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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

How Well Do You Know Your Motherboard Components?

Think you can spot which of the following is not found on the motherboard? Take the test now!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Laarni MontesclarosUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of motherboard components with ports slots and form factors on dark blue background quiz theme

Use this motherboard components quiz to practice identifying ports, slots, chipsets, and form factors. You'll check gaps before an exam or PC build while sharpening recall under time. You'll also label key parts and run quick checks to boost speed and accuracy.

Which connector supplies the primary power to the motherboard?
8-pin PCIe power
SATA power plug
24-pin ATX main power - Explanation: The standard main power connector for modern motherboards is the 24-pin ATX connector.
4-pin Molex
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Which slot is most commonly used for installing a discrete graphics card on modern motherboards?
M.2 M-key slot
PCIe x1
PCI slot
PCIe x16 - Explanation: Discrete GPUs typically install into the full-length PCI Express x16 slot.
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The round 6-pin legacy port often colored purple or green on rear I/O is used for keyboards and mice.
True
False
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Which battery type typically powers the CMOS/RTC on desktop motherboards?
CR2032 3V coin cell - Explanation: Most boards use a CR2032 lithium coin cell to maintain RTC and CMOS settings.
9V rectangular battery
AA alkaline
CR2025 1.5V
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Which header connects your PC case power switch to the motherboard?
TPM header
Front panel header (PWR_SW pins) - Explanation: The case power switch connects to the front panel header's PWR_SW pins.
CPU_FAN header
HD_AUDIO header
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A PCIe x16 slot always provides 16 lanes electrically regardless of motherboard design.
False
True
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Which statement correctly describes dual-channel memory on mainstream boards?
Install all DIMMs in channel A only
Mix any sizes and speeds arbitrarily
Requires ECC memory
Use matched DIMMs in the paired slots (often A2 and B2) - Explanation: For dual channel, install matched modules in the designated paired slots.
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UEFI firmware resides on a dedicated SPI flash chip on the motherboard.
False
True
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Which front panel audio header should be used for modern cases?
SPDIF_OUT header
USB 2.0 header
HD_AUDIO (AAFP) - Explanation: Use the HD_AUDIO header for modern case front audio; AC'97 is legacy.
AC'97 only
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Thunderbolt add-in cards often require a special header connection to the motherboard to enable features.
False
True
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Which connector standard delivers up to 20 Gbps over USB-C on the rear I/O?
USB 3.0 Gen 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 - Explanation: Gen 2x2 provides 20 Gbps over USB-C where supported.
USB 2.0
USB 3.2 Gen 1
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Modern consumer CPUs integrate what was historically the northbridge onto the processor package.
False
True
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Which Intel desktop socket pairs with 12th-14th Gen Core processors?
LGA1700 - Explanation: Intel Alder/Raptor/Refresh Core desktop chips use the LGA1700 socket.
AM5
TR4
LGA1200
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A PCIe x16 slot can supply up to 150W to a graphics card without any auxiliary connectors.
True
False
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Which AMD desktop socket is used by Ryzen 7000-series CPUs?
FM2+
AM4
sTRX4
AM5 - Explanation: Ryzen 7000 desktop processors use the AM5 LGA socket.
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On many boards, PCIe lane bifurcation can split a CPU x16 slot into x8/x8 for multiple devices.
True
False
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Which onboard interface is most directly used to connect a discrete TPM 2.0 module on some motherboards?
TPM header (often 20-1 pin) - Explanation: Discrete TPM modules connect via the motherboard's TPM header.
AAFP header
SPI flash header
COM header
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PCIe Gen5 provides approximately 8 GB/s per lane in each direction.
False
True
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Which statement about DDR generations is accurate?
Any DIMM works with a BIOS update
DDR4 fits DDR3 slots with force
DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 are not cross-compatible due to different keying and signaling - Explanation: Each DDR generation has unique notch positions and electrical specs.
DDR5 can downclock to DDR3 electrically
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A motherboard's debug two-digit display typically shows CPU temperature during POST only.
True
False
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Core Components -

    Recognize and name essential parts like CPU sockets, RAM slots, and chipset elements when taking the motherboard components quiz.

  2. Explain Port and Slot Functions -

    Describe how different ports and expansion slots work and determine which of the following is not found on the motherboard.

  3. Analyze Form Factor Traits -

    Compare common board layouts and answer questions such as "besides the motherboard's size what other characteristic" affects system design.

  4. Evaluate Compatibility -

    Assess key specifications and connectors to ensure all components fit and function together in a PC build.

  5. Apply Troubleshooting Skills -

    Use IT support essentials motherboard quiz insights to diagnose common hardware issues and streamline maintenance tasks.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Form Factor Fundamentals -

    Form factors determine more than just a board's dimensions (for example, ATX specs are 305×244 mm); they also control mounting hole placement, I/O shield alignment, and power connector positions. Besides the motherboard's size what other characteristic can trip you up on an IT support essentials motherboard quiz? Remember "LAYOUT" as a mnemonic for Length, Alignment, Yoke (mounting), Output shield, Unifying connectors, and Trace routing. (Sources: Intel® Form Factors Guide, PC Hardware 101 - UMass)

  2. Chipset and PCH Communication -

    The chipset - often called the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) on modern Intel boards - routes data between CPU cores, memory modules, and routers to storage and I/O. When tackling a motherboard review quiz, note that Intel's Z690 PCH can support up to 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 14 USB ports, per Intel ARK specifications. (Sources: Intel ARK, AMD Official Documentation)

  3. Expansion Slots and PCIe Lanes -

    Understanding PCIe slot types (x1, x4, x8, x16) is vital for the motherboard components quiz, since a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot offers about 16 GB/s of bandwidth, whereas x4 gives just 4 GB/s. Mnemonic "1 - 4 - 8 - 16: Scale Your Expansion Team" helps you remember the lane counts in ascending order. (Sources: PCI-SIG Specifications, Tom's Hardware)

  4. Onboard Connectors and Headers -

    A typical board includes power connectors (24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU), SATA ports for drives, M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and fan/USB headers. In a motherboard components quiz, mapping each header location to its purpose boosts your accuracy and speed. Refer to CompTIA A+ Official Curriculum for diagrams showing header pinouts. (Sources: CompTIA A+ Guide, PCMag Hardware Basics)

  5. Spotting Non-Motherboard Parts -

    One common quiz question asks "which of the following is not found on the motherboard?" - the power supply unit (PSU) is external, unlike the BIOS chip, VRM heatsinks, or chipset. Remember the phrase "PSU Stays Apart" to avoid that trap. This distinction often appears in IT support essentials motherboard quiz sections. (Sources: CompTIA A+, Microsoft Learn)

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