Summary

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices 15Figure 6-12Laptop Motherboard and Desktop MotherboardLaptop MotherboardDesktop MotherboardLaptop motherboards and desktop motherboards are designed differently. Componentsdesigned for a laptop generally cannot be used in a desktop.Compare and Contrast Desktop and LaptopProcessorsThe central processing unit (CPU), or processor, is the brain of the computer. The CPUinterprets and processes instructions that are used to manipulate data.Laptop processors are designed to use less power and create less heat than desktop processors.As a result, laptop processors do not require cooling devices that are as large as thosefound in desktops. Laptop processors also use CPU throttling to modify the clock speed asneeded to reduce power consumption and heat. This results in a slight decrease in performance.It also increases the life span of some components. These specially designed processorsallow a laptop to operate for a longer period of time when using a battery powersource.NoteTechnicians should refer to the laptop manual for processors that can be used as replacement processorsand for processor replacement instructions.Compare and Contrast Desktop and Laptop PowerManagementPower management controls the flow of electricity to the components of a computer.Desktops are usually set up in a location where they remain plugged into a power source.Desktop power management distributes electricity from the source to the components of thedesktop. There is also a small battery in the desktop that provides electricity to maintain theinternal clock and BIOS settings when the desktop is powered off.