A+ Certification/Exam Objectives/Hardware

The third domain on the 220-1001 is Hardware. You are expected to know how to assemble a computer, as well as differentiate between different cables. You should also be able to do all of this given certain restrictions and desires from the client.

This domain is about 27% of the exam.

The objectives listed below will give you a general sense of what you need to know.

Hardware Overview

Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes

• Network cables
• Video cables
• Multipurpose cables
• Peripheral cables
• Hard drive cables
• Adapters

Identify common connector types

• RJ-11
• RJ-45
• RS-232
• BNC
• RG-59
• RG-6
• USB
• Micro-USB
• Mini-USB
• USB-C
• DB-9
• Lightning
• SCSI
• eSATA
• Molex

Given a scenario, install RAM types

• RAM types
• Single channel
• Dual channel
• Triple channel
• Error correcting
• Parity vs. non-parity

Given a scenario, select, install, and configure storage devices

• Optical drives
• Solid state drives
• Magnetic hard drives
• Hybrid drives
• Flash
• Configurations

Given a scenario, install, and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards

• Motherboard form factor
• Motherboard connectors types
• BIOS/UEFI settings
• CMOS battery
• CPU features
• Compatibility
• Cooling mechanism
• Expansion cards

Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types

• Printer
• ADF/flatbed scanner
• Barcode/QR scanner
• Monitors
• VR headset
• Optical drive types
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Touchpad
• Signature pad
• Game controllers
• Camera/webcam
• Microphone
• Speakers
• Headset
• Projector
• External storage drives
• KVM
• Magnetic/chip readers
• NFC/tap pay devices
• Smart card reader

Summarise power supply types and features

• Input 115V vs. 220V
• Output 5V vs. 12V
• 24-pin motherboard adapter
• Wattage rating
• Number of devices/types of devices to be powered

Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs

• Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
• Audio/video editing workstation
• Virtualization workstation
• Gaming PC
• Network attached storage device
• Standard thick client
• Thin client

Given a scenario, install and configure common devices

• Desktop
• Laptop/common mobile devices

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