Q: What background do I need?

<text variant="body1">A: Basic computer literacy; no prior IT experience required.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Core Hardware — CPUs & Memory

This course is part of CompTIA A+ Core 1 Specialization

Instructors: Mike Meyers

Included with Learn more

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify and install CPUs, including socket types, cooling solutions, and specifications for Intel and AMD platforms
Select, install, and configure RAM modules based on system requirements, form factors, and speed
Apply safe handling procedures, including ESD precautions and tool usage, expected of IT technicians

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 6 modules in this course

Build the hardware knowledge every IT technician needs. Through the industry-proven lens of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, this course begins with safety and professionalism, then moves into CPUs and memory. You'll learn how processors are selected and installed on Intel and AMD platforms, how RAM is identified and configured, and how to handle components safely. Online labs reinforce CPU identification, RAM installation, and component handling. This beginner-level course provides the physical foundation on which other IT skills are built.

Not planning to take the exam? These skills still apply on the job. Working confidently inside a desktop or workstation is the physical foundation for every IT support role, and no prior IT experience is needed. Clear, expert instruction builds your confidence step by step, so you finish able to identify, install, and handle core PC components safely in a professional IT support setting. Online labs make each concept hands-on.

This chapter introduces the promotional and instructional content for CompTIA A+ (

What's included

9 videos1 reading

9 videosTotal 28 minutes

About this video series1 minute
Introduction to A+3 minutes
What is the CompTIA A+?1 minute
Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?3 minutes
How to Take the A+ Exam5 minutes
What's on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam?7 minutes
How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams7 minutes
Course Introduction1 minute
Course Introduction1 minute

1 readingTotal 5 minutes

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Guide5 minutes

This chapter explains the essential technician tools and outlines the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting workflow used to systematically diagnose and resolve computer issues.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

This chapter introduces the fundamental parts and functions of a computer, guiding you through core PC components, common peripherals, and how these devices fit into everyday computing.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

This chapter explores every essential aspect of the CPU—from its core functions and modern features to 32‑ vs 64‑bit standards, model naming, selection, heat management, and proper installation.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

8 videosTotal 55 minutes

What Is a CPU?15 minutes
Modern CPUs10 minutes
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Computing4 minutes
Choosing the Right CPU5 minutes
CPU Generations and Architecture5 minutes
CPU Cooling6 minutes
Installing and Troubleshooting a CPU7 minutes
What is CPU-Z? (Show)3 minutes

1 readingTotal 5 minutes

Computer Processors Slide Handout5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 6 minutes

Computer Processors Assignment6 minutes

1 pluginTotal 5 minutes

What is CPU-Z (Click-through)5 minutes

This chapter explains the key types and characteristics of DRAM, how memory capacity and configurations affect system performance, and how to install, upgrade, and troubleshoot RAM effectively.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

6 videosTotal 43 minutes

RAM Technology10 minutes
RAM Capacity8 minutes
RAM Features7 minutes
Virtual Memory6 minutes
Installing and Troubleshooting RAM11 minutes
CPU-Z and RAM (Show)2 minutes

1 readingTotal 5 minutes

RAM Essentials Slide Handout5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 14 minutes

RAM Essentials Assignment14 minutes

1 pluginTotal 5 minutes

CPU-Z and RAM (Click-Through)5 minutes

What's included

1 assignment

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Mike Meyers

Total Seminars

31 Courses4,629 learners

Dakota Snow

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16 Courses1,749 learners

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Frequently asked questions

A: It covers the A+ exam overview, safety and professionalism, CPUs, and memory, with online labs for CPU identification, RAM installation, and component handling.

A: Basic computer literacy; no prior IT experience required.

A: The course includes about 5 hours of material: videos, quizzes, and optional assignments. How long it takes you depends on your starting knowledge and how you like to study, so here are some typical ranges. If you already have experience with these topics, you may finish in about 4 to 5 hours by skimming familiar lessons. If you have some background, plan on about 5.5 to 7.5 hours. If you are new to the topic, plan on about 7.5 to 10 hours, because you may want to rewatch lessons and review quizzes. At the recommended 4 to 5 hours per week, this works out to about 1 to 3 weeks. The course is self-paced, so you can rewatch any lesson as often as you need.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

Core Hardware — CPUs & Memory

Core Hardware — CPUs & Memory

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise

There are 6 modules in this course

All about the CompTIA A+

What's included

Safety and Professionalism

What's included

Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems

What's included

Computer Processors

What's included

RAM Essentials

What's included

Course Assignment

What's included

Earn a career certificate

Instructors

Offered by

Explore more from Support and Operations

Advanced Networking — OS, Wireless & SOHO

Cloud, Portable & Mobile Computing

Core Hardware — System Components & Storage

Networking Essentials & TCP/IP

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Unlock access to 10,000+ courses with a subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 4,700 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

Q: What does this course cover?

Q: What background do I need?

Q: How long does the course take?

More questions