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

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Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes

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

Identify common connector types

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  • 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

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

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

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

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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • Desktop
  • Laptop/common mobile devices

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