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