Part A: System Architecture

The pictures below are of a modern server/workstation motherboard:

the “ASROCK ROMED8-2T”; both the main circuit board and the rear panel. The questions in this part (beginning overleaf) refer to this board and the labelled components.

Main Circuit Boar

Answer the following questions in your own words, and in the context of this specific microcontroller make and model. Where explanations are required as part of an answer.

1. For each of the 6 components labelled A, B, C, D, E, and F in the above diagram:

a) What is the name generally given to that component?

b) What is that component designed for?

2. For each of the following headers or set of pins or internal expansion connectors, labelled G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O:

a) What is the name generally given to that component?

b) Give a typical example of what might connect to it.

c) What standard(s) are supported by that connector or explain the purpose of the set of pins? Provide details where relevant or appropriate, such as the version(s) of standards supported, and their maximum bandwidth if relevant or what is connected via the pins.