Description should include defining a system consisting of major components, related software, and subsystems. Description should include the names, purposes, and characteristics of action associated with components such as

• case
• power supply
• motherboard
• central processing unit (CPU)
• basic input/output system (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
• complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)
• cooling system
• read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM)
• graphics processing units (GPUs) and adapter cards
• storage drives (including solid-state and hybrid drives) (e.g., redundant array of independent disks [RAID])
• internal cables.

Process/Skill Questions: 

• What components are common to all computer systems?
• What parts of the computer are attached to the motherboard? How do they work together?
• What software is loaded to control the computer?
• What is the software called that is installed to meet needs of the user?
• What are some pros and cons of solid-state storage drives?
• What is the difference between RAM and ROM? How is each used inside the computer?
• What are two types of cooling systems that can be used inside the computer?
• How would a technician recognize a failure or problem with a given component?
• What are the differences between RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10?