1.1 Install Physical Hardware
📘CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
What it is:
- The CPU is the brain of the server. It performs calculations, processes instructions, and manages tasks.
- Servers may have one or multiple CPUs for better performance.
Key features for exams:
- Cores: Each CPU can have multiple cores. More cores = more tasks processed simultaneously.
- Threads: Threads allow a single core to work on multiple tasks at the same time (Hyper-Threading in Intel CPUs).
- Clock speed: Measured in GHz; higher = faster processing for individual tasks.
- Sockets: CPUs fit into a CPU socket on the motherboard. Each motherboard supports a certain type and number of CPUs.
IT environment use case:
- Servers hosting virtual machines (VMs) need more cores to run multiple VMs efficiently.
- High-performance servers running databases rely on CPUs with higher clock speed to process queries faster.
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
What it is:
- A GPU is a specialized processor designed for graphics, parallel computations, and AI workloads.
- Some servers use GPUs for specialized tasks rather than display graphics.
Key features for exams:
- VRAM (Video RAM): Memory dedicated to GPU operations.
- Parallel processing: Excellent for tasks like AI, machine learning, or video rendering.
IT environment use case:
- AI servers use GPUs to train models.
- Some database servers use GPUs for faster query processing with parallel computation.
3. Memory (RAM – Random Access Memory)
What it is:
- RAM temporarily stores data that the CPU needs quickly. More RAM = more active tasks can be handled.
- Unlike storage (HDD/SSD), RAM is volatile, meaning it loses data when the server powers off.
Key features for exams:
- Types: DDR3, DDR4, DDR5 – newer types are faster and more efficient.
- Capacity: More RAM allows servers to handle more users or processes at the same time.
- ECC (Error-Correcting Code): Common in servers; detects and corrects memory errors to prevent crashes.
- DIMMs: RAM modules that plug into slots on the motherboard.
IT environment use case:
- A web server with many simultaneous users needs large amounts of RAM to process requests efficiently.
- Virtualization servers need RAM for each VM running on the server.
4. Expansion Cards
What it is:
- Expansion cards add new capabilities to a server, beyond what’s built into the motherboard.
- They plug into PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slots.
Common types for exams:
- NIC (Network Interface Card): Adds additional network ports or faster network speeds.
- HBA (Host Bus Adapter): Connects storage devices like SANs or external drives.
- GPU cards: Specialized for AI or graphics tasks.
- RAID controller cards: Manage multiple disks in RAID arrays for redundancy or performance.
IT environment use case:
- A server may need multiple NICs to separate traffic for management, storage, and user data.
- RAID cards are used in database servers to ensure storage performance and reliability.
5. Buses
What it is:
- A bus is a pathway that moves data between components inside the server, like CPU, memory, storage, and expansion cards.
- Think of it as the server’s internal communication system.
Key features for exams:
- Data width: Determines how much data can move at once (e.g., 64-bit).
- Bus types:
- Front-Side Bus (FSB): Connects CPU to memory (older servers).
- PCIe bus: Connects expansion cards like NICs, GPUs, and RAID controllers.
- Memory bus: Connects CPU to RAM.
- Bus speed: Faster buses improve data transfer rates, which improves overall server performance.
IT environment use case:
- High-speed PCIe buses allow GPUs or NICs to transfer large amounts of data quickly without slowing down the CPU.
- Memory buses ensure fast access to RAM, critical for virtualization and database servers.
Summary Table for Quick Exam Review
| Component | Purpose | Key Points for Server+ Exam | Example Use in IT |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Process instructions, run tasks | Cores, threads, clock speed, sockets | VM hosting, DB servers |
| GPU | Parallel processing, graphics, AI | VRAM, parallel tasks | AI training, GPU compute |
| RAM | Temporary storage for active processes | Capacity, DDR type, ECC, DIMMs | Web servers, virtualization |
| Expansion Cards | Add features or connectivity | NIC, HBA, RAID, GPU cards, PCIe slots | Network expansion, storage, AI |
| Buses | Transfer data between components | Types: PCIe, memory, FSB; width & speed | Fast GPU/RAID communication, memory access |
✅ Exam Tip:
For the CompTIA Server+ exam, focus on purpose, key features, types, and IT use cases of each component. Be able to identify how upgrading or adding components improves server performance, reliability, or scalability.
