11

Computer
Systems
Servicing NC II

Quarter 1 – Module 4:
CMOS and Motherboard
Computer Systems Servicing NC II – Grade 11
Quarter 1- Module 4: CMOS and Motherboard

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin
Development Team of the Module

Writer: SHAILAC N. RODELAS

Editors: ANTHONY S. CAPISTRANO, TIII and JOVELYN A. FLORECE, TIII

Reviewers: DR. NIXON SA. OLFINDO, EPS/DARCY GUY Y. MAÑEBO, EPS

Illustrator: SHAILAC N. RODELAS

Layout Artist: SHAILAC N. RODELAS

Computer Systems Servicing NC II - Grade 11
Quarter 1- Module 4: CMOS and Motherboard

I. Introduction
A computer comprises various physical parts and hardware components providing support
for its major functions. From the tiniest to the largest piece takes part in the computer processes. From
a computer memory chip to the main logic board.

This module will introduce you to a new learning practice about CMOS, a computer memory
chip and Motherboard, the main board of a computer.

II. Objectives
Learning Competency: LO 1. Assemble Computer Hardware
 Identify the functions of a CMOS in a computer system. (TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-Ia-e-28)
 Determine the signs of CMOS failures during start-up. (TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-Ia-e-28)
 Distinguish correctly the parts and functions of a Motherboard (TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-Ia-e-
28)
 Apply troubleshooting skills in dealing with Motherboard issues (TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-Ia-
e-28)

III.
Vocabulary List
For better understanding of the lesson , here is the list of words and their meanings.
Read and understand them carefully.

 Bytes
data measurement unit that contains eight bits, or a series of eight zeros and ones 
 Capacitor
stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is a passive electronic component with two
terminals
 Checksum Error
usually appears if the computer fails to pass the Checksum phase.
 Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
computer memory chip that stores the BIOS settings
 Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Battery
supplies power to the CMOS battery for keeping its settings.
 Configuration
arrangement and settings of a computer system
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
known as the brain of the computer

1
  Expansion Slots
slots for insertion of expansion cards like video cards or sound cards.
 Factory Settings
default settings of a device
 Floppy Disk Drive
magnetic disk categorized as secondary storage device.
 Hard Disk Drive
secondary storage device for keeping and retrieving files for a long period of time.
 Heat Sink
absorbs the heat produced by the processor
 International Business Machines (IBM)
a global technology company that provides hardware, software, cloud-based services and
cognitive computing
 Local Area Network (LAN)
a computer network within a small area, room or building
 Motherboard
known as mainboard, holds the computer parts together.
 Optical Drive
disc drive that uses laser lights as it reads and writes data.
 Sound Card
expansion card that sends audio input and output signals to the computer.
 Video Card
an expansion card that sends video input and output signals to the computer.  

Source: https://techterms.com/definition/byte
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor

IV. Pre-Test
TRUE OR FALSE
Directions: Read each sentence carefully. In a ¼ sheet of paper, write TRUE if the statement is
correct and FALSE if otherwise. DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING IN THIS MODULE.

1. CMOS performs an essential task in the booting of the operating system.

2. CMOS will retain its configuration and all custom settings if the battery runs out of energy.
3. A motherboard connects all the parts of a computer and hold all the pieces together.
4. PCI slots are used to connect the I/O cards of the computer. Such as LAN card, WIFI card, USB
expansion card, and sound card.
5. An IDE connector is used to connect the Floppy Disk Drive cable through the system board.

2
 V. Learning Activities
Learning Activity 1. Stop, Look and Ponder!
In the previous module, you have learned how a BIOS and a POST take part in the computer
processes. Definitely, you are now able to identify their key functions. This time, you will be given
new series of learning tasks. You will be taken to new concepts essential to the succeeding lessons.
The CMOS and Motherboard.

Let’s have the first task.

Mechanics of the Activity:

Below is a set of pictures showing a major part of a computer. Take a look at each one.

3
 Read the Guide Questions. Write your answers in your data notebook.

Source: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (n.d.). Source: GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd. (n.d.). Source: HP Development Company, L.P. (n.d.). The
ASUS EX-H310M-V3 [Photograph]. ASUS. GA-P43-ES3G (rev. 1.4) [Photograph]. GIGABYTE. MS-7525 (Boston) motherboard [Photograph]. HP
https://www.asus.com/id/Motherboards/EX- https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-P43- Customer Support - Knowledge Base.
H310M-V3/ ES3G-rev-14#ov https://support.hp.com/id-en/document/c01386897

Guide Questions:
1. What can you infer from these pictures?
2. What could be their functions inside a computer?

Learning Activity 2. Point it Out: The Parts of a Motherboard

In the previous activity, you were asked to identify the pictures and their functions inside a
computer. This time, try to identify and name the parts of a sample motherboard form.

Mechanics of the Activity:

Given here is a picture of a motherboard with its parts.

Identify the parts being asked using the lines pointing to each one.
Choose from the boxed options to name the parts.
Write your answers in your data notebook.

SATA Port IDE Port CMOS Battery IDE Port Expansion Slots I/O
Ports
Chipset Memory Slot Power Port Front Panel Connectors FDD Port

CPU connector PCI e USB Port CPU Socket CPU Fan Connector

Figure 1: Motherboard

4
 Source: #ANON#. (n.d.). Motherboard Lab [Photograph]. ImageQuiz Beta. http://www.imagequiz.co.uk/quizzes/316539001

Learning Activity 3. Troubleshooting a PC! Getting Started

The previous activity allowed you to identify the parts of a motherboard. This time, let’s test
your skills in dealing with problems arising in computer.

Mechanics of the Activity:

Below are different situations where a computer encounters a certain problem. Situation A, B
and C.
Choose one from them and answer the Guide Questions below. Write your answers in your
data notebook.

A. The computer suddenly shuts down and does not allow user to make a task.
B. The user is not able to connect to the internet.
C. The computer has constant beeping sound while you are using it.

Guide Questions:

1. How will you resolve the computer issue you encountered?

2. Do you find troubleshooting an easy task to do? Why or why not? Justify your answer.

|The CMOS|

5
 CMOS (short for complementary metal-oxide-
semiconductor) is the term usually used to describe
the small amount of memory on a
computer motherboard that stores
the BIOS settings. Some of these BIOS
settings include the system time and date as well
as hardware settings. CMOS is an onboard,
battery powered semiconductor chip inside
computers that stores information. This
information ranges from the system time and date
Figure 1. CMOS Coin Cell Battery
to system hardware settings for your computer
Source : Lennox IT BUsiness IT Solutions. (n.d.). Changing a BIOS
Battery [Photograph]. Lennox IT BUsiness IT Solutions. https://lennox-
(Fisher, 2020).
it.uk/changing-a-bios-battery

First CMOS chip was used in early IBM computers. This CMOS chip was two
main components RTC and CMOS RAM. This CMOS also has 64-byte memory where 14
bytes were used system clock RAM and 50 bytes of storage was used for system settings When the computer
(Baydan,2019). first boots up, BIOS
pulls information
from the CMOS
 How CMOS andDid YouWork
BIOS Together
chip 
to understand
Know? the hardware
settings, time, and
BIOS and CMOS work together, but they do different things.
anything else that's
The BIOS contains programs that the CPU needs to communicate stored in it. CMOS
with the various devices on the motherboard. The BIOS can’t be is used to store this
rewritten. We often refer to BIOS as the BIOS chip, but BIOS is not date/time
really the chip itself, it’s the software inside that’s really the BIOS. configuration.
As stated by Dan Stone in his article “What Is the Primary Function of the BIOS & the
CMOS?”, Thehe said
CMOSthatcontains
CMOS the menu is accessed
parameters forfrom the BIOS
programs Setup
in BIOS in Utility screen. The CMOS
Menu
order to access certain devices. When we add a new hard drive into themotherboard, uses a simple
contains the hardware customization options allowed by the
graphical
system, itinterface and is
will probably controlled
have different by the keyboard.
parameters than theCustomization
one that was features include memory
handling, expansion port speed configuration,
in our PC before (cicnavi, 2010). boot device order and power control”.

Dan Stone also added that the CMOS is a physical Points to Remember 
part of the motherboard: it is a memory chip that houses It's important to understand that
setting configurations and is powered by the onboard CMOS and BIOS are not
battery. The CMOS battery is a small battery fitted on the interchangeable terms for the same
motherboard of your computer. It has a life of around five thing. While they work together for a
to ten years. He emphasized that a user needs to use the specific function within the
computer regularly to extend the life of the CMOS battery. computer, they are two entirely
different components (Fishers, 2020

Source: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-cmos-2625826
https://www.poftut.com/what-is-cmos-complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor/
https://www.utilizewindows.com/cmos-bios-and-boot-process/
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/primary-function-bios-cmos-68581.html

 Signs of CMOS Failures 

It is a 3V battery. If the voltage drops between certain levels, your computer loses the
memory. The CMOS settings like date and time get changed. In some instances, the date and
time get set to factory default. For example, your computer date will be set to factory settings,
something like 12/01/2008 (Greaves, 2017)

As stated by Wanda Greaves in the website “Rocks Digital”, the following are the
Signs of CMOS Failures.
6
 All of the settings like drive type, FDD, NUMs lock, etc., in the computer setup will
be changed. It may be causing booting problems since your computer does not
 Source: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/primary-function-bios-cmos-68581.html
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-cmos-2625826
https://www.rocksdigital.com/cmos-battery-failure/

|The Motherboard|

The motherboard serves to connect all of the

parts of a computer together.
The CPU, memory, hard drives, and other ports
and expansion cards all connect to the motherboard
directly or via cables. The motherboard is the piece of
computer hardware that can be thought of as the
"backbone" of the PC, or more appropriately as the
"mother" that holds all the pieces together (Fisher,
2020).

DID YOU KNOW?

Figure 2. A Gigabyte motherboard
The IBM Personal Computer that was
Source : GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd. (n.d.-a). GA-880GM-USB3 (rev. 1.x)
rev. 3.1 [Photograph]. GIGABYTE. https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA- released in 1981, is considered to be the
880GM-USB3-rev-1x#ov
very first computer motherboard and it
was called a "planar". (Fisher, 2020)
 Motherboard Components 

Everything behind the computer case is connected in some way to the motherboard so that all
the pieces can communicate with each other. This includes video cards, sound cards, hard
drives, optical drives, the CPU, RAM sticks, USB ports, a power supply, etc. On the motherboard
are also expansion slots, jumpers, capacitors, device power and data connections, fans, heat sinks,
and screw holes.(Fisher, 2020)

7
 Figure 3. Typical Parts of Motherboard
Source: Creative Commons. (2005, June 23). File: ASRock K7VT4A Pro Mainboard Labeled English.svg [Photograph].
WIKIMEDIACOMMONS. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ASRock_K7VT4A_Pro_Mainboard.jpg

Take Always check the compatibility of other components connected to your motherboard. Make sure to
Note meet at least the minimum requirement to avoid any computer issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------- --------------
These are the popular Motherboard Vendors
|ASUS| |AOpen| | Intel| |ABIT| |MSI| |Gigabyte| |Biostar|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: https://www.lifewire.com/motherboards-system-boards-and-mainboards-2618154

 Parts and Functions 

At the first glimpse, the parts of a motherboard and its connections can really look
complicated specially for the dummies or beginners like you.

If you've ever taken the case off of a computer, you've seen that one piece of equipment that
ties everything together, it is motherboard. It allows all the parts of your computer to receive power
and communicate with one another. See the table below about the parts of a motherboard and its
functions (Wilson and Johnson, 2020).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 1: Parts of Motherboard and Their Functions
1. I/O ports It is located in the rear panel of
PS/2 Ports the CPU, this use to connect the
Printer Port outside hardware or peripherals
Serial Com Port of the computer
VGA Port
USB 2.0 Ports
Source: Supermicro X10SLQ Rear IO Ports. (2013, June 28).
[Photograph].
LAN Port
ServeTheHome.https://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10slq-
motherboard-review-q87-vpro/supermicro-x10slq-rear-io-ports/
Audio Port
2. ATX Power It connects to the 4-pin power
connector cable of a power supply unit
(4 pin) which supplies power to the CPU

Source: Is the 4-pin PSU connector required? (Trying to connect a

PSU to a mini case.). (2012, March 6). [Photograph]. Super User.
https://superuser.com/questions/432234/is-the-4-pin-psu-connector-
required-trying-to-connect-a-psu-to-a-mini-case

8
 3. Memory slots It is the slot of computer memory
or what we called RAM. The
memory slot depends on the type
of the memory

Source: Fitzpatrick, J. (2014, January 9). How-To Geek What Does

the RAM Slot Color Coding on Motherboards Mean? [Photograph].
How-To-Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/174482/what-does-the-
4. ATX Power ram-slot-color-coding-on-motherboards-mean/ It provides a DC power output to
connector (24 or 28 the system board (SB) from the
pin) output of the Power Supply Unit

Source: Hussain, B. (2018, May 19). Power Connectors

[Photograph]. M | Computing Technology with IT Fundamentals.
https://medium.com/computing-technology-with-it-
fundamentals/system-hardware-component-motherboard-
8e3d44e29f74

5. CMOS/BIOS It supplies power to store BIOS

battery settings and keep the real-time
clock running

Source: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (2018, December 7).

[Motherboard] How to replace CMOS battery on motherboard when it
runs out power? [Photograph]. ASUS.
https://www.asus.com/nz/support/FAQ/1005740/
6. IDE connector
(Integrated Drive It connects to older hard drive
Electronics) disks and optical drives for data
transfer

Source: Tech, P. C. (2013, May 24). Motherboard IDE Connections

[Photograph]. Pctechguide.Com. https://www.pctechguide.com/how-
to-upgrade-your-motherboard/motherboard-ide-connections

7. Front panel It connects the Power LED, HDD

connectors LED, Power Switch, and Reset
(F-Panel) switch of the computer system
unit (CPU)

8. Serial Advanced
Source: Ruffell, A. (2013, May 7). Foxconn H67A-S H67 Sandy Bridge
Motherboard Preview 531-12.jpg [Photograph]. ETeknix.
It connects to modern hard disk
Technology
https://www.eteknix.com/foxconn-h67a-s-h67-sandy-bridge- drives, solid state and optical
motherboard-preview/5/
Attachment (SATA) drives for data transfer
connector

9. USB connectors Source: Supermicro X10SDV-TLN4F SATA Ports. (n.d.). [Photograph]. It connects the USB port of the
ServeTheHome. https://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10sdv-
(headers) tln4f-review-platform/supermicro-x10sdv-tln4f-sata-ports/ front panel

10. Floppy Disk Drive Source: Ruffell, A. (2013b, May 7). Foxconn H67A-S H67 Sandy
Bridge Motherboard Preview [Photograph]. ETeknix. https://eteknix- It connects the Floppy Disk Drive
connector eteknixltd.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/vb/531-11.jpg cable through the system board

Source: Tech, P. C. (2013a, May 24). Floppy Installation Connection

[Photograph]. Pctechguide.Com. https://www.pctechguide.com/how-
to-install-a-front-loading-drive/floppy-installation-connection

9
 11. PCI slots It connects the I/O cards of the
computer. Such as LAN card,
WIFI card, USB expansion card,
and sound card.

Source: Tj, M. (2018, August 13). How to Check PCI Express (PCIe)
Version Compatibility on Any Motherboard? DESKDECODE.COM.
https://www.deskdecode.com/how-to-check-pci-express-pcie-version-
compatibility-on-any-motherboard/

12. North and South Northbridge: Chipset that allows

Bridge IC Source: http://www.buildcomputers.net/motherboard-components.html
the CPU to communicate with the
RAM and graphics card.

Southbridge: Chipset that allows

the CPU to communicate with
Source: Tj, M. (2018, August 13). How to Check PCI Express (PCIe) PCI slots, PCI-Express x 1 slots
Version Compatibility on Any Motherboard? DESKDECODE.COM.
https://www.deskdecode.com/how-to-check-pci-express-pcie-version- (expansion cards), SATA
compatibility-on-any-motherboard/
connectors (hard drives, optical
drives), USB ports (USB
devices), Ethernet ports and on-
board audio
13. Fan Headers It supplies power to the CPU heat
sink fan and computer case fans.

Source: Gobor, A. (2019, October 4). 4-pin PWM header

Source: https://mokedagoqin.phisigmasigmafiu.com/parts-of-motherboard-28685kl.html
[Photograph]. Ekwb.Com. https://www.ekwb.com/blog/what-is-
pwm-and-how-does-it-work/
http://hardwareandnetworkingindepth.blogspot.com/partsfunctions-ofmotherboard.html
http://www.buildcomputers.net/motherboard-components.html

VI. Practice Tasks

Let’s check your learning 
Practice Task 1: My Learning Pyramid!

Task Mechanics:
Identify the 3 Best Interesting Ideas that you have learned from this lesson
Copy the pyramid design in your data notebook and write your answers inside the
boxes.

1.

2.

10
3.
 Practice Task 2: 3- 2- 1: Exploring Your Mind!

Task Mechanics:
Below is a table with 3 Columns namely “3 Things I Learned”, “2 Things I Still Want
to Learn” and “1 Question I Have”.
Assess your learning in this module. Copy the table in your data notebook and write your
answers in each column.

3 Things I Learned 2 Things I Still Want to Learn 1 Question I Have

1. 1. 1.

2.

3.
2.

Practice Task 3: Let’s Test Your Skills!

Assuming you are a technician and . . .

Scenario A:  you smelled an unusual burning odor in the motherboard due to overheating.

Scenario B: you noticed that the fan fails to function due to dust accumulation.

Scenario C: you noticed that the motherboard isn’t receiving any power.

Task Mechanics:

Study the 3 scenarios given above. Scenario A, B and C. These are sample issues related to
motherboard.
Read the Guide Questions below. Write your answers in your data notebook.

Guide Questions:

1. What could be the appropriate troubleshooting for each situation?

2. As a CSS student, why is it necessary to give importance to these concepts?
3. Evaluate yourself. What impacts have this lesson brought you?

VII. Post- Test 11

A. FILL IN THE BLANKS
Directions: Read each sentence carefully. Supply the missing word or group of words to make each
sentence correct. Write your answers in a ¼ sheet of paper. DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING IN
THIS MODULE.

1. The primary function of a ____________is to handle and store the BIOS configuration.

2. While working with your old desktop computer, you noticed it to be too slow. Associating it to
CMOS, it is safe to say that this is caused by______________.

3. When a CMOS fails to function, you may hear a constant beeping sound while working with your
computer. This is an indication that ________________.

4. A user installed a new memory to his motherboard. The slot where it is inserted is known as
_____________.

5. Modern hard disk drives, solid state and optical drives for data transfer uses the _____________
connector for data transfer.

B. MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Read each sentence carefully. Select the correct answer from the given choices. Write
your answers in a ¼ sheet of paper.

1. What is the memory chip that houses setting configurations and is powered by the onboard battery?
A. CMOS C. RAM
B. Motherboard D. Real time clock

2. Which of the following best describes the function of a clock in a computer?

A. Date Configuration C. Memory Handling
B. Date and Time Configuration D. Time Configuration

3.Which motherboard component connects to modern hard disk drives, solid state and optical drives
for data transfer?
A. Fan Headers C. SATA ports
B. Memory Slots D. USB ports

4.Which of the following belong/s to the Input and Output Ports of a Motherboard
I. Audio
II. North and South IC
III. Serial Com
IV. VGA

A. I only B. I and II C. I, II, III D. I and IV

5. If a user wants to connect old hard drives to the motherboard, which of the following ports
should be used?
A. IDE/FDD C. USB
B. SATA D. VGA

VIII.
Assignment/Additional Activities 12
Directions: Study the given scenario. Write the steps on how are you going to troubleshoot the
problem. Write your answers in your data notebook.

A. Scenario: You have recently installed a motherboard in your desktop computer. When you
pressed the power on, the computer does not proceed to booting process.

Note: You may write your answers in a paragraph, bulleted or numbered format.
Please be guided by the rubrics provided below.

How to Utilize the Scoring Rubrics?

The content of your output will be evaluated using the Scoring Rubrics provided below. The first
component is Correctness and Completeness while the second one is Familiarity. The score for each

component ranges from 5 (highest) to 1(lowest). The scores for both components will
be added to determine your final score.

Example: Correctness and Completeness 5

Familiarity 5
Total Points 10

Scoring Rubrics
Components 5 4 3 2 1
Correctness and Able to provide Able to Able to Able to Able to
Completeness the steps provide all provide provide 2 to provide at
completely in the steps some of the 3 correct least 1
an accurate with a steps with a steps with correct step
sequence. slight slight poor only.
inaccuracy inaccuracy accuracy of
in the in the the
sequence. sequence. sequence.
Able to Able to Able to Able to Able to
Familiarity recognize the recognize somewhat somewhat recognize
steps. Gave a the steps. recognize recognize and discuss
comprehensive Gave a the steps. the steps but at least 1
and full flow of satisfactory Gave a with poor step of the
the procedure. flow of the tolerable flow of the procedure.
procedure. flow of the procedure.
procedure.

B. Read the following questions and write your answers in your data notebook. You can surf the
internet, borrow notes or browse old notes from previous CSS students and other means.

Guide Questions:
A. What is the function of a storage device?

13
 B. What are the different types of multimedia storage devices?

IX.
. Answer Key
IV. Pre -Test
TRUE or FALSE
1.TRUE
2.FALSE
3. TRUE
4. TRUE
5.TRUE

V. Learning Activities
Learning Activity 1: Stop, Look and Ponder!
Probable Answers:

1. These are pictures of motherboard make/ models.

2. The functions of a motherboard are as follows:

 Connects all the parts of the computer to hold them together

 Establishes vital electronic connections between these various hardware units to
ensure that tasks undertaken by the user are completed successfully and efficiently. 

Learning Activity 2: Point it Out: The Parts of a Motherboard

A. CPU Socket
B. Memory Slot
C. Power Port
D. IDE Port
E. PCI e
F. Chipset
G.PCI e
H. Expansion Slot
I. I/O ports
J. CMOS battery
K. SATA ports
L. CPU fan connector
M. Front Panel Connector
N. USB Ports
O. CPU connector
P. CPU Fan connector
Q. FDD Port

14
Learning Activity 3: Troubleshooting a PC! Getting Started
The answers may vary. However, here are the most probable answers to the given situations.

1. Scenario A, B and C show issues related to CMOS/ CMOS battery backup. To resolve all of
them, the user may do the following:
 Restart the computer
 Download and Flash a BIOS Update
 Reset the BIOS
 Replace CMOS battery
 Consult a technician for further computer repair expert

2. The answers may vary depending on the prior knowledge, troubleshooting experiences and
capability of the student.

For students with prior knowledge, probable answers may be the following:

 Yes, I find it an easy task to do since I have several experiences in troubleshooting.

 Yes, I find it an easy task to do since I can practice with my desktop computer at
home.
 Yes, I find it an easy task to do since we have an IT or a technician in the family.
 Yes, I find it an easy task to do since I can easily learn and remember the
troubleshooting steps.

For students without prior knowledge, probable answers may be the following:

 No, I don’t find it an easy task because I lack the skills and I don’t have any
troubleshooting experiences yet.
 No, I don’t find it an easy task because we don’t have any computer at home where I
can practice and enhance my troubleshooting skills.
 No, I don’t find it an easy task because I don’t find myself learning these tasks
quickly.

VI. Practice Tasks

Practice Task 1: My Learning Pyramid
Probable Answers:
The three best interesting ideas I have learned are the following:
1. Its amazing how a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) battery can give life to
the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) chip

2. I found out that Motherboard is not just a plain board, it is actually an indispensable component of
a computer that holds various parts together

3. For beginners, the different parts of a motherboard may be complicated at first sight. But when the
parts and its functions were emphasized, its incredible how they individually perform their roles but
then they work together as one.

Practice Task 2: 3-2-1: Exploring Your Mind!

Probable Answers:

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3 Things I Learned
 The CMOS memory chip installed on a computer motherboard stores the BIOS settings
 CMOS and BIOS work together to set up the computer and boot the operating system
 The different parts of motherboard include video cards, sound cards, hard drives, optical
drives, the CPU, RAM sticks, USB ports, a power supply

2 Things I Still Want to Learn

 I want to learn how a motherboard is processed

 I want to learn the Pros and Cons of different motherboard forms.

1 Question I Have

 What is the best motherboard make or model to use?

Practice Task 3: Let’s Test Your Skills!

Probable Answers:

Scenario A, B and C show issues related to motherboard and its components. The appropriate
troubleshooting for all of them are the ff:

For Scenario A
 Make sure you have at least the minimum hardware in the machine to make it work.
 Provide proper cooling system to the computer 
 Check the fan that may cause potential overheating.
 Try removing all the optional devices from the motherboard
 Double-check all the motherboard jumper settings, carefully.
 Check the inside of the PC's case to see if any components seem to be overheating
 Inspect the motherboard physically. Check to make sure the board itself isn't cracked.
 Try swapping the motherboard with another one and see if the problem resolves itself.

For Scenario B
Try to vacuum the fan and heat sink or use a can of compressed air to clean the accumulated
dusts

For Scenario C
 Make sure the power switch is connected to the motherboard if you're using a desktop.
 Try swapping the motherboard with another one and see if the problem resolves itself.
 Inspect the motherboard physically. Check to make sure the board itself isn't cracked.
 Test your power supply if you're using a desktop PC. 

VII. Post -Test

A. FILL IN THE BLANKS
1.CMOS

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2.Wrong Date and Time settings
3.CMOS needs to be replaced
4.Memory slots
5.Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)

B. MULTIPLE CHOICE
1.A.
2.B.
3.C.
4.C.
5.A.

VIII. Assignment/ Additional Activities

Answers may vary in format and content

A.

My objective is to find out the cause/s why my computer does not proceed to booting process
after installing a new motherboard and be able to resolve the issue. To do this, first I have to check
why my computer is not turning on at all. I will check if the fans are running, if lights are blinking,
and if nothing appears on my screen, this could probably be related to power issues. The next step to
resolve this is to double check the power cord. I have to unplug and plug it to check if there is a loose
connection. Another cause maybe due to loosened cable monitor. I will check my monitor cable as
well or use other monitors. If these does not take effect, maybe there is a need to check if there are
short circuits in the motherboard. If there is none, then I will reseat the hardware components inside
because these may cause the motherboard to malfunction if not properly installed.

B.

1.A storage device is may be an external device or an internal part of a computer mainly used for
saving and retrieval of data. It can keep and retain information pieces in a short-term or long-term
basis.

2. The different types of storage devices are USB flash drives or thumb drives, hard disk drives,
optical disc drives, memory cards, floppy diskettes or online and cloud -based storage devices.

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References :

Fisher, T. (2020c, February 28). What Is CMOS and What Is It For?

Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-cmos-2625826

Computer Hope. (2019, August 2). What is CMOS?

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Baydan, İ. (2019, June 2). What Is CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)?

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semiconductor/

What Is the Primary Function of the BIOS & the CMOS? (n.d.). Chron.
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68581.html

Greaves, W. (n.d.). How to Detect CMOS Battery Failure of Your Computer. Rocks Digital.
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Baydan, İ. (2019, June 2). What Is CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)?

Retrieved from https://www.poftut.com/what-is-cmos-complementary-metal-oxide-
semiconductor/

Johnson, R. &. W. T. V. (2020, May 29). How Motherboards Work.

Retrieved from https://computer.howstuffworks.com/motherboard.htm

Parts Of Motherboard. (n.d.). Parts of Motherboard.

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28685kl.html

PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MOTHERBOARD. (n.d.). Hardware and Networking.

Retrieved from http://hardwareandnetworkingindepth.blogspot.com/2014/03/parts-

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 and-functions-of-motherboard.html

Hoffman, C. (2018, October 12). What Does a PC’s BIOS Do, and When Should I Use It?
Retrieved from https://www.howtogeek.com/179789/htg-explains-what-is-bios-and-
when-should-i-use-it/

C. (2015, November 30). CMOS, BIOS and Boot Process. Utilize Windows.
Retrieved from: https://www.utilizewindows.com/cmos-bios-and-boot-process/

Byte Definition. (n.d.). Techterms.Com. Retrieved July 14, 2020, from

https://techterms.com/definition/byte

Wikipedia contributors. (2020b, July 13). Capacitor. Wikipedia. Retrieved from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor

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