hearing about?
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independant (or Inexpensive) Disks. There are many levels of RAID for many purposes, from performance to data security. The "RAID-0" is what is being added to Athlon/Duron mainboards at this time (As well as more.). Raid-0 allows the data to be "striped" across 2 or more HD's. Since the controller can read and write to the 2 drives at the same time, it effectively doubles the throughput of your HD's. The 2 drives will appear as 1 large HD to the OS (Operating System).
- How do I round my IDE cables?
What's that? Rounding IDE cables!? Yes, and it's very useful to beginners and power tweakers alike. Rounding an IDE cable can provide greater airflow through your system chassis, albeit making it cooler an ultimately running more stable. Rounded IDE cables also provide better maneuverability so it's easier to work within the chassis itself. A complete how-to on rounding IDE cables can be found here (http://www.techtv.com/print/story/0,23102,3305685,00.html)
Hope this has cleared out a few thing for some of you... :cool:
- What is a CPU?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and is the "brains" of the computer. This unit is responsible for all events inside the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic operations.
- What is a BIOS?
The BIOS is Basic Input Output System. It is stored in a CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) IC (Integrated Chip) on the mainboard. It contains the basic system setup information. You can configure items like HD types, AGP (Advanced Graphics Port) aperture sizes, and peripherals inside the mainboard BIOS. Most mainboard BIOS's have a default setup, and automatic settings that will work with most hardware. If you need to manually change any BIOS parameters, your mainboard manual will have basic information about what each setting will do.
If you want to know gow to get the most out of your BIOS try reading this guide (http://www.itcp.net/~awsh/Speed_Demonz/BIOS_Guide/BIOS_Guide_Index.htm)
- What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, that means that it should be able to find any data stored in it directly (without having to skip over lots of other data).
- What is a chipset?
If the CPU is the "brains" of your computer, then the chipset is the "nervous system". Knowledge of chipsets can help in the mainboard purchasing decision. The chipset usually comes in 2 chips commonly referred to as the North Bridge and South Bridge. The chipset controls how the different parts of your computer communicate. For example, the North Bridge decides how the data is passed between the CPU and data bus, and the South Bridge typically includes your HD controllers. These two examples can have a huge effect on stability and performance.
- What is DMA?
Modern drives use DMA (Direct Memory Access) to read and write data between the drives and drive controller. It is a little faster than standard PIO (Programmed Input Output) data transfers, since all PIO data must be transferred through the CPU. Most modern drives can use DMA.
- What is UDMA and ATA?
UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) and ATA (Advanced Technology Adapter) are often used in the same breath, although they are not exactly the same. ATA is the new standard that replaced the older EIDE. ATA includes the old PIO and DMA data transfer modes of EIDE, plus the new UDMA transfers modes. UDMA currently comes in three flavors, UDMA33, 66, and 100. The UDMA numbers represent the maximum burst data transfer rates (Bandwidth.) of the controller. The HD's typically cannot reach these levels. Using high speed (RPM) drives and RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) can increase the total burst data transfers of the HD's.
- What is this RAID I keep hearing about?
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independant (or Inexpensive) Disks. There are many levels of RAID for many purposes, from performance to data security. The "RAID-0" is what is being added to Athlon/Duron mainboards at this time (As well as more.). Raid-0 allows the data to be "striped" across 2 or more HD's. Since the controller can read and write to the 2 drives at the same time, it effectively doubles the throughput of your HD's. The 2 drives will appear as 1 large HD to the OS (Operating System).
- How do I round my IDE cables?
What's that? Rounding IDE cables!? Yes, and it's very useful to beginners and power tweakers alike. Rounding an IDE cable can provide greater airflow through your system chassis, albeit making it cooler an ultimately running more stable. Rounded IDE cables also provide better maneuverability so it's easier to work within the chassis itself. A complete how-to on rounding IDE cables can be found here (http://www.techtv.com/print/story/0,23102,3305685,00.html)
Hope this has cleared out a few thing for some of you... :cool: