Unit 5

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a CPU heat sink?

• To generate airflow within the case.

• To absorb and dissipate heat from the CPU.

• To provide additional power to the CPU.

• To filter dust from the air entering the case.

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a CPU heat sink is to absorb and dissipate heat from the CPU, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. The other options do not accurately describe its function.

What is the function of thermal paste in a CPU cooling system?

• To lubricate the fan.

• To increase airflow around the CPU.

• To improve heat transfer between the CPU and the heat sink.

• To reduce the noise generated by the fan.

Answer explanation

Thermal paste fills microscopic gaps between the CPU and heat sink, enhancing heat transfer efficiency. This is crucial for maintaining optimal CPU temperatures, making 'to improve heat transfer between the CPU and the heat sink' the correct choice.

Which type of fan connector typically uses a 4-pin header and allows for variable fan speed control?

• Molex connector

• 3-pin connector

• 4-pin PWM connector

• SATA power connector

Answer explanation

The 4-pin PWM connector is designed for variable fan speed control, allowing the motherboard to adjust the fan speed based on temperature. In contrast, the 3-pin connector does not support this feature.

What is the purpose of case fans?

• To cool the CPU exclusively.

• To circulate air within the computer case.

• To provide power to the motherboard.

• To store data temporarily.

Answer explanation

Case fans are designed to circulate air within the computer case, helping to maintain optimal temperatures for all components, not just the CPU. This airflow prevents overheating and ensures efficient operation.

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a malfunctioning CPU fan?

• Increased RAM capacity.

• Overheating and system instability.

• Faster network speeds.

• Improved audio quality.

Answer explanation

A malfunctioning CPU fan can lead to overheating, as it fails to dissipate heat effectively. This overheating can cause system instability, crashes, or hardware damage, making 'Overheating and system instability' the correct consequence.

What is the benefit of liquid cooling systems compared to air cooling?

• Lower cost.

• Easier installation.

• More efficient heat dissipation.

• Quieter operation in all situations.

Answer explanation

Liquid cooling systems provide more efficient heat dissipation than air cooling, allowing for better thermal management, especially in high-performance applications. This leads to improved system stability and longevity.

Which component is responsible for monitoring and controlling fan speeds based on temperature?

• The power supply unit (PSU).

• The motherboard.

• The hard drive.

• The graphics card.

Answer explanation

The motherboard is responsible for monitoring system temperatures and controlling fan speeds accordingly. It uses sensors to adjust fan speeds to maintain optimal cooling, unlike the PSU, hard drive, or graphics card.

What is a common cause of fan failure?

• Excessive RAM usage.

• Dust accumulation.

• Low hard drive space.

• High network traffic.

Answer explanation

Dust accumulation is a common cause of fan failure as it can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating and eventual malfunction. Regular cleaning helps maintain proper function and longevity of the fan.

What is the purpose of a fan filter?

• To increase fan speed.

• To reduce fan noise.

• To prevent dust and debris from entering the case.

• To improve heat transfer.

Answer explanation

The purpose of a fan filter is to prevent dust and debris from entering the case, which helps maintain clean internal components and improves overall system performance.

What is a characteristic of a passive cooling system?

• It uses fans to generate airflow.

• It relies on heat sinks and natural convection.

• It requires a liquid coolant.

• It uses a compressor to cool the components.

Answer explanation

A passive cooling system relies on heat sinks and natural convection to dissipate heat without mechanical assistance, unlike active systems that use fans, liquid coolants, or compressors.