Intel provides an extensive database of all its processors, chipsets, motherboards, and other products at ark.intel.com. Research the database and answer these questions:

1. List three Fourth Generation Core i7 processors. For each processor, list the Processor Number (model), the maximum memory it supports, the PCI Express version it supports (version 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0), and the socket it uses.
2. List three Intel motherboards for desktops: An ATX board, a microATX board, and a Mini-ITX board. For each motherboard, list the processor socket it provides, the chipset it uses, the maximum memory it supports, and the number of PCIe slots it has.
3. The X99 chipset is designed for gaming computers using the Core i7 processor. What is the launch date for theX99 chipsets? Find the block diagram for the X99 chipset and answer the following:
4. Which processor socket does the X99 chipset support?
5. Do PCI Express 3.0 graphics adapters connect directly to the processor or to the X99 chipset?
6. Do High-Speed USB ports connect directly to the processor or to the X99 chipset?

Project 3-3: Examine a Motherboard in Detail

1. Look at the back of a desktop computer. Without opening the case, list the ports that you believe come directly from the motherboard.
2. Remove the cover of the case, which you learned to do in the chapter, “Working Inside Desktop Computers and Laptops.” List the different expansion cards in the expansion slots. Was your guess correct about which ports come from the motherboard?
3. To expose the motherboard so you can identify its parts, remove all the expansion cards.
4. Draw a diagram of the motherboard and label these parts: Processor socket Chipset RAM (each DIMM slot) CMOS battery Expansion slots (Identify the slots as PCI, PCIe x1, PCIe x4, or PCIe x16.) Each port coming directly from the motherboard Power supply connections SATA drive connectors
5. What is the brand and model of the motherboard?
6. Locate the manufacturer’s website. If you can find the motherboard manual on the site, download it. Find the diagram of the motherboard in the manual and compare it with your diagram. Did you label components correctly?
7. Reassemble the computer, as you learned to do in the chapter, “Working Inside Desktop Computers and Laptops.”

Using the motherboard brand and model installed in your computer, or another motherboard brand and model assigned by your instructor, download the user guide from the motherboard manufacturer and answer these questions:
1. What processors does the board support?
2. What type of RAM does the board support?
3. What is the maximum RAM the board can hold?
4. If the board has a PCIe slot, what version of PCIe does the board use?
5. What chipset does the board use?