Know the types of system boards. Know the characteristics of and differences between ATX, micro ATX, and ITX motherboards.

Know the components of a motherboard. Be able to describe motherboard components, such as chipsets, expansion slots, memory slots, and external cache; CPUs and processor sockets; power connectors; BIOS (firmware); CMOS batteries; jumpers; and DIP switches.

Understand the purposes and characteristics of processors. Be able to discuss the different processor packaging, old and new, and know the meaning of the terms hyperthreading, cores, cache, speed, virtualization support, and integrated GPU.

Understand the purposes and characteristics of memory. Know about the characteristics that set the various types of memory apart from one another. This includes the actual types of memory, such as DRAM (which includes several varieties), SRAM, ROM, and CMOS as well as memory packaging, such as DIMMs, RIMMs, SODIMMs, and MicroDIMMs. Also have a firm understanding of the different levels of cache memory as well as its purpose in general.

Understand the purposes and characteristics of cooling systems. Know the different ways that internal components can be cooled and how overheating can be prevented.