Computer Maintenance I
Module 8 Lab
Assemble an ATX Form Factor PC
Objectives:
– Assemble a generic PC
– Verify the correct BIOS settings
– Inventory components
Resources:
– PC Tool Kit
– Anti-Static Wrist Strap
– Personal computer components
Step 1 – Inventory the computer components
a. Complete the “Computer Component Inventory” worksheet.
b. Are all the components accounted for and correct?
Step 2 – Prepare the computer case
a. Remove the computer sides and place under your workstation table.
b. Install the power supply and set to the proper input voltage.
c. Install the back plate.
d. Install the standoffs.
Step 3 – Install the drives
a. Install the CD/DVD drives. Check that the jumpers are set correctly (If
applicable).
b. Install the hard drives. Check that the jumpers are set correctly (If applicable).
c. Install any other drive.
Step 4 – Prepare and install the motherboard and its components
a. Motherboard jumper settings are correct (If applicable).
b. CPU, thermal compound, and cooling fan installed.
c. All memory chips are installed.
d. Motherboard secured in case.
Step 5 – Install power connectors and cables
a. Connect the main and auxiliary power cables.
b. Connect power to all drives.
c. Connect front panel cables.
Step 6 – Install expansion cards
a. The expansion boards are fully inserted in appropriate slots.
b. Power connected (if applicable)
Step 7– Close the computer case
a. Close up the computer case.
b. Attach the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
c. Connect the power cable and turn on the power switch.
d. Start the PC.
e. Check for POST errors or beep codes.
Computer Maintenance I
Module 8 Lab
Step 8 – Set the BIOS/CMOS
a. Locate the Clear CMOS jumper. Document its location.
b. Move the jumper to the clear position.
c. After POST, move the jumper back to its original position.
d. Restart the machine.
e. Reboot to the CMOS (Delete key or appropriate sequence for your computer).
f. Change the settings as applicable (boot order, voltages, etc.).
g. Write down in detail the settings on every screen.
h. Secure document in a safe place.
BIOS Settings
Type and version of BIOS installed: ________________________________________
Computer Component Inventory
Computer Identification
Name: ___________________________________ Number: ____________________________
Case
Manufacturer: _______________________________________
Form Factor ___________________________
Desktop ________ Mini-Tower ________ Mid-Tower ________ Full-Tower ________
Number of 3.5” bays ________ 5.25” bays ________ Other ________
Power Supply
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: _____________________________
Power Supply Wattage ___________________
Form Factor: AT __________ ATX _________ Other _________
Number of: Molex ________ Berg ________ SATA ________ Main ________ Aux ________
Motherboard
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: _____________________________
Form Factor: ________________________
Bus Speed: _________
Chipset Manufacturer: ________________________ Model: _____________________________
BIOS Manufacturer: __________________________ Version: ____________________________
Does the CPU use a socket or a slot? ____________ How many CPU socket/slots are there? ______
How many PCIe slots are there? _________________ How many PCI slots are there? ____________
How many IDE connectors are there? ____________ How many floppy connectors are there? ______
How many serial ports are there? _______________ How many parallel ports are there? _________
Is there an AGP slot? ________________________ How many USB ports are there? ___________
How many other ports or slots are there? __________ What kind(s) are they? __________________
CPU
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Speed _____________________ Slot/Socket Type: __________________________________
Computer Component Inventory
Memory
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Type __________________ How many memory slots are there? _________
What is the fastest type of memory supported? ______ What is the maximum memory supported? ____
Hard Drive
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Interface Type: IDE ________ SCSI ________ SATA __________
Size _______ Cylinders _________ Heads _________ SPT _______
CD-ROM
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Speed: ______________ Interface Type: IDE______ SCSI _______ SATA ___________
Video Card
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Memory ___________
Type: PCIe ________ PCI ________ AGP ________ On Board_________
Sound Card
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Type: PCIe ____________ PCI ____________ On Board _____________
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Type of connection: RJ-45 __________ BNC ________ Fiber ________ Wireless ________
Speed: 10BaseT _______ 100BaseT _______ 1000BaseT _______
Monitor
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model Number: ______________________
Type: ________________________
Mouse
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Type: __________________________________ PS/2 _______ Serial _______ USB _________
Computer Component Inventory
Keyboard
Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________________
Connector: 6-pin Mini-DIN ______ USB ________
Front Panel Connections
Cable Color/Orientation
Power Switch:
Speaker:
Power LED:
HDD LED:
Reset:
I/O Port Connections
Cable Color/Orientation
COM 1:
COM 2:
Parallel:
Computer Setup Checklist
A. ______ Inventory Sheet completed and all parts accounted for.
B. ______ Case prepared and power supply installed.
C. ______ The power supply is set to the proper input voltage of your country or region,
for example 110/115/120v AC (North America) or 220/240/250v AC (Europe and other
regions of the world.
D. ______ Back plate and standouts installed.
E. ______ All drivers are properly installed and jumpers set correctly to Master/Slave
settings.
F. ______ Motherboard jumper settings are correct, if changed from the original settings.
G. ______ CPU, thermal compound, and cooling fan installed. Fan connected to power.
H. ______ All memory chips are installed.
I. ______ Motherboard secured.
J. ______ All power cables connected.
K. ______ All cables and ribbons are correctly connected and secured.
L. ______ All front panel cables connected.
M. ______ The expansion boards are fully inserted in appropriate slots.
____ Video Card ____ Sound Card ____ NIC Card ____ Other
N. ______ A keyboard, monitor and mouse are properly attached.
O. ______ CMOS setup correctly. Boot order set to: CD/DVD, HDD
P. ______ There are no device conflicts (for example, two expansion boards sharing the
same IRQ).
Q. ______ POST error codes are OK.
R. ______ Operating system ready to load.
Purchasing a Computer
You have been contracted to build the “Ultimate Gaming Computer.” You are to pick all needed
components to build the best system you can while staying under budget. You have $1200 to
purchase this entire system.
Ultimate Gaming Computer Specifications
A metal case with front USB, eSATA, and audio ports
Ventilation to create positive pressure air flow
A motherboard capable of supporting all the front panel connections and the required
processor, ram, and peripherals
Connector for an external hard drive enclosure with a transfer rate of 3Gb/s
A minimum of a Quad core 3 GHz processor that must sustain a temperature of less than
120oF while running at 70% capacity
At last 4GB of Ram running at least 1600 MHz
At least 1 optical drives capable of playing to latest video/movie technology
At least 700 GB of hard drive space with a transfer rate of 6 Gb/s
Dual 1 Gbps internet connections
At least 5.1 surround sound capable sound card
A video card with at least 2560 x 1600 resolution @ 40 fps and HDMI ready
A power supply that will run this system at maximum sustained output for a period of 6
hours
Protect the computer against power surges and brownouts
Basic keyboard and mouse
22” Cinema Display with a DVI interface
Stereo Speakers
Answer
Item Quantity Selection Amperage Cost
Case
Motherboard
Processor
Memory
Optical Drives
Hard Drive
Video Card
Power Supply
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
Speakers
Misc.
Total
