A technician can use the BIOS information to learn which components are installed in the computer and some of their attributes. This information can be useful when troubleshooting hardware that is not working properly and to determine upgrade options. These are some of the common component information items that are displayed in the BIOS:
- CPU - Displays the CPU manufacturer and speed. The number of installed processors is also displayed.
- RAM - Displays the RAM manufacturer and speed. The number of slots and which slots the RAM modules are installed in might also be displayed.
- Hard Drive - Displays the manufacturer, size, and type of the hard drives. The type and number of hard disk controllers might also be displayed.
- Optical Drive - Displays the manufacturer and type of optical drives.