Lesson Plan
Course Title: Computer Maintenance
Session Title: PC Disassembly and Reassembly
Lesson Duration: Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, students will be able to physically disassemble and
reassemble a PC.
Specific Objectives:
• Boot up the PC to be disassembled and reassembled [verify that it works properly].
• Disassemble a PC.
• Reassemble a PC.
• Boot up the reassembled PC [verify that it works properly].
• Identify safety guidelines related to the lesson.
• List the steps in opening a PC.
• Identify the internal components of a PC.
• Diagram the internal components of a PC.
• Disassemble a PC.
• Reassemble a PC.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.273. Computer Maintenance (C)(4)(D)
(The student acquires an understanding of computer technologies. The student is expected to:
explain proper troubleshooting techniques as related to computer hardware;
130.273(c) (5) (A)
(5) The student knows the proper function and application of the tools, equipment, and materials
used in computer technologies. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate safe use of equipment in computer technologies such as hand and power
tools
130.273 (6)(C)(D)(E)
(6) The student applies the concepts and skills of the trade in simulated work situations. The
student is expected to:
(C) identify the operational features and proper terminology related to computer systems;
(D) identify the various components of a computer system such as the central processor,
basic input and output system, read-only memory,
130.273 (7)(A)(D)(E)
(7) The student uses hardware design, operation, and maintenance knowledge and skills to
provide computer support. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the purpose and function of computer components in the operation of the
computer system such as central processing unit, mother board, sockets, chipsets, basic
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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1
input and output system and their drivers, memory, hard drive technologies, video cards,
input and output devices and ports, and modem and network interface cards (NIC);
(D) assemble and install a basic computer system; and
(E) install and configure computer components and peripherals.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
1. Cisco Systems Sponsored Curriculum: IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software,
Chapter 3: Assembling a Computer.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdsUuWlhOvo&feature=related
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQH9L9fsdRg&feature=related
4. http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/3046
5. http://www.bedford.k12.va.us/fms/lessons/
6. http://www.lessonplanspage.com/index.html
7. http://www.homepcbuilder.com/video-lessons/internal-components/lesson-01-hard-drivebuilding-your-own-computer.html
Instructional Aids:
1. PC Disassembly and Reassembly: PowerPoint presentation
2. PC Disassembly and Reassembly: PowerPoint presentation Handouts
3. The online tutorials for assembling and reassembling
4. Disassembling/Assembling a PC Performance Aid
5. Lab Sheets for Disassembly and Reassembly of a PC (LABS 1 & 2)
6. PC Disassembly and Reassembly Exam
7. PC Internal Architecture Evaluation Rubric
Materials Needed:
1. Containers
2. Clean work area
3. Pencil (one per student)
4. Graph paper
5. Standard computer technician tool kit (with wrist-strap) [for each pair of students]
6. Copies of Lab Sheet for Disassembly and Reassembly of a PC [for each student]
Equipment Needed:
1. A projection system to display the PowerPoint presentation [PC/Monitor, PC/Projector,
etc.] and online tutorial
2. One PC for each two students, for labs.
3. PC tool kit
4. Antistatic wrist strap
5. Chip extractor
Learner
1. Students should read the appropriate curriculum material for how to
disassemble/assemble a PC [depending on the text/curriculum being used for this course].
This lesson can be taught with only the PowerPoint presentation, and the equipment
outlined above.
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Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
Understanding how a PC is assembled and disassembled is a key component in the
training for a computer technician. Knowledge of how the computer parts “fit” will
help the technician solve repair and upgrade problems.
IDE storage devices, such as the hard drive and CD-ROM drive, are the most
common type of storage devices installed in today’s PC. How can the computer
technician ensure the cabling for these devices is properly oriented?
Make sure that the colored stripe [usually red, sometimes blue] is oriented on the
number 1 pin of the IDE port [both on the motherboard and the drive]. On the drive’s
IDE port, the number one pin is usually closest to the power connector.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I.
Introduce students to the computer assembly
process to include
A. Computer chassis (case)
B. Power supply
C. Motherboard configuration
D. Configuration of connectors
E. CPU interfaces
F. RAM installation
G. Hard drives and/or CD-ROMs installation
H. Floppy drives connection
I. First boot after assembly
II.
Safety guidelines
A. Make sure workspace is clean and properly
lit.
B. Make sure the PC is turned off.
C. Verify that the PC has been unplugged
from the power source.
D. Put on antistatic wrist strap.
E. Create a backup of the PC configuration
(most PCs will restore and reboot
themselves).
III. Steps in opening a CPU
A. Note the type of PC being worked on
(manufacturer, model, hard drive
capacity/space, external location of hard
drive).
B. Remove the power cord from the monitor,
then unplug, unscrew the monitor cable
from the back of the PC, and set the
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monitor aside.
C. Locate the screws on the back side of the
case.
D. Remove the screws and place them in a
tube container for safe keeping.
E. Carefully remove the case, watching out for
internal wires and cables.
IV. Internal PC components
A. Near the front of the case one or more of
the following:
1. Shelf bracket
2. Floppy drive
3. Hard drive
4. Zip drive
5. CD-R
6. DVD/CD-R
7. DVD/CD-RW
B. Directly below or to the right of the shelf
bracket
1. Motherboard
a. CPU (Athlon or Pentium chip)
b. Memory Modules (SIMM, DIMMS,
or RIMM chips)
c. Buses (small wires that allow
information to flow through the PC)
d. Transistors
e. Resistors
C. Attached to the motherboard
1. Expansion cards
a. Internet (via modem or Ethernet)
b. Enhanced graphics cards (AGP 4
or 5)
c. PCTV card (allows images to be
projected to a TV – in some PCs)
d. USB ports
e. FireWire ports
f. Audio ports
g. Parallel ports
h. Serial ports
i. Keyboard port
j. Mouse port
D. Toward the back of the case
1. Power supply
V.
Diagramming internal PC components
A. Symbols
B. Cables/connections
C. Plug locations/configurations/types
D. DIP switch locations/status
E. Motherboard: memory sockets, switches,
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power supply connection
F. Labels
G. Legend
H. Scale
VI. Steps in disassembling a PC
A. Note and record each part, drive, cable,
and connection.
B. Avoid forcing the removal of parts (if they
don’t come out easily; STOP and assess
why).
C. Remove the drives with their connecting
cables (makes the job easier by allowing
more room for work).
D. Place the removed parts in a separate
space on the work area.
E. Remove the expansion cards, noting the
bays in which they were originally located.
F. DO NOT TOUCH the pin connectors on the
cards with your bare hands.
G. Unplug and carefully remove the power
supply from the machine. EXTRA CARE
should be taken with the power supply as it
still has a power charge in it.
H. Gently remove the CPU from the
Motherboard by unlocking the ZIF or LIZ
(Zero Insertion Force) socket. If the CPU is
in a push-in socket, then use the CPU
removal tool that comes in the kit. Note the
position prior to removal to prevent damage
when reassembling.
I. Carefully remove the Motherboard if
needed. Check to see if this is necessary
(ask your instructor if you are in doubt).
J. Evaluate the removed components as
needed, and note all information for future
reference.
VII. Reassembling a PC
A. If all parts are found to be in good
condition, the student can begin
reassembling the PC using the diagram
created during disassembly.
VIII. Steps in closing a PC
A. Replace the case, watching out for internal
wires and cables.
B. Replace the screws removed earlier.
C. Plug in the power source.
D. Turn on and reboot the machine to make
sure the PC works properly.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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IX. Students complete lab demonstrations
including:
A. Lab 1: Disassembly of PC
B. Lab 2: Reassembly of PC
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. The teacher shows and demonstrates each lab principle.
2. The teacher maintains direct supervision in the lab, providing guidance when
warranted.
The teacher will demonstrate how to open a PC; identify the internal components;
diagram the internal components; disassemble a PC; reassemble a PC; and close a
PC following the procedure listed in the outline. The students will work individually
or in pairs to identify, diagram, and disassemble the internal components located in
the assigned PC, following the example illustrated by the teacher in the Guided
Practice portion of the lesson. Students may refer to the
Disassembling/Reassembling a PC Performance Aid to prompt the teacher as to
which step should be taken at what time.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Students work in pairs on lab assignments, demonstrating their skills in
identifying and discussing the various lab requirements and results.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
1. Ask students summary questions.
a. What are the main types of computer cases? [Desktop, mini-tower, midtower, and full tower]
b. What are the two types of power supplies? [AT and ATX]
c. What is the voltage for the red and yellow wires of a power connector?
[Red is 5 volts and yellow is 12 volts]
2. Revisit the steps the students went through to reassemble the PC.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
1. The teacher will monitor student progress during independent practice and
provide independent re-teach/redirection as needed.
2. The teacher will provide individual help/redirection as needed.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
1. The students will individually demonstrate the ability to open/close a PC while
adhering to all safety guidelines. Use the Disassembling/Reassembling A PC
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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6
Evaluation Rubric to evaluate students. The students will also submit schematic
drawings of the assigned PCs for evaluation.
2. Administer the PC Exam.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1. Students who have mastered the lab assignments can peer-tutor students [oneon-one] that are having difficulty with the disassembly or assembly of the PC.
2. Have students convert hand-drawn schematic drawings to AutoCAD drawings to
create an electronic database for reference purposes.
3. Students who have mastered the skills associated with this lesson may be
called upon to help maintain other computers throughout the building by making
related repairs as required.
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Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Personal Development
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
Problem-solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors
Organizing material logically, explaining
things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the mind’s eye)
Use manipulatives, hand
signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as a
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions
Creating rhythms out of words, creating
rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
others, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like-minded people
Considering the personal relationship to
the larger context
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PERFORMANCE AID
Task Completed
Manufacturer:
Model:
Hard drive capacity/space:
External location of hard drive:
Assessment Criteria
Notes
Opening a PC
Make sure the workspace is clean
Make sure the PC is turned off
Verify that the PC has been unplugged from the
power source
Put on an antistatic wrist strap
Create a backup of the PC configuration
Note the type of PC being worked on
Remove the power cord from the monitor; then unplug
and unscrew the monitor cable from the back of the
PC, and set the monitor aside
Locate the screws on the back side of the case
Remove the screws and place them in a tube
container for safe keeping
Carefully remove the case, watching out for internal
wires and cables
Disassembling a PC
Note and record each part, drive, cable, and
connection
Avoid forcing the removal of parts (if they don’t come
out easily, STOP and assess why)
Remove the drives with their connecting cables
(allows more room for work)
Place the removed parts in a separate space on the
work area
Remove the expansion cards, noting the bays in
which they were originally located
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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DO NOT TOUCH the pin connectors on the cards with
your bare hands
Unplug and carefully remove the power supply from
the machine. EXTRA CARE should be taken with the
power supply as it still has a power charge in it
Gently remove the CPU from the Motherboard by
unlocking the ZIF or LIZ (Zero Insertion Force) socket.
If the CPU is in a push-in socket, then use the CPU
removal tool that comes in the kit. Note the position
prior to removal to prevent damage when
reassembling
Carefully remove the Motherboard if needed. Check
to see if this is necessary (ask your instructor, if you
are in doubt)
Evaluate the removed components as needed and
note all information for future reference
Reassembling a PC
If all parts are found to be in good condition, the
student can begin reassembling the PC using the
diagram created during disassembly
Closing a PC
Replace the case, watching out for internal wires and
cables
Replace the screws removed earlier
Plug in the power source
Turn on and reboot the machine to make sure the PC
works properly
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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LAB 1 – Disassemble a PC
Objectives:
• Disassemble a generic PC
• Verify the correct orientation of the interface cables
Background:
In this procedure you will start a computer to verify that it is operating
properly. Then you will disassemble the computer. You will go through all
the steps of disassembly.
Most PCs are capable of working with several different types of disk
storage devices. The drives that are normally included as standard
equipment with a PC are a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk drive (FDD), a multigigabyte hard disk drive (HDD), and a CD-ROM drive. These units can
typically be found in the front section of the system unit.
Resources:
You will work in teams. The following resources will be required:
• PC Tool Kit
• Antistatic Wrist Strap
• Personal computer (PC)
• Operating system installed (MS-DOS, MS Windows
95/98/2000/Millennium)
NOTE: This lab assumes an AT-type PC is used. If an ATX-type PC is
used some modifications might need to be made in the step-by-step
procedures, i.e. the video and input/output ports may be located on the
motherboard instead of interface cards.
Step 1 – Booting up the computer
a. Push the power button to turn the computer on. The computer should do a quick
memory test (some numbers will count on the screen).
b. The computer will boot up to an MS-DOS screen and should show a “C” prompt
that should look something like this: C:>
c. Push the power button to turn the computer off.
Step 2 – Identify the adapter cards
a. Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer.
b. Remove the screws on the back panel of the computer cover.
c. Take off computer cover.
d. Identify the video card. It is the one that the monitor is (was) plugged into.
e. Write down the slot that it is plugged into in Table 1-1. Slots are numbered from
right to left starting at slot 1 [looking from the front of computer to the back].
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Identify the serial port mount. It is the one with a D25-pin male port and a D9-pin
male port.
g. Write down the slot that it is plugged into in Table 1-1.
h. Identify the parallel port mount. It is the one with a D25-pin female port.
i. Write down the slot that it is plugged into in Table 1-1.
f.
Step 3 – Disconnect the external cables
a. Disconnect the keyboard from the back of the computer.
b. Disconnect the mouse (PS/2 or Serial).
c. Disconnect the video cable.
Step 4 – Disconnect all internal ribbon cables
a. Disconnect the IDE ribbon cable from the hard drive.
b. Disconnect the IDE ribbon cable from the CD-ROM.
c. Disconnect the IDE ribbon cable(s) from the system board.
d. Disconnect the FDD ribbon cable from the floppy disk drive.
e. Disconnect the FDD ribbon cable from the system board.
f. Remove all the ribbon cables from the computer.
Step 5 – Disconnect the power supply connections
a. Disconnect the power connector from the hard drive.
b. Disconnect the power connector from the CD-ROM.
c. Disconnect the power connector from the floppy drive.
d. Disconnect the power connector from the tape drive.
e. Disconnect the power connectors from the system board [notice the orientation].
Step 6 – Remove the adapter cards
a. Unscrew the video card from the back panel, and then remove it and place it into
an anti-static bag.
b. Unscrew the serial mount from the back panel, and then remove the ribbon
cables from the system board [notice the orientation].
c. Repeat step b to the parallel mount.
d. Unscrew any other adapter cards that might be installed in this PC and remove
them from the PC.
Step 7 – Disconnect all front panel connections
a. Remove the power switch connector.
b. List the color of the wires in Table 1-2.
c. Remove the speaker connector.
d. List the color of the wires in Table 1-2.
e. Remove the power LED connector.
f. List the color of the wires in Table 1-2.
g. Remove the hard drive LED connector.
h. List the color of the wires in Table 1-2.
i. Remove the reset switch connector.
j. List the color of the wires in Table 1-2.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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Step 8 – Remove the drives from the chassis
a. Remove the hard drive [notice type of screws used].
b. Remove the CD-ROM drive [notice type of screws used].
c. Remove the floppy drive [notice type of screws used].
Step 9 – Remove the system board mount and the system board
a. Remove the screws from the system board mount.
b. Pull the system board mount and the system board from the chassis.
c. Remove the system board mounting screws from the system board.
d. Remove the system board.
Step 10 – Remove the power supply
a. Remove the switch mounting screw from the switch mount at the front of the
chassis.
b. Remove the four screws from the back of the chassis that hold the power supply
onto the chassis.
c. Remove the power supply.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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Table 1-1
Adapter Card
Slot
Video Card:
Network Card:
Serial Port Mount:
Parallel Port Mount:
Table 1-2
Cable
Color/Orientation
Power Switch:
Speaker:
Power LED:
IDE LDE:
Reset:
Team Member 1:______________________________________________________
Team Member 2:______________________________________________________
Team Member 3:______________________________________________________
Team Member 4:______________________________________________________
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
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LAB 2 – Reassemble a PC
Objectives:
• Reassemble a generic PC [disassembled in Lab 1].
• Verify the correct orientation of the interface cables.
Background:
In this procedure, you will reassemble the PC that was disassembled in Lab 1.
You will go through all the steps of reassembly. After reassembling the PC, you
will start the computer to verify that it is operating properly.
Resources:
You will work in teams. The following resources will be required:
• PC Tool Kit
• Antistatic Wrist Strap
• Disassembled personal computer (PC)
• Operating system installed on hard drive (MS-DOS, MS Windows
95/98/2000/Millennium)
NOTE: As in Lab 1, this lab assumes an AT-type PC is used. If an ATX-type PC
is used some modifications might need to be made in the step-by-step
procedures, i.e. the video and input/output ports along with the IDE ports
may be located on the motherboard instead of interface cards.
Step 1 – Install the power supply
a. Place the power supply back into the chassis.
b. Insert the four screws through the back of the chassis; these hold the power supply onto
the chassis.
c. Attach the switch mounting screw through the switch mount at front of the chassis.
Step 2 – Attach the system board mount and the system board
a. Place the system board on the system board mounts.
b. Install the system board mounting screws through the system board.
c. Install the system board mount and the system board into the chassis.
d. Install the screws through the system board mount.
Step 3 – Attach all the front panel connections [See Table 1-2, Lab 1 if needed]
a. Find the speaker connection and connect it to the motherboard where it is labeled
“Speaker.”
b. Find the power LED connector and connect it to the motherboard where it is labeled
“Power LED.”
c. Find the hard-disk drive LED connector and connect it to the motherboard [or interface
card] where it is labeled “HDD LED.”
d. Find the reset switch connector and connect it to the motherboard where it is labeled
“Reset.”
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Step 4 – Install the drives into the chassis
a. Install the CD-ROM drive [remember the type of screws used in Lab 1].
b. Install the Floppy drive [remember the type of screws used in Lab 1].
c. Install the hard drive [remember the type of screws used in Lab 1].
Step 5 – Install the adapter cards
a. Make sure the cards are lined up properly with the slots. It will require a firm push to get
the cards reseated in the motherboard expansion slot.
b. Install the video card into the slot recorded in Table 1-1 [Lab 1], and screw it into the
back panel.
c. Repeat step a on the network card.
d. Repeat step a on the sound card.
e. Repeat step a on all the other adapter cards removed in Lab 1.
Step 6 – Connect the power supply connections
a. Connect the power connectors to the system board [notice the orientation].
b. Connect the power connector to the CD-ROM.
c. Connect the power connector to the floppy drive.
d. Connect the power connector to the hard drive.
Step 7 – Connect all internal ribbon cables
a. Connect the floppy disk drive ribbon cable to the floppy disk drive.
b. Connect the floppy ribbon cable to the system board, striped side to pin 1.
c. Connect the hard disk drive cable to the motherboard in the Primary IDE controller,
striped side to pin 1.
d. Plug the middle of the connector into the hard drive, striped side to pin 1, and plug the
end into the CD-ROM drive, striped side to pin 1 [If there were two IDE cables, then plug
the second cable into the motherboard’s Secondary IDE controller and then to the CDROM].
Step 8 – Connect the external cables
a. Plug the keyboard into the keyboard connector. Make sure the orientation is correct;
otherwise you could bend pins and ruin the keyboard.
b. Plug the mouse (PS/2 or Serial) into the port you removed it from.
c. Plug the monitor into the video card. The connector is keyed and can only be plugged in
one way. Be careful not to bend the pins, as this will ruin the monitor.
d. Plug in the power cord.
e. Replace the cover of the computer.
f. Replace the cover screws.
NOTE: Assembly is complete. You need to reboot the computer to see if it is still
working properly.
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Step 9 – Booting up the computer
a. Push the power button to turn the computer on. The computer should do a quick
memory test (some numbers will count on the screen).
b. The computer will boot up to an MS-DOS screen and should show a “C” prompt that
should look something like this: C:>
c. Push the power button to turn the computer off.
Team Member 1:______________________________________________________
Team Member 2:______________________________________________________
Team Member 3:______________________________________________________
Team Member 4:______________________________________________________
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Student Name: __________________________
Date: __________
PC DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY EXAM
Question 1: How many SIMMs does it take to make up a bank in a Pentium class machine?
A.
B.
C.
D.
1
2
3
4
Question 2: Where is the twist on the floppy drive cable located?
A.
B.
C.
D.
after the last connector
before the first connector
between the B drive and the motherboard
between the drive A and B connectors
Question 3: Which of the following statements regarding Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMMs)
is valid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The smallest capacity DIMM must be installed in the first bank.
The largest capacity DIMM must be installed in the first bank.
The DIMMs must be installed in pairs.
The DIMMs may be installed on any bank on the motherboard.
Question 4: What does the POST code 3xx refer to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
memory error
keyboard error
hard drive error
system board error
Question 5: Moving the computer with the power on is most likely to damage which
component?
A.
B.
C.
D.
power supply
monitor
hard drive
video card
Question 6: Which processor family uses a Socket A connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
AMD Athlon
Intel 486
Intel Pentium III
Intel Pentium II
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Question 7: Which term describes the group of memory slots that RAM is installed in?
A.
B.
C.
D.
slot
bus
DIMM
bank
Question 8: How many pins are on an ATX motherboard power connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
10
12
20
Question 9: How are hard drives configured to be a master or slave drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with CMOS settings
with BIOS settings
during the partitioning of the drives
with jumpers
Question 10: Which of the following computer components is dangerous to work with while
wearing an anti-static wrist strap?
A.
B.
C.
D.
floppy drive
motherboard
monitor
hard drive
Question 11: What does the colored stripe on a data cable represent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
termination
pin 1
pin 40
a keyed cable
pin 34
Question 12: What is the most common SIMM size currently used in computers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
168 pin
30 pin
72 pin
32 pin
184 pins
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
19
Question 13: How should AT power supply P8 and P9 connectors be connected to the
motherboard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The P8 connector should be towards the back of the computer.
The P9 connector should be plugged into the motherboard first.
The black wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.
The red wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.
Question 14: What is the purpose of the jumpers on an IDE hard drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The jumpers set the termination of the hard drive.
The jumpers determine the drive letter of the hard drive.
The jumpers determine if the hard drive will be a master or slave drive.
The jumpers set the ID of the hard drive.
Question 15: Which of the following computer problems will cause the floppy drive light to stay
on constantly?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The CMOS is setup incorrectly for the floppy drive.
The floppy drive doesn't have a data cable attached to it.
The data cable colored stripe is not connected to pin 1 on the floppy drive.
The floppy drive is attached to the middle of the data cable.
Question 16: How many pins are on the connector of an IDE hard drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
40
50
34
68
Question 17: How many pins are on an AT motherboard power connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
10
12
20
Question 18: How can you reset a forgotten CMOS password?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Use the Password utility in the control panel.
Reinstall the operating system.
Clear the password by using the CMOS reset jumper on the motherboard.
Bypass bootup and reset CMOS to default.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
20
Question 19: Which type of memory chip is used by RIMM modules?
A.
B.
C.
D.
RDRAM
SDRAM
EDO-RAM
DDR-SDRAM
Question 20: After you assemble a new PC and load the operating system, you notice that the
hard drive activity LED is not lit up. What is the most likely cause of this problem?
A.
B.
C.
D.
hard drive has failed
hard drive LED plug not connected properly
hard drive was not installed properly
keylock switch is enabled, causing the PC to be locked
Question 21: What does the black wire on the floppy drive power connector provide?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
+5v DC
-5v DC
ground
+12v DC
-12v DC
Question 22: How much voltage does the yellow wire of a PC power supply provide to the PC
components?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
-5v DC
+5v DC
-12v DC
+12v DC
+3.3v DC
ground
Question 23: If you want the PC to look for a bootable floppy first, which boot sequence must
be selected in CMOS?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A, C, CD-ROM
C, A, CD-ROM
C, CD-ROM, A
CD-ROM, C, A
Question 24: What is the minimum recommended wattage for a PC power supply?
A.
B.
C.
D.
150 watts
200 watts
250 watts
300 watts
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
21
Question 25: Which of the following statements is true?
A. The CMOS setup utility is always started by pressing the Delete key.
B. The CMOS setup utility is automatically started each time the computer is powered on.
C. The key or key combination to enter the CMOS setup utility can vary from one BIOS
manufacturer to another.
D. The CMOS utility may be entered with the operating system already booted up.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
22
Student Name: __________________________
Date: __________
PC DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY EXAM - KEY
Question 1: How many SIMMs does it take to make up a bank in a Pentium class machine?
A.
B.
C.
D.
1
2
3
4
Question 2: Where is the twist on the floppy drive cable located?
A.
B.
C.
D.
after the last connector
before the first connector
between the B drive and the motherboard
between the drive A and B connectors
Question 3: Which of the following statements regarding Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMMs)
is valid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The smallest capacity DIMM must be installed in the first bank.
The largest capacity DIMM must be installed in the first bank.
The DIMMs must be installed in pairs.
The DIMMs may be installed on any bank on the motherboard.
Question 4: What does the POST code 3xx refer to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
memory error
keyboard error
hard drive error
system board error
Question 5: Moving the computer with the power on is most likely to damage which
component?
A.
B.
C.
D.
power supply
monitor
hard drive
video card
Question 6: Which processor family uses a Socket A connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
AMD Athlon
Intel 486
Intel Pentium III
Intel Pentium II
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
23
Question 7: Which term describes the group of memory slots that RAM is installed in?
A.
B.
C.
D.
slot
bus
DIMM
bank
Question 8: How many pins are on an ATX motherboard power connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
10
12
20
Question 9: How are hard drives configured to be a master or slave drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with CMOS settings
with BIOS settings
during the partitioning of the drives
with jumpers
Question 10: Which of the following computer components is dangerous to work with while
wearing an anti-static wrist strap?
A.
B.
C.
D.
floppy drive
motherboard
monitor
hard drive
Question 11: What does the colored stripe on a data cable represent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
termination
pin 1
pin 40
a keyed cable
pin 34
Question 12: What is the most common SIMM size currently used in computers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
168 pin
30 pin
72 pin
32 pin
184 pins
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
24
Question 13: How should AT power supply P8 and P9 connectors be connected to the
motherboard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The P8 connector should be towards the back of the computer.
The P9 connector should be plugged into the motherboard first.
The black wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.
The red wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.
Question 14: What is the purpose of the jumpers on an IDE hard drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The jumpers set the termination of the hard drive.
The jumpers determine the drive letter of the hard drive.
The jumpers determine if the hard drive will be a master or slave drive.
The jumpers set the ID of the hard drive.
Question 15: Which of the following computer problems will cause the floppy drive light to stay
on constantly?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The CMOS is setup incorrectly for the floppy drive.
The floppy drive doesn't have a data cable attached to it.
The data cable colored stripe is not connected to pin 1 on the floppy drive.
The floppy drive is attached to the middle of the data cable.
Question 16: How many pins are on the connector of an IDE hard drive?
A.
B.
C.
D.
40
50
34
68
Question 17: How many pins are on an AT motherboard power connector?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
10
12
20
Question 18: How can you reset a forgotten CMOS password?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Use the Password utility in the control panel.
Reinstall the operating system.
Clear the password by using the CMOS reset jumper on the motherboard.
Bypass bootup and reset CMOS to default.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
25
Question 19: Which type of memory chip is used by RIMM modules?
A.
B.
C.
D.
RDRAM
SDRAM
EDO-RAM
DDR-SDRAM
Question 20: After you assemble a new PC and load the operating system, you notice that the
hard drive activity LED is not lit up. What is the most likely cause of this problem?
A.
B.
C.
D.
hard drive has failed
hard drive LED plug not connected properly
hard drive was not installed properly
keylock switch is enabled, causing the PC to be locked
Question 21: What does the black wire on the floppy drive power connector provide?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
+5v DC
-5v DC
ground
+12v DC
-12v DC
Question 22: How much voltage does the yellow wire of a PC power supply provide to the PC
components?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
-5v DC
+5v DC
-12v DC
+12v DC
+3.3v DC
ground
Question 23: If you want the PC to look for a bootable floppy first, which boot sequence must
be selected in CMOS?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A, C, CD-ROM
C, A, CD-ROM
C, CD-ROM, A
CD-ROM, C, A
Question 24: What is the minimum recommended wattage for a PC power supply?
A.
B.
C.
D.
150 watts
200 watts
250 watts
300 watts
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
26
Question 25: Which of the following statements is true?
A. The CMOS setup utility is always started by pressing the Delete key.
B. The CMOS setup utility is automatically started each time the computer is powered on.
C. The key or key combination to enter the CMOS setup utility can vary from one
BIOS manufacturer to another.
D. The CMOS utility may be entered with the operating system already booted up.
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
27
Able to Perform
Task with Little Help
Able to Perform
Task Independently
Assessment Criteria
Able to Perform
Task with Help
Manufacturer:
Model:
Hard drive capacity/space:
External location of hard drive:
Unable to Perform
Task
PC Internal Architecture Evaluation Rubric
0
1
2.5
4
Comments
Opening a PC
Make sure the workspace is clean
Make sure the PC is turned off
Verify that the PC has been unplugged from
the power source
Put on antistatic wrist strap
Create a backup of the PC configuration
Note the type of PC being worked on
Remove the power cord from the monitor, then
unplug and unscrew the monitor cable from the
back of the PC and set the monitor aside
Locate the screws on the back side of the case
Remove the screws and place them in a tube
container for safe keeping
Carefully remove the case, watching out for
internal wires and cables
Disassembling a PC
Note and record each part, drive, cable, and
connection
Avoid forcing the removal of parts (if they don’t
come out easily, STOP and assess why)
Remove the drives with their connecting cables
(makes the job easier by allowing more room
for work)
Place the removed parts in a separate space in
the work area
Remove the expansion cards, noting the bays
in which they were originally located
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
28
DO NOT TOUCH the pin connectors on the
cards with your bare hands
Unplug and carefully remove the power supply
from the machine. EXTRA CARE should be
taken with the power supply as it still has a
power charge in it.
Gently remove the CPU from the Motherboard
by unlocking the ZIF or LIZ (Zero Insertion
Force) socket. If the CPU is in a push-in
socket, then use the CPU removal tool that
comes in the kit. Note the position prior to
removal to prevent damage when
reassembling.
Carefully remove the Motherboard if needed.
Check to see if this is necessary (ask your
instructor if you are in doubt)
Evaluate the removed components as needed
and note all information for future reference
Reassembling a PC
If all parts are found to be in good condition,
the student can begin reassembling the PC
using the diagram created during disassembly
Closing a PC
Replace the case, watching out for internal
wires and cables
Replace the screws removed earlier
Plug in the power source
Turn on and reboot the machine to make sure
the PC works properly
Overall Ability to Perform Job:
IT: Computer Maintenance: PC Disassembly and Reassembly Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
29