Lab Manual for CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition

Copyright 2023, Andrews/Shelton/Pierce

Lab 7
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Gurleen Kaur
W0850414
Lab Manual for CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition

Copyright 2023, Andrews/Shelton/Pierce

Module 6
In the first part of this lab, you use Device Manager to manage device drivers and to gather
additional information for the Computer Inventory and Maintenance form that you started
in Lab 1.2. In the second part of the lab, you use Device Manager to update the driver for
your display adapter. In the third part, you explore alternative ways to update drivers. In the
final part, you identify an unknown device.

Part 1: Investigate Your System’s Devices and Drivers

In earlier labs, you completed Sections 1 through 3, Section 5, and part of Section 4 on the
Computer Inventory and Maintenance form. This lab continues under Section 4: Hardware
Installed, in the Device Manager subsection.

1. To open Device Manager, right-click Start, and then click Device Manager. The Device
Manager console opens, as shown in Figure 6-1.

Figure 6-1 Device Manager console

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2. Expand Display adapters, and record the name of the adapter(s) here and on the
Computer Inventory and Maintenance form:

Answer: Display Adapters:

1. Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620

2. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050

3. Right-click the adapter name, and then click Properties to open the adapter’s
Properties dialog box. (If you have more than one display adapter, use the first
adapter listed.)

4. Click the Driver tab, and record the driver version on the following line and on the
Computer Inventory and Maintenance form:

Ans:1. Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620

Driver Version: 27.20.100.8681

5. On the Driver tab, click Driver Details to view the driver file names and the paths to
those files. Record that information for up to three files on the following lines and on
the Computer Inventory and Maintenance form:

Answer: Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620:

C:\Windows\System32\ igdlh64.inf_amd64_8eaccd6a6a87a0bb\igdkmd64.sys

C:\Windows\System32\ \igd10iumd64.dll

C:\Windows\System32\ igd12umd64.dll

6. Repeat the same procedure to collect similar information on your computer’s wired
and wireless network adapters and its sound controller. Record that information on
the Computer Inventory and Maintenance form.

Solution Guidance:
Answers may vary; for example, for the Ethernet adapter:
• C:\WINDOWS\System32\DRIVERS\rt640x64.sys

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For example, for the wireless network adapter:

• C:\WINDOWS\System32\DRIVERS\NETwew01.sys
• C:\WINDOWS\System32\DRIVERS\Netwfw01.dat
• C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\vwifibus.sys
For example, for the sound controller:
• C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\AERTSr64.exe
• C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\BlackBlueSkinImages64.dll
• C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\BlackSkinImages64.dll

7. In Section 6 (Routine Maintenance) of the Computer Inventory and Maintenance

form, add an activity titled “Additional inventory taken” along with your name and
today’s date.

When you first install a device and its drivers, Windows installs the drivers and keeps
the driver package in a driver store. This driver store is available if you later uninstall and
reinstall the device.
When you want to permanently remove a device from your system, you should uninstall
it in Device Manager before you physically remove the device. If you don’t, and you later
install a similar device, you will end up with both devices installed under Device Manager,
which can cause the new device not to work. When you uninstall a device, Windows gives
you the option to also delete the driver store, which Windows calls the driver software.
Follow these steps to learn more:
1. In Device Manager, open the Properties dialog box for a sound controller, and then
click the Driver tab. What is the exact name of the adapter shown near the top of the
Driver tab? What is the driver version?

Answer: Name of Adapter: Realtek High-Definition Audio

Driver Version: 6.0.1.8619

2. Click Driver Details. Record the path and file name(s) of up to three driver files. Click
OK to close the Driver File Details dialog box.

Answer: Realtek High-Definition Audio:

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1. C:\Windows\System32\drivers\RTKVHD64.sys

2. C:\Windows\System32\RtDataProc64.dll

3. C:\Windows\System32\RCoInstII64.dll

3. Click Uninstall Device. The Uninstall Device dialog box appears (see Figure 6-2).

4. Notice that in the dialog box you can choose to attempt to delete the driver
software, which deletes all driver files that are being used by this device (and that
are not being used by other devices). This option also deletes the driver package in
the driver store. Click Cancel to close the dialog box without uninstalling the sound
controller.

Now let’s uninstall and reinstall the optical drive. Before you uninstall a device, be sure
to record information about the device and its drivers in case you need the information
later. Follow these steps to uninstall and reinstall the optical drive in Device Manager:
Figure 6-2 Decide whether you want to delete driver files when you uninstall a device

1. In Device Manager, open the Properties dialog box for your optical drive (e.g., the
DVD/CD-ROM drive), and then click the Driver tab. What is the exact name of the optical

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drive shown near the top of the Driver tab? What is the driver version? Write that
information on the following lines and on the Computer Inventory and Maintenance
form:

Answer: 1. Name of Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GUE0N

Driver Version: 10.0.19041.1

2. Click Driver Details. Record the path and file name(s) of up to three driver files on the
following lines and on the Computer Inventory and Maintenance form. Click OK to
close the Driver File Details dialog box.

Answer: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GUE0N:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\cdrom.sys

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\storahci.sys

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\storport.sys

3. Click Uninstall Device. The Uninstall Device box appears. Why do you think the option
to delete the driver software for this device is missing?

Answer: Since the driver is a general Windows driver required for basic system
functionality and stability, there is no way to uninstall the driver program.

4. Click Uninstall to uninstall the device. Is the device removed from the Device Manager
listing?

Answer: Yes.

5. Close Device Manager and restart the computer.

6. Return to Device Manager. Did the optical drive you just uninstalled reappear? Why?

Answer: Yes, since Windows automatically reinstalled the device after recognizing
the hardware.

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Part 2: Use Device Manager to Update a Driver

1. To open Device Manager, open Control Panel in Classic view, and then click Device
Manager.

2. Click the arrow next to Display adapters to expand this category, and then click your
display adapter to select it. What is the name of your display adapter?
Answer: Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050.

3. To open the Properties dialog box for your display adapter, right-click the adapter
and select Properties. What is the manufacturer of your display adapter?
Answer: The manufacturer is Intel, NVIDIA.

4. Click the Driver tab and answer the following questions:

• What company is the provider for your driver?

Answer: Intel, NVIDIA.

• What is the driver’s date?

Answer: 07/17/2022

• What is the driver version?

Answer: 27.20.100.8681

5. Click the Driver Details button and answer the following questions:

• Which folders contain the drivers used by your display adapter?

Answer: 1. C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\...

2. C:\Windows\System32\drivers\...

• What is the file version?

Answer: 2

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6. Click OK to return to the Driver tab in the display adapter’s Properties dialog box.
Click Update Driver. A dialog box appears asking where to find the drivers.

7. If your instructor has provided the updated drivers in a specific location on your
computer, click Browse my computer for driver software. If your instructor has not
provided the drivers, you can allow Windows to search the web for the drivers. To do
so, click Search automatically for updated driver software.

8. If you are using the web to update your drivers, follow the on-screen instructions to
search for and install drivers. If your driver software is already up to date, Windows
displays a message that the best driver software for your device is already installed.
If Windows finds a newer version, it installs the update. When the update is finished,
you might be asked to restart your computer. Then, proceed to Part 3 of this lab.

9. If your instructor has provided the drivers, type the location of the driver installation
file, or click the Browse button to select the location your instructor has designated.
After you have specified a location, click Next. Windows searches the location and
reports its findings.

10. If the wizard indicates it has found a file for the display adapter, click Next to
continue. If the wizard reports that it can’t find the file, verify that you have entered
the installation file’s location correctly.

11. After Windows locates the drivers, it copies the driver files. If a file being copied is
older than the file the system is currently using, you’re prompted to confirm that you
want to use the older file. Usually, newer drivers are better than older drivers.
However, you might choose to use an older driver if you experience problems after
updating drivers. In this case, you might want to reinstall the old driver that wasn’t
causing problems.

12. When the files have been copied, click Finish to complete the installation.

13. Close all open windows and restart the computer if prompted to do so.

Part 3: Explore Alternative Ways to Update Drivers

1. Device Manager should now show updated driver information for your display
adapter. Return to Device Manager. Record the new driver information on the
following lines and compare it with the information you collected earlier.

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• Driver’s date:

Answer: 7/17/2022

• Driver version:

Answer: 11.23.10.3467

• File version:

Answer: 2

Windows will not always have access to drivers through Device Manager, especially
drivers for accessories or other aftermarket hardware. In these situations, you can do one of
the following:
• Install a driver from a disk that comes with the new hardware. You can use the
Browse option in Device Manager, as described earlier, or you can open File
Explorer/Windows Explorer and double-click an installation program on the disk.

• Download a driver directly from the hardware manufacturer’s website. To install

a driver from a manufacturer’s website, you need information about your system
to search online for the correct driver. After the driver file is downloaded, you
install the driver by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the on-
screen directions.

To collect the information you need to find a driver online, follow these steps:

1. In the Run box, type msinfo32 and press Enter.

2. Using the System Information dialog box, collect the following information:

• OS name: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

• System manufacturer: : Microsoft cooperation

• System model: 80XH

• System type: x64-based PC

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When downloading and running a program from the web, always download the file to
your hard drive, and then use Explorer to execute the downloaded file. To avoid accidentally
installing malware, do not run the file from your browser. Also, always reboot your system
after installing a new driver, even if not instructed to do so. This last precaution helps
identify any problems with the boot process or with Windows that might be caused by a
new device or driver.

Part 4: Identify an Unknown Device

Sometimes Windows does not recognize a device and therefore is unable to locate drivers
for it. For example, Figure 6-3 shows Device Manager in one system reporting that Windows
cannot locate compatible drivers.

Figure 6-3 Device Manager reports an unknown device that is not installed correctly

Every device is assigned one or more hardware IDs, and you can search the web on
these values to identify the manufacturer and device so that you can download and install
its drivers. To practice identifying an unknown device, follow these steps:

1. In Device Manager, open the Properties dialog box of a device. Select the Details tab.

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2. In the drop-down list under Properties, select Hardware Ids. A list of values appears.

3. Right-click a value and select Copy from the shortcut menu.

4. Open a browser and paste the value in the search box, and then search on this value.
Were you able to identify the manufacturer and device? If so, list the manufacturer and
device.

Answer: yes, this process works to identify the device and manufacturer. Using this
method, you can also find device drivers for download

Challenge Activity

Estimated Completion Time: 15 minutes

Open Device Manager and select other devices to update. Device drivers that you might
want to update include your motherboard and audio drivers. If an update does not work
properly, you can use the Roll Back Driver button on the Driver tab of the device’s
Properties dialog box to return the device to a previously installed driver.

Review Questions
1. Why is it important for IT technicians to keep documentation on computers for
which they are responsible?

Answer: Monitoring Configuration and modifications: Documentation facilitates

monitoring the hardware and software setup of every computer. This covers
specifics like drivers, settings, and installed components.

Help and Troubleshooting: Thorough documentation facilitates effective

troubleshooting of problems. For diagnosing faults, comprehending past problems
and their fixes, and spotting possible conflicts or compatibility concerns, it offers a
point of reference.

Maintenance and Upgrades: Plans and procedures for maintenance activities,

including upgrades, patches, and updates, are aided by documentation. It makes
certain that these jobs are done accurately and consistently throughout all systems

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2. What can happen if you don’t uninstall a device before removing it from your system?

Answer: Security Risks: Software and drivers from removed devices may still be
present. They might have security holes in them that hackers could use to access
your machine without authorization.

Maintenance Difficulties: Over time, improper handling of device removal can

make system maintenance duties more difficult. For IT technicians, it may make
troubleshooting more challenging and time-consuming.

3. What are two reasons why you might want to delete the drivers and driver package
when you uninstall a device?

Answer: Total Taking apart to Allow for a Clean Installation: It is guaranteed that
all relevant files, registry entries, and settings for the device are eliminated from the
system by removing the drivers and driver package. When you intend to reinstall the
device or install a different driver version, this is especially crucial.

Privacy and Security Issues: To protect privacy and security, remove the drivers
and driver bundle. Certain drivers have the potential to save private data or
configuration details in other files or the system registry. In the event that the device
or driver has security holes that could be exploited, you lower the possibility of
unwanted access to this data by removing them

4. When Windows deletes the driver package and driver files, in what situation might it
not delete driver files used by the device that is being uninstalled?

Answer: Windows keeps the shared driver files around to make sure other devices
keep working properly. To preserve system stability and device operation, it is
imperative to examine the specific information in the Device Manager or throughout
the uninstallation process to comprehend which files are being removed and which
are being kept.

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5. Why should you always restart a system after updating drivers or installing a new
device?

Answer: To Apply Changes Effectively

To Stabilize System Operation

6. Why might you want to use an older driver for a device rather than the latest driver?

Answer: Choosing an older driver over a newer one may help preserve compatibility,
stability, supported hardware or operating systems, performance optimization, and
favored features. When selecting a driver version, it's critical to weigh the
advantages of updated functionality against any potential disadvantages such as
instability or compatibility problems.

Lab 6.2: Use Diagnostics Software to Test I/O Devices

Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes

Objectives
The goal of this lab is to experiment with different diagnostic and performance tools to test
and evaluate I/O devices. After completing this lab, you will be able to:

• Investigate the quality and performance of your monitor or LCD display using
MonitorTest
• Use KeyboardTest to check that all your keyboard keys are working properly

Materials Required
This lab requires the following:

• Windows operating system

• Internet access

Lab Preparation
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:

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• Verify that Windows starts with no errors

• Verify that Internet access is available

Activity Background
Intel has compiled a list of links to its own applications and other third-party applications
that you can use to test and diagnose computer systems. Although the list of apps is
compiled by Intel to test its motherboards, the apps work on most systems. You can find
this list at intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005607/boards-and-
kits/desktop-boards.html. Many of these utilities will help you test the performance and
functionality of I/O devices by emphasizing their features. In this lab, you explore some of
these utilities. In Part 1, you test your monitor using MonitorTest. In Part 2, you check your
keyboard for stuck or broken keys with KeyboardTest.

Activity

Part 1: Use MonitorTest

MonitorTest is a utility that allows you to test the performance and quality of your monitor
or LCD display. To learn more, follow these steps:

1. Go to passmark.com/products/monitortest.

2. Download MonitorTest and install it on your computer.

3. Run the test. Describe what happened during the test:

Answer. Various colors, lines, grids and marks appear on the test screen. We can
step out of the test by using the page down tab.

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4. Use the help feature to answer the following questions:

• What should you look for when the solid-color test screen appears?
Answer. When the solid-color test screen appears, you should look for
uniformity in color across the entire screen. Any variations or inconsistencies in
color may indicate issues such as backlight bleeding or uneven pixel response

• What should you look for when the contrast test screens appear?
Answer. During the contrast test screens, you should observe the difference
between the darkest and lightest areas of the screen. Ensure that dark colors
appear deep and well-defined, while light colors are clear and not washed out. This
test helps evaluate the monitor's ability to display a wide range of shades
effectively.

• How should you set the lighting in a room when the LCD Persistence test screen
appears?
Answer. When performing the LCD Persistence test, it's recommended to set
the room lighting to a dim or dark level. This allows you to better observe any
ghosting or trailing effects that may occur when pixels transition from one color to
another. Lower ambient light helps in detecting subtle persistence issues more
effectively.

Part 2: Use KeyboardTest

Before you replace a suspected defective keyboard, you might want to run KeyboardTest to
determine which key(s) is causing the problem. Follow these steps to learn more:

1. Open your browser and go to passmark.com/products/keytest.

2. Download KeyboardTest and install it on your computer.

3. Run the test. Describe what happened during the test:

Answer: According to the test, all keys on keyboard Test are functioning correctly,
and no errors were detected. The test took approximately 2 minutes to complete.

4. Using your test results, answer the following questions:

• What is the type of keyboard you are using?
Answer: Standard Desktop Keyboard with a 104-key layout

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• Which keys on your keyboard could not be tested?

Answer: Power Management Keys: The Keyboard Test program cannot be used
to test the power, sleep, or wake buttons.

Multimedia Keys: The Keyboard Test software is unable to test the volume
controls, play/pause, stop, and other multimedia keys.

• Were there any key failures on your keyboard? If so, which keys?
Answer: No

Review Questions
1. In the list of utilities compiled by Intel, what other utilities (besides the ones used in
this lab) test only I/O devices?

Answer: Audio Diagnostic Tool, USB Diagnostic.

2. In the list of utilities compiled by Intel, what are three utilities that can monitor the
temperatures of components?

Answer: Speed Fan, Speccy, Monitor.

3. For what purposes might you use KeyboardTest?

Answer: For Testing New Keyboards, Quality Assurance, Repair and Maintenance

4. When using MonitorTest, what is the purpose of running the Fonts Test?

Answer: Users may assess the monitor's overall performance for text-based
operations by performing the Fonts Test in Monitor Test, which gives you an idea of
how well it displays text.

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Lab 6.3: Install a Sound Card

Estimated Completion Time: 45 minutes

Objectives
The goal of this lab is to install, configure, and test a sound card. After completing this lab,
you will be able to:
• Physically install a sound card

• Install device drivers

• Test the card and adjust the volume

Materials Required
This lab requires the following:
• Windows operating system

• An account with administrator privileges

• An empty expansion slot

• A compatible sound card with speakers or headphones

• Sound card device drivers

• Motherboard documentation, if your system uses embedded audio

• A computer toolkit with an ESD strap

Lab Preparation
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:

• Verify that Windows starts with no errors

• Verify that each student has access to a user account with administrator
privileges
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• Verify availability of motherboard and sound card documentation

Activity Background
Two of the most popular multimedia devices are the sound card and the embedded audio
device. A sound card enables a computer to receive sound input, as when recording an
interview, and to output sound, as when playing music. Many systems have audio embedded
on the motherboard. As a computer technician, you need to know how to install a sound
card, whether you’re putting together a computer from scratch, repairing a failed device, or
upgrading components on an existing system. In this lab, you disable, install, configure, and
test a sound card.

Activity
First, you need to find out whether your system has a sound card, an embedded audio
device, or perhaps both or neither. Use the skills you have learned to discover and describe
your system’s audio configuration, and then work through the steps to complete the lab in
the following general order:

• Disable any existing audio devices in Windows.

• Remove or disable the hardware device(s).

• Verify that the audio is disabled.

• Physically install a sound card.

• Install the drivers in Windows.

• Verify the function of audio features.

• Return the system to its original state (this is optional, per your instructor’s
directions).

Follow these steps to uninstall a sound card or embedded audio device in Windows:

1. After you have signed in as an administrator, open Device Manager.

2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers, and then select your audio device.

3. Right-click your device, and then click Uninstall device.

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4. If necessary, check the Delete the driver software for this device box, as shown in
Figure 6-4, and click Uninstall.

5. Close any open windows, sign out, and shut down your computer.

Next, you either physically remove the sound card from your system or disable an audio
device that’s embedded in the motherboard.

Follow these steps to remove a sound card:

1. Disconnect all external cables and cords from the case. Press and hold the power
button for three seconds to drain any remaining power in your computer.

2. Using all safety precautions, including an ESD strap, remove the case cover, and
locate the sound card. Describe any cables connected to the sound card and the
ports they are connected to:
Answer: Cables: Audio Out (Line Out): External speakers or headphones are often
attached to a cable that is connected to this port.

Ports: Line Out: Used to connect speakers or headphones; usually denoted by a symbol
that looks like sound waves.

Line In/Microphone: Typically denoted by a symbol of a microphone, this connector is

utilized to link microphones or other audio input devices.

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Figure 6-4 Confirm that this device should be deleted

3. Disconnect any cables from the sound card. Remove the sound card and put it in a
safe place.
4. Reassemble the computer without the sound card and boot to Windows to verify
that the audio isn’t functioning.

Your system’s motherboard might have onboard (embedded) audio ports or headers. If
so, you should disable these audio devices. For most computers, this is done using the
BIOS/UEFI setup utility. Follow these steps to disable the embedded audio device:

1. Examine the motherboard ports. Does the motherboard have onboard audio ports?
Answer: Yes

2. Consult the motherboard documentation to learn how to disable any embedded

audio devices. How is onboard audio enabled and disabled?

Answer: In the BIOS, select Main Menu > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals

Onboard Audio: Enabled/Disabled

Select Enabled to use the onboard audio.

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Select Disabled to turn off the onboard audio.

3. If your motherboard has onboard audio that is disabled using BIOS/UEFI setup,
enter BIOS/UEFI setup and disable the embedded audio device. Describe the steps
you took:

Answer: steps are as follow:

• Pressed the Del key during startup to access the BIOS/UEFI setup.

• Used the arrow keys to select the Advanced menu.

• Find the Onboard Audio setting by selecting the Integrated Peripherals option from
the

Advanced menu.

• Select Disabled after selecting the Onboard Audio setting and pressing Enter.

• Choose Save Changes and Exit from the Save & Exit menu after going to it and

confirming the action.

• The computer restarted with the onboard audio disabled

Boot to Windows to verify that the audio isn’t functioning.

Now you are ready to physically install a new sound card. Follow these steps:

1. Shut down the computer and disconnect all external cables from the case. Press
and hold the power button for three seconds to drain any remaining power.

2. Using all safety precautions, including an ESD strap, remove the case cover.

3. Locate an empty expansion slot that you can use for the sound card. If necessary,
remove the expansion slot faceplate on the case so that the sound card fits into the
expansion slot. Some systems use a screw to hold a slot faceplate in place, while
others use a clip or passive restraint system to hold the faceplate in place.

4. Insert the sound card into the expansion slot on the motherboard. Line up the sound
card on the slot and press it straight down, making sure the tab on the backplate

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(the metal plate on the rear of the card where sound ports are located) fits into the
slot on the case. Normally, seating the card requires a little effort, but don’t force it.
If you can’t insert the card with just a little effort, something is preventing it from
seating. Check for obstructions and try again, removing components that are in the
way, if needed. After you have inserted the sound card, verify that the gold “fingers”
on the sound card are even across the length of the slot or that no gold is showing.

5. After the card is installed, secure it to the case with a screw or the passive restraint
flange. The screw goes through a hole in the card’s backplate, securing the
backplate to the case.

6. Attach all cables required to carry an audio signal from other multimedia devices,
such as an optical drive.

7. Replace any components you removed while installing the sound card and replace
and secure the cover on the case.

8. Reattach all cables from external devices to the correct ports. Attach speakers or
headphones. (Some speakers receive power from the computer, and others have to
be plugged into an external power source, such as a wall outlet.)

Next, you configure the drivers and other software for your sound card. If you have the
documentation for your sound card, follow those instructions. Otherwise, follow these
general steps to install software for most sound cards, keeping in mind that your sound
card might require a slightly different procedure:

1. Start the computer and sign in as an administrator. If an “Installing device driver

software” balloon pops up, wait for the drivers to install.

• If the installing device driver balloon has popped up, what does the system
recognize this device as?

Answer: Check out the balloon notification for the first details.

To find out which new device it is, open Device Manager.

To get more details, right-click the device and choose Properties from the menu.

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• Does the installing device driver balloon include the full name of the sound card
you are installing? If not, why?

Answer: It's likely that the complete name is missing, but it's evident that
generic sound drivers are being installed on a sound card. Once these drivers are
installed, the device will be correctly recognized by the OEM drivers.

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2. If the drivers do not automatically install, install the drivers manually. You might
need to insert a CD and execute the setup program on the CD. Alternately, you might
need to download drivers from the web and execute the setup program you
downloaded.

3. Typically, when you install sound card drivers, the installation asks about installing
additional software for supporting the sound card’s functionality. In this lab, you are
just installing the device drivers. Select that option.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. At the end of the
process, the software might ask to reboot the system.

Follow these steps to test the sound card and adjust the volume in Windows:

1. Open Control Panel in Classic view, and then click Sound. The Sound dialog box
opens, as shown in Figure 6-5.

Figure 6-5 Check the settings on the Sounds tab

2. Click the Sounds tab. Scroll down and select System Notification in the Program Events
section. Click the Test button; you should hear the system notification sound from

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your speakers/headphones. Click OK to close the dialog box, and then close Control
Panel.

3. On the right side of the taskbar, the speaker volume setting—represented by a

speaker icon—is displayed. Click the speaker icon. A pop-up tool opens with a mute
button and a slider for adjusting speaker volume.

4. Drag the volume slider all the way to the highest volume, and then click somewhere
on the desktop to close the pop-up tool.

5. Right-click the speaker icon, and then click Open Volume Mixer. The Volume Mixer
window gives you more control than the pop-up tool you used in Step 4. On the
following lines, list the volume controls that appear in the Volume Mixer window
from left to right, and identify any settings (other than volume) that can be changed:

Answer: Device Volume: Volume level slider, Mute button.

System Sounds: Volume level slider, Mute button.

Microsoft Edge: Volume level slider, Mute button.

Spotify: Volume level slider, Mute button.

6. Set the Speakers volume slider to half volume, and then close the Volume Mixer
window.

7. Next, to do a further test of your sound card, open your browser, find a video on
youtube.com or a similar website, and play the video. Did you hear the video play?

Answer: Yes

Follow your instructor’s directions to return the system to its previous state, if
necessary.

Review Questions

1. Was Windows able to find and install the drivers for your new device automatically?
If not, what steps did you follow to install the drivers?

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Answer: Yes, Windows managed to identify and set up the new device's drivers on
its own.

2. What other devices embedded on the sound card might Windows detect after the
sound card installation is finished?

Answer: MIDI Devices and Digital Audio Interfaces.

3. Why might you want to mute the Windows sounds but not mute the speakers?

Answer: While muting the speakers ends all computer audio output, muting the
Windows sounds lets you selectively turn off system notifications while keeping
other audio sources play.

4. Why might someone need to remove and then reinstall the drivers for the sound
card?

Answer: One can start fresh and make sure the sound card drivers are installed
correctly by uninstalling and reinstalling them. This can help fix sound-related
problems and enhance system performance in general.

5. Why might someone choose to disable an embedded sound device and then add a
sound card instead?

Answer: Users can benefit from enhanced audio quality, more functionality, and
greater flexibility by turning off the inbuilt sound device and installing a sound card .

Lab 6.4: Install Dual Displays in Windows

Estimated Completion Time: 45 minutes

Objectives
The goal of this lab is to set up a second monitor on a system. After completing this lab, you
will be able to:

• Install a second video card and its drivers

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• Attach a second monitor or LCD projector

• Configure the system to use both monitors at the same time

Materials Required
This lab requires the following:

• Windows operating system

• An account with administrator privileges

• A computer toolkit with an ESD strap

• A second video card with drivers (if needed, borrow one from another computer
and work with a partner)

• Optional dual-ported onboard video or video card installed

• Appropriate cables and adapters

• A second monitor or LCD projector

• Internet access (optional)

Lab Preparation
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:

• Verify that Windows starts with no errors

• Verify that each student has access to a user account with administrator
privileges

• Verify that all equipment is functioning

• Verify that Internet access is available

Activity Background
Having two displays on a system is often quite handy. For instance, two monitors give you
more desktop space and make it easier to work with multiple applications simultaneously.

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You might keep tabs on your email on one screen while surfing the Internet on the other.
Alternatively, your second display could be something else, like an LCD display for
presentations or a television for watching movies. In this lab, you install and configure a
second display on a computer.

Activity
It’s important to verify that the original hardware is working correctly before you try to add a
second monitor and video card (also called a graphics, display, or video adapter). That way,
if a problem comes up after you install new hardware, you can be fairly sure something is
wrong with the newly added components rather than the original equipment. Also, you
should make sure the manufacturer of the new device offers drivers and specific
instructions for use with your version of Windows.
In this lab, you explore two options to attach a second monitor. In Part 1 of this lab, you
install a second video card. In Part 2, you install a second monitor using a dual-ported
video adapter card or two onboard video ports.

Part 1: Install a Second Video Card

If you are working with a system that has two onboard video ports, you might not need to
install a second video card. In this situation, proceed to Part 2 to use and configure dual
monitors.
Follow these steps to physically install a second video card:

Note 1
You can borrow a video card from another computer in the lab and work with a partner, if
needed.

1. Check to see if the original video card uses a PCI or PCIe standard and decide
whether it will be the primary or secondary display.

• What is the interface standard of the original video card?

Ans: PCI or PCIe interface

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• Will the monitor attached to the original video card be the primary or secondary
display?

Ans: The monitor attached to the ASUSTEK Computer Inc. X556UR, using
integrated graphics, will be the primary display.

• What is the interface standard of the new video card?

Ans: PCIe or PCI

Note 2
If you need additional guidance on installing an I/O card, use a process similar to the one
you used to install the sound card in the previous lab.

2. Attach the second display to the port on the back of the new video card.

3. Boot your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI setup. If your setup has display settings
for dual monitors, adjust them so that the card you’ve chosen as your primary video
card is initialized first. If you don’t see this setting, your BIOS/UEFI doesn’t support
this option, and your system will make the adjustment automatically. In that case,
exit BIOS/UEFI setup and wait for your system to finish booting.

Follow these steps to install device drivers and adjust Windows display settings:

1. When the system boots, sign in as an administrator. Windows recognizes the new
video card and attempts to install the drivers automatically. Complete any steps
displayed on the screen to install the new card. When the installation is complete,
restart the system and verify that Windows restarts with no errors.

Part 2: Use a Second Monitor

1. If you have not already done so, plug the second monitor into the second video port.
2. Restart the system and sign in to Windows as an administrator. When you restart the
system, both screens might initially show a loading Windows display before one of
the monitors goes black.
3. When you reach the Windows desktop, you can sometimes cause the second
monitor to activate by right-clicking the desktop of the monitor screen that is
activated. You should then see both monitors activated.

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4. If only one monitor is activated, open the Settings app, click System, click Display, and
click Identify.
5. The two monitors are activated, and you can determine how the system is labeling
your new monitor. Click the image of the monitor that is your new monitor.
6. Adjust the resolution to your preference by clicking the down arrow on the Resolution
drop-down box.
7. Click the down arrow on the Multiple displays drop-down box, and then click Extend
these displays.

8. Click Apply to apply the settings. The second monitor displays the desktop.
9. There is a shortcut to get to this Screen Resolution window by right-clicking the
desktop. Write down the steps to access the Display page more quickly:
Ans: To quickly access the Display settings on a Windows desktop:

1. Right-click on the desktop.

2. Select "Display settings" from the context menu that appears.

Answer: Right-click the desktop and select Display settings.

Follow these steps to test your dual-display configuration:

1. Open the Paint program, and then drag the Paint program window to the second
display. Does your desktop extend to the second display as expected?
Ans: Yes, dragging the Paint program window to the second display extends the
desktop as expected if configured to extend rather than duplicate.
2. Open Explorer on the original display.
• Can you see your mouse move as expected from one display to the next?

Ans: Yes, if the desktop is extended across both displays, the mouse cursor will
move seamlessly from one display to the next as expected.

• Does the mouse interact with applications on each display?

Ans: Yes, once the desktop is extended across both displays, the mouse can
interact with applications on each display independently.

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3. Close Paint and then reopen it. On which screen did the program open? What does
this tell you about how Windows manages dual monitors?
Ans: Paint program opens on the monitor where its window was last closed,
indicating Windows remembers application positions across dual monitors for user
convenience.

4. Return to the Display page.

5. You can change the position of Screen #1 and Screen #2. Click and hold Screen #1,
move the graphic to the other side of Screen #2, and release the mouse button.
Apply the change. Move your mouse across the screens. What happens to the
monitor display? How would you use this feature?

Ans: Moving Screen #1 to the other side of Screen #2 changes the spatial
arrangement of the monitors; this affects how the mouse moves between screens,
offering flexibility in organizing workspace layouts for improved productivity and
workflow management.

6. With the Display page open, click the down arrow for the Multiple displays drop-down
box.

7. Select Show only on X (X being the number of your added monitor, 1 or 2). Apply your
change. What changed as a result of this setting change?

Ans: Selecting "Show only on X" for monitor 1 or 2 means only that specific monitor
will display content, effectively disabling the other monitor from showing any
display output until the setting is changed back.

8. Return to the Display page, click the down arrow for Multiple displays, and then select
Duplicate these displays. Apply your change. What changed as a result of this
selection?

Ans: Selecting "Duplicate these displays" on the Display page mirrors the same
content on both monitors, showing identical images on each screen simultaneously

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9. How does adjusting the settings of one display affect the settings of the other?

Ans: Adjusting the settings of one display, such as resolution or orientation, does
not directly affect the settings of the other display unless changes are made to
shared settings like scaling or color calibration, which can apply globally.

If you are using a dual-ported video card or two onboard video ports, follow these steps:
1. Remove the second monitor.

2. Deactivate the second monitor in Windows to return to a single-monitor

configuration.

If you installed a second video card, follow these steps to remove the second card and
return to a single-monitor configuration:
1. Open Device Manager, find the second display adapter, and click it to select it. (Make
sure you’re choosing the second adapter, not the first.)

2. Right-click the display adapter, and then click Uninstall. If prompted, confirm that
you want to remove the device. When asked if you want to restart the computer,
click No.

3. Shut down the computer. Don’t restart the computer at this time.

4. Remove the second display and video card. If necessary, reverse any BIOS/UEFI
changes you made that affect the display initialization sequence, and then reboot
the system to verify that it no longer recognizes the video card.

Review Questions
1. What might be some advantages to using two video cards instead of one video card
with two ports?
Ans: Using two video cards can offer advantages such as improved performance
scaling, flexibility in choosing cards for specific needs, redundancy in case of
failure, enhanced connectivity options, and workload distribution across GPUs

2. Why do you think it is necessary to set the sequence in which the system initializes
video cards so that the primary display is initialized first?
Ans: Setting the sequence for initializing video cards ensures the primary display is
initialized first to establish the main output and ensure proper system boot and

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display functionality. This sequence is crucial for displaying essential system

information, BIOS settings, and ensuring a seamless startup process before
secondary displays are initialized.

3. In a dual-monitor setup, why would it be better to open frequently used applications

on one monitor rather than the other?
Ans: In a dual-monitor setup, opening frequently used applications on one monitor
enhances workflow efficiency, focus, and organization by maintaining a consistent
workspace layout and separating tasks effectively. This approach optimizes
productivity and user experience.

4. Why would the positioning of the primary (#1) and secondary (#2) monitors be
important to a user?
Ans: The positioning of primary (#1) and secondary (#2) monitors is crucial for
ergonomic comfort, efficient task management, spatial awareness, and aligning
with user preferences, enhancing overall productivity and user experience in a dual-
monitor setup.

5. Why might you want to install multiple monitors on a system?

Ans: Installing multiple monitors enhances productivity, facilitates multitasking,

expands workspace for complex tasks, supports specialized uses like gaming or
design, and improves collaboration by displaying information more effectively.

Lab 6.5: Replace Laptop Components

Estimated Completion Time: 60–90 minutes

Objectives
The goal of this lab is to practice replacing components inside a laptop computer. After
completing this lab, you will be able to:

• Evaluate the value of a laptop versus the cost of repair

• Replace laptop internal components

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Materials Required
This lab requires the following:

• A laptop computer that can be disassembled

• A toolkit designed for work on laptop computers, including small screwdrivers

and a spudger

• The laptop’s service manual that contains instructions for disassembly

• Internet access

Lab Preparation
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:

• Provide each student or workgroup with a laptop computer that can be

disassembled and its hardware service manual

• Assign each student or workgroup the component they will remove and replace
in the laptop. Each workgroup can practice replacing different components or
the same components.

• Verify that Internet access is available

Activity Background
The A+ exams require that you know about replacing internal laptop components that are
field replaceable units (FRUs). The internal FRUs for a laptop computer differ for each
laptop and might include the hard drive, RAM, and Mini PCIe card.
Laptop computers vary drastically in the way they are assembled and disassembled. As
an IT support technician, you are not required to know how to disassemble every brand and
model of laptop. However, if you have a hardware service manual that includes the steps to
disassemble a laptop and replace a component, you should be able to do the job. This lab
gives you that information and experience. The instructions in this lab refer to a ASUS TUF
Gaming FX505DU. However, you will most likely use a different laptop, which will have its
own service manual.

• What is the brand and model of laptop you are using in this lab?
Ans: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

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• What component will you remove and replace?

Ans: The wireless network card

Activity
Part 1: Is the Laptop Worth the Cost of Repair?
Joseph brings you his laptop computer complaining that it is “dead” and asks you to repair
it. Before you service any laptop, always ask these questions:
• Does it hold important data that is not backed up?
• Is the laptop under warranty?
• What recently happened to the computer before the problem appeared (such as
installing new programs, loaning the computer to a friend, or losing power during
a thunderstorm)?
• What do I need to do to reproduce the problem?
In asking these four questions, you find out that the laptop does hold important data
and that it is not under warranty. You also find out that Joseph allowed a coworker to carry
his laptop from one building to another along with a bunch of other computers and
components. Joseph suspects the coworker was not careful when handling the laptop. The
first time Joseph turned on the laptop after this move, the Wi-Fi would not connect.
You’re now ready to investigate the problem. You plug in the laptop, turn it on, and make
these observations: The Wi-Fi does not connect to any network. The SSID and network key
are entered correctly. Joseph also notices that Bluetooth is not connecting. You next plug in
an Ethernet cable and the network connects successfully. What is the next (very important)
thing you should do?
Ans: The next important step is to check the Device Manager for any issues with the Wi-Fi
and Bluetooth devices. Look for exclamation marks or missing devices under
"Network adapters" and "Bluetooth." Update drivers if necessary from the
manufacturer's website and ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the laptop's
settings. This troubleshooting approach will help diagnose and potentially resolve
the connectivity issues observed.
Before you discuss repair options with Joseph, you need to know the cost of the repairs
and the value of his laptop. The laptop uses a wireless network card for Wi-Fi access, so

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the FRU that applies to video in this case is the wireless network card. Will replacing the
wireless network card cost more than the laptop is worth?
Research and answer these questions about the laptop you are using in this lab:
1. What is the brand and model of the laptop?
ANS: ASUSTEK Computer Inc. X556UR

2. Search the service manual for information about the wireless network card. What
are the part numbers you must purchase to replace the wireless network card?
Ans: Intel Dual band wireless-AC 8260
3. Search the manufacturer’s website or other online sources to find information about
the cost of replacing the LCD panel assembly on your laptop.

• What is the total price of all parts? Save or print webpages supporting your
answer.

Ans: For ASUSTEK Computer INC. X556UR the wireless card cost $45.it is
available on various platforms.

• What is the value of the laptop? Determining the value of a laptop can be a little
difficult and is usually a best guess. Try searching auction sites such as
eBay.com for a match or near match.

Ans: The value of laptop is $835

• What sources of information did you use to determine the value of the laptop?

Ans: I used eBay.com and amazon.com to research recent sales and listings for
the ASUSTEK Computer Inc. X556ur To Estimate its market value.

Part 2: Practice Replacing a Component

You’re now ready to practice replacing a component in your laptop. Follow these steps:

1. Power down the laptop, unplug it, and remove the battery. If the battery is
embedded, follow the service manual instructions to disable the battery (often
called Ship Mode).

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2. Carefully read through the service manual to determine which components must be
removed and in what order they are removed. For example, to remove the wireless
network card from the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DU, you must first remove the
bottom cover, disconnect the battery, and, if present, remove the SSD card.

• Which component you are replacing?

The Wireless network card.

• List the components that you must remove to get to the component you want to
replace. List components in the order they are removed.

• Ans: Remove the Bottom Cover

• Disconnect or Disable the Battery

• Remove the SSD (if present)

• Replace the Wireless Network Card

3. Most likely, you can remove the hard drive, memory, Mini PCIe cards, and perhaps
even the optical drive or an embedded battery without cracking the case. Of the
components listed, if possible, which ones should be removed before you crack the
case?

Ans: Memory (RAM): Remove any accessible RAM modules before opening the
case, as they are usually located under a separate cover on the bottom of the
laptop.

Mini PCIe Cards: Disconnect and remove any Mini PCIe cards (such as Wi-Fi or
cellular cards) if they are accessible from the outside of the laptop.

Answer:
Remove the hard drive and memory.

4. Using all the safety guidelines you have learned about in this course, follow
instructions in your service manual to remove all components listed in Step 3.

5. You’re now ready to remove screws that hold the case together. Locate and remove
all screws as directed in your service manual. For example, Figure 6-6 shows the 11

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screws that must be removed on the bottom of the ASUS TUF FX505. How many
screws must you remove on your laptop before you can crack the case?

Ans: For ASUS TUF FX505 you must remove around 6 to 12 screws on the bottom of
the laptop before cracking open the case.

Figure 6-6 The ASUS Upgrade Guide instructs the technician to remove 11 screws on
the bottom of the laptop before opening the case

Source: asus.com

Note 3
Be sure to keep the removed screws well organized and labeled so you will be able to put
the right screws in the right holes when you reassemble the laptop.

6. Now crack the case that separates the top and bottom of the case so you can see
the internal components. As you work, be careful to use a spudger to pry open the
case so that you don’t scar or scratch it. See Figure 6-7. (You don’t want to replace a
component but still have a dissatisfied customer because of a damaged case.)

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Figure 6-7 Using a spudger helps prevent harming the casing when prying it open

Note 4
Be careful as you work. Many laptop parts are plastic and are fragile. If you force them, they
might break. Also, don’t stack components as you remove them.

7. For some laptops, removing the bottom cover exposes an embedded battery that
can now be disconnected. Disconnect the battery while working inside the laptop.
8. Follow directions in your service manual to remove the next component in your list.
For some laptops, remove the SSD card covering the wireless network card. To do
this, lift the flap covering the card module slot and unscrew the screw holding the SSD
card in place. Carefully left up and pull out the SSD card from the M.2 connector. See
Figure 6-8.

Figure 6-8 The ASUS Upgrade Guide shows the technician how to remove the SSD
card to reveal the wireless network card underneath

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Source: asus.com

9. Follow the directions in your service manual to continue removing components until
you have removed the one you plan to replace.

10. You are now ready to reassemble the laptop. As you work, replace components in
the reverse order from when you disassembled the laptop. Be sure to use every
screw in its position and tighten it securely.

11. Replace or reconnect the battery. Pick up the laptop and gently shake it. If you hear
a loose screw, disassemble the laptop and fix the problem.

12. Plug in the AC adapter, and then power up the laptop.

Review Questions
1. A customer asks how much you would charge to upgrade the RAM in their laptop.
They give you the brand and model of the laptop. List three questions you should
research before you discuss the upgrade with the customer.

• Ans: 1. Determine if the laptop's RAM is soldered (embedded) or user-upgradeable

(Field Replaceable Unit - FRU).
• Research the current prices for compatible RAM modules suitable for the laptop.
• Check for the availability of the laptop's hardware service manual to understand the
RAM upgrade process and any specific requirements.

2. Why would you pry open a case with a spudger rather than a flat-head screwdriver?

Ans: Damage Prevention: Spudgers are less likely to scratch or damage surfaces
compared to metal flat-head screwdrivers.

Precision: Spudgers offer finer edges and better control for prying open cases,
especially around delicate components.

Safety: They are non-conductive, reducing the risk of electrical shorts or

component damage.

Versatility: Spudgers come in various shapes for specific tasks like prying clips or
separating connectors effectively.

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3. Why is it important to remove or disconnect the battery or deactivate an embedded

battery before working on a laptop?

Ans: It's important to remove or disconnect the battery (or deactivate an embedded
battery) before working on a laptop to prevent accidental electrical shorts or
damage to internal components, ensuring safety during maintenance or repairs.

4. To protect the user’s investments in time and money, what two very important
questions should a technician always ask the user before disassembling a laptop?

Ans: Is the laptop still under warranty, and have there been any previous repairs or
modifications done to it?

5. Generally, when is it a good idea to advise a customer that the laptop should not be
repaired?

Ans: It's advisable to inform a customer that a laptop should not be repaired when
the cost of repair exceeds the laptop's value or when extensive damage or obsolete
technology makes repair impractical or unreliable for long-term use.

Lab 6.6: Compare Costs of Systems

Estimated Completion Time: 45 minutes

Objectives
The goal of this lab is to compare a preassembled system with the components that could
be assembled to build a comparable system. After completing this lab, you will be able to:

• Identify the key components of a preassembled system

• Locate prices for components needed to assemble a comparable system

• Compare the costs of a preassembled system and a self-assembled system

Materials Required
This lab requires the following:

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• Internet access

Lab Preparation
Before the lab begins, the instructor or lab assistant needs to do the following:
• Verify that Internet access is available

Activity Background
In this lab, you compare the cost of a brand-name system with the cost of a system having
similar specifications but assembled from separate components. Brand-name
manufacturers typically build their systems from parts that only they market; these parts
are called proprietary parts. Therefore, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find exact matches
for brand-name components. However, you can find comparable components. For
example, if a Dell computer has a 1 TB, 7200 RPM hard drive installed, find another 1 TB,
7200 RPM hard drive for your list of parts. The idea is to find a close match for each major
component so that you can compare the total cost of a brand-name system and that of a
similar system built from parts. Use the Internet and available computer-related
publications as your sources for information.

Activity
Research a preassembled system and record information about its components.
1. Find an advertisement for a complete preassembled system similar to the one in
Figure 6-9. Some manufacturers you might want to check out are Lenovo
(lenovo.com), Acer (acer.com), Dell (dell.com), HP (hp.com), ASUS (asus.com), and
Gateway (gateway.com).

2. Study the advertisement you found and list the following specifications:
• Processor brand, model, and speed:
Ans: Processor: Intel

Model: Corei7-1360P

Speed:4.6 GHz

• Processor cores and cache:

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Ans: Processor and cores: 6 cores

Cache: 8MB Intel smart cache

• RAM type, speed, and amount:

Ram Type: DDR4

Speed: 2133 MHz

Amount: 16GB

• OS type and edition:

Ans: Windows 10 Pro 64 bit

• HDD (magnetic/SSD/hybrid, SAS or SATA details), capacity, speed, and buffer

size (if present):

Ans: Drive Type: SSD, SATA interface

Capacity: 1TB

Speed: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 550 MB/s

Buffer Size: 256MB cache

• Monitor:

Ans: Not Incuded

• Video card:

Ans: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GA102

Figure 6-9 The Amazon website explains the product features of a complete
preassembled system

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Source: amazon.com

• Sound/speakers:
Sound Card: Integrated Realtek HD Audio

Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone jack, line-out

Speakers: Logitech Z623 2.1 speaker system

• Other drives: Optical disc drive

• Removable device ports:

Ans: Removable device ports typically include USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 2.0),
Thunderbolt 4, eSATA, SD card reader, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

• Network adapter:

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Ans: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless adapter.

• Bundled software:

Ans: None

• Total price:

Ans: $1799.99

3. Research websites that sell computer parts, such as tigerdirect.com, newegg.com,

or microcenter.com, and find advertisements similar to those shown in Figure 6-10.
Notice that items are grouped by component type.

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Figure 6-10 Components for sale

Source: tigerdirect.com

4. Using the following table, list and describe the comparable components, their
prices, and the source of your information. You might want to check several sources
to find the best price.

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Note 5
Remember, most mail-order or online purchases have shipping costs. If you can determine
an exact shipping price for each component, include this information as part of the
component’s price. If you can’t find the exact shipping price, include a 10 percent fee as
part of the price for each shipped component. Also include sales tax in the price.

Component Description Source Price

Processor/cores/GHz Intel Core i7-11700K, 8 Amazon $379.99

cores, 3.6GHz

Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Newegg $299.99

Gaming

RAM Corsair Vengeance LPX Best Buy $159.99

32GB (2x16GB) DDR4

Case and power supply NZXT H510 Mid Tower Case Amazon $129.99
+ 650W PSU

HDD type and capacity Seagate Barracuda 2TB HDD Newegg $59.99

Optical drive ASUS DRW-24F1ST DVD Amazon $19.99

Writer

Other drives - Best Buy -

Removable device ports USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 4 - -

Monitor Dell S2721QS 27" 4K - $499.99

Monitor

Video adapter NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Newegg $349.99

Sound/speakers Integrated HD Audio - -

Bonus items RGB Lighting Kit Amazon $29.99

Operating system Windows 10 Home Microsoft $139.99

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Bundled software Microsoft Office Home & Microsoft $149.99

Student 2021

TOTAL SYSTEM PRICE $2108.88

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5. When you select computer parts for a system, you need to make sure the parts are
compatible. Answer the following questions:
• The motherboard must support the selected processor. Is the processor you
selected listed in the motherboard advertisement as a compatible processor?
Answer: Yes.

• What is the maximum amount of RAM the board can support? Is the type and
amount of RAM compatible with the motherboard?
Answer: Additional DDR4-2933 SDRAM modules, up to a total of 64 GB, can be added
in the future to enhance the RAM

• What form factors do the case and motherboard use? Is the case compatible
with the motherboard?
Answer: Because the motherboard and case were specially made by HP for the
Envy Curved AIO 34 system, they are meant to work together. The case offers the
required cooling, cable management, and structural support for the motherboard
and other components. The motherboard is mounted directly to the AIO chassis.

• What is the wattage rating of the power supply? Does this rating meet the
requirements for the system?
Answer: 133W. Yes, it meets requirements.

• What interface does the hard drive use? Does the motherboard have this type of
interface?

Answer: hard drive uses a SATA III interface.

• What interface does the optical drive use? Does the motherboard have this type
of interface?

Answer: optical drive uses a SATA II interface.

• What type of slot does the video adapter use? Does the motherboard have this
type of slot?

Answer: video adapter uses a PCIe x16 slot.

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Review Questions
1. Which approach to acquiring a system seems to be less expensive?

Ans: Building a computer from separate components often proves to be

less expensive than purchasing a pre-built system. This approach allows
for selective spending on parts, potential savings on labor costs, and the
ability to take advantage of sales and discounts on individual components

2. Which single component determines the compatibility of other components in a

system?

Ans: The motherboard is the single component that determines the compatibility of other
components in a system.

3. What is the single most expensive component of a system built from separate
components?

Ans: The single most expensive component of a system built from separate
components is typically the graphics card (GPU). High-performance GPUs,
especially those designed for gaming, professional graphics work, or
machine learning tasks, can significantly outprice other components like
the CPU, motherboard, or storage.
4. What was the estimated cost of shipping (if any) for the component-built system?

Ans: _ The estimated cost of shipping for the component-built system

depends on various factors such as the number of components, their
weight, size, and the shipping service used. Typically, shipping costs can
range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on these variables. It's
important to check with each vendor for specific shipping charges and
consider any available free shipping options.
5. What are some potential pitfalls of building your own computer? What are some

rewards?

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Ans: Potential Pitfalls of Building Your Own Computer

1. Compatibility Issues: Ensuring all parts work together can be tricky and may lead
to non-functional hardware.
2. Technical Knowledge: Requires understanding of hardware and assembly, which
can be challenging for beginners.
3. Warranty and Support: Individual components have separate warranties, and
there's no unified customer support.
4. Time-Consuming: Researching, buying, and assembling parts takes considerable
time.
5. Initial Cost: Upfront costs may be higher, especially for high-end components.
6. Risk of Damage: Potential to damage components due to static discharge or
mishandling.

Rewards of Building Your Own Computer

1. Customization: Tailor every aspect to fit specific needs and preferences.

2. Cost Efficiency: Save money and get better performance by selectively choosing
parts.
3. Learning Experience: Gain valuable knowledge about computer hardware and
assembly.
4. Performance Optimization: Optimize performance with high-quality components
and efficient cooling.
5. Sense of Achievement: Feel accomplished with a custom-built system.
6. Quality Components: Choose better quality parts than those typically found in pre-
built systems.

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