Difference between revisions of "Cards vs Memory"

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'''OBJECTIVE'''  Can recognize at a glance the memory slots and the card slots on the motherboard
 
'''OBJECTIVE'''  Can recognize at a glance the memory slots and the card slots on the motherboard
  
It is very important to know the difference between memory and cards when looking at them. It is also important to know where in the motherboard each would plug in.
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It is very important to know the difference between memory sticks and cards when looking at them. It is also important to know where in the motherboard each would plug in.
  
'''TERMS'''
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== TERMS ==
  
 
The '''Motherboard''' is the large printed circuit board that contains the processor and integrates all the peripheral input and output to and from the computer.
 
The '''Motherboard''' is the large printed circuit board that contains the processor and integrates all the peripheral input and output to and from the computer.
  
'''Cards''' are used to extend the functionality of a computer. That is, they add a function. For example, a video card allows the computer to be plugged into a monitor. A sound card allows a computer to be plugged into speakers. (Sometime these functions are built into the motherboard - sometimes a card needs to be added.)
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'''Cards''' are used to add a function to the computer. For example, a video card allows the computer to be plugged into a monitor. A sound card allows a computer to be plugged into speakers. Sometimes these functions are built into the motherboard - sometimes a card needs to be added.
  
 
'''Memory''' is used for temporary storage and workspace. It will "remember" what you are typing into the computer while the computer is on. This is different than permanent storage (like a hard drive) in that whatever is in memory will fade away quite quickly when you turn your computer off. Memory is often called "Random Access Memory" or "RAM" for short.
 
'''Memory''' is used for temporary storage and workspace. It will "remember" what you are typing into the computer while the computer is on. This is different than permanent storage (like a hard drive) in that whatever is in memory will fade away quite quickly when you turn your computer off. Memory is often called "Random Access Memory" or "RAM" for short.
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== DESCRIPTIONS ==
  
 
'''Cards''' plug into a motherboard in such a way that one end is visible from the back of the computer. This means that the card slots will be pointing towards the back of the motherboard, and nothing will be in their way to reach the back. (You can determine which edge of the motherboard is the back by looking for connectors for the keyboard and other devices that are built in.)
 
'''Cards''' plug into a motherboard in such a way that one end is visible from the back of the computer. This means that the card slots will be pointing towards the back of the motherboard, and nothing will be in their way to reach the back. (You can determine which edge of the motherboard is the back by looking for connectors for the keyboard and other devices that are built in.)

Revision as of 17:03, 29 August 2009

The Lesson

OBJECTIVE Can recognize at a glance the memory slots and the card slots on the motherboard

It is very important to know the difference between memory sticks and cards when looking at them. It is also important to know where in the motherboard each would plug in.

TERMS

The Motherboard is the large printed circuit board that contains the processor and integrates all the peripheral input and output to and from the computer.

Cards are used to add a function to the computer. For example, a video card allows the computer to be plugged into a monitor. A sound card allows a computer to be plugged into speakers. Sometimes these functions are built into the motherboard - sometimes a card needs to be added.

Memory is used for temporary storage and workspace. It will "remember" what you are typing into the computer while the computer is on. This is different than permanent storage (like a hard drive) in that whatever is in memory will fade away quite quickly when you turn your computer off. Memory is often called "Random Access Memory" or "RAM" for short.

DESCRIPTIONS

Cards plug into a motherboard in such a way that one end is visible from the back of the computer. This means that the card slots will be pointing towards the back of the motherboard, and nothing will be in their way to reach the back. (You can determine which edge of the motherboard is the back by looking for connectors for the keyboard and other devices that are built in.)

Memory is also plugged into the motherboard, but will be completely inside the computer when it is fully assembled, so they are unlikely to be pointed towards the back, or if they are pointed towards the back, then there will likely be other stuff in their way.

Some types of cards
sound cards
video cards
network cards (ethernet connector)
modems
wireless cards
there are many types of cards
Some common types of memory
DDR
RAMBUS
SDRAM

Questions

  • Can you find where the memory would plug into this motherboard?
  • Can you find where the cards would plug into this motherboard?
  • Find a stick of memory.
  • Find a card.