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.

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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