Which three PC desktop functions are typically provided on the front panel and must be connected to the motherboard? (Choose three.)
- network activity light
- PC power button
- drive activity light
- USB connectors
- CPU temperature indicator
- audio power button
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The question asks about the three functions provided on the front panel of a desktop PC that must be connected to the motherboard. Here’s the detailed analysis of each option:
1. Network Activity Light
The network activity light is typically found on network devices such as routers or switches, not on the front panel of a PC desktop. However, some advanced PC cases or motherboards might include this feature in rare instances. Even so, it is not considered a standard front-panel feature that must be connected to the motherboard. Instead, network activity is usually indicated by LEDs on the back of the PC near the network port.
Conclusion: This is not a standard front-panel function.
2. PC Power Button
The PC power button is one of the most essential front-panel features and must be connected to the motherboard. It allows the user to power the computer on or off by sending a signal to the motherboard when pressed. The power button typically connects to the motherboard via a two-pin connector labeled as “PWR_SW” or similar in the motherboard manual. Without this connection, the system cannot be turned on without manually shorting the pins.
Conclusion: This is a standard front-panel function and must be connected to the motherboard.
3. Drive Activity Light
The drive activity light indicates when the system is reading from or writing to a storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. It provides visual feedback to the user, typically in the form of a blinking LED on the front panel. This light is connected to the motherboard through a dedicated connector labeled as “HDD_LED” or something similar. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing potential system freezes or storage-related issues.
Conclusion: This is a standard front-panel function and must be connected to the motherboard.
4. USB Connectors
USB connectors are a common front-panel feature, allowing users to connect external devices such as flash drives, keyboards, mice, or other peripherals. These connectors are typically wired to the motherboard via internal USB headers, such as USB 2.0 or USB 3.x headers. Front-panel USB ports are critical for modern PCs, providing convenience and additional connectivity options.
Conclusion: This is a standard front-panel function and must be connected to the motherboard.
5. CPU Temperature Indicator
A CPU temperature indicator is not a typical front-panel feature. While some advanced PC cases or third-party hardware might include temperature displays, these are not standard components connected directly to the motherboard’s front-panel header. Monitoring CPU temperature is usually handled through software or via sensors integrated into the motherboard or cooling systems.
Conclusion: This is not a standard front-panel function.
6. Audio Power Button
An audio power button is not a standard front-panel feature on a desktop PC. While there are volume controls or headphone ports on some cases, a button specifically for powering audio is uncommon. Audio-related functionality is generally integrated into the motherboard or accessed via external controls like speakers or amplifiers.
Conclusion: This is not a standard front-panel function.
Final Answer
The three correct front-panel functions that must be connected to the motherboard are:
- PC Power Button
- Drive Activity Light
- USB Connectors
Detailed Breakdown of the Correct Choices
PC Power Button
- Importance: The power button is essential for turning the PC on or off. It provides a physical way for the user to interact with the system.
- Connection: It connects to the motherboard via the “PWR_SW” header. This connection consists of a simple two-pin interface that sends a momentary signal when pressed.
- Functionality: Pressing the button triggers the motherboard to begin the power-up sequence or send a shutdown signal if held down.
- User Experience: Without the power button, the user would need to manually short the power header pins on the motherboard to turn on the PC, which is impractical and inconvenient.
Drive Activity Light
- Importance: The drive activity light helps users identify when the system is accessing storage devices.
- Connection: It connects to the motherboard via the “HDD_LED” header. The LED blinks to indicate read or write operations.
- Functionality: Useful for diagnosing storage issues, such as when the system freezes, and for observing real-time disk activity during heavy operations.
- User Experience: Provides visual confirmation that the PC is functioning correctly, especially during boot-up or data-intensive tasks.
USB Connectors
- Importance: Front-panel USB connectors are critical for modern PC usability. They allow quick and easy access to plug in peripherals and external storage devices.
- Connection: These connectors are wired to the motherboard via internal USB headers (e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.x). Each header supports multiple USB ports.
- Functionality: They support data transfer, device charging, and peripheral connectivity, making them versatile and indispensable.
- User Experience: Front-panel USB ports save users from having to reach behind the PC to access rear I/O ports, enhancing convenience and productivity.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
Network Activity Light
- Not typically located on the front panel.
- Found near the network port on the motherboard or on networking devices.
- Rarely seen in consumer desktops, making it a non-standard feature.
CPU Temperature Indicator
- CPU temperature is usually monitored via software or specialized hardware like fan controllers or RGB panels.
- Not a typical feature integrated into the front-panel headers of a desktop PC.
Audio Power Button
- Uncommon on standard desktop PCs.
- Audio functionality is integrated into the motherboard and accessed through software or external controls.
Summary
The standard front-panel functions requiring connection to the motherboard are the PC Power Button, Drive Activity Light, and USB Connectors. These features are essential for user interaction, system monitoring, and peripheral connectivity. While other features like network activity lights, CPU temperature indicators, and audio power buttons may exist on specialized systems, they are not standard front-panel components for typical desktop PCs.