Title: Chapter 4 Hands-On Lab DropBox
Course: DEPT MC - PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE > Section: Module 1 (Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Q: LAB 4-3>

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this lab is to help you learn the correct processes for removing and reinstalling a CPU. After completing this lab, you will be able to:

- Remove a CPU from your system
- Install a CPU into your system

MATERIALS REQUIRED

This lab requires the following:

    - Used motherboards with processors
    - Alcohol wipes to remove thermal paste
    - Internet access

ACTIVITY BACKGROUND

Removing and installing a processor is not difficult after you have done it a time or two. These days, the processor is seldom the source of a problem. Usually a processor is replaced as an upgrade, or to overclock to squeeze more performance from the computer. In this lab, remove a processor and possibly a cooling unit or fan and then replace.  When you consider upgrading a processor, you might not realize the new processors full potential if all of the other components remain outdated.

Frequently in these processes you will not have step-by-step directions but must discover how to install or uninstall a device. That is the value of a Lab environment. Also, removing a heat sink and a fan are frequently part of this task. You may need to reference documentation for specifics if a device becomes complicated to remove. (Infrequently there are hidden screws or a hidden lever)

The CPU is an intricate and complicated array of wires and transistors.  Recall that ESC carries 3000 Volts, and only 10-1000 Volts of discharge are capable of damaging the processor.  You should always wear a grounding strap.

ACTIVITY:

Remove the processor from the motherboard provided by your instructor, then answer the questions connected to this Lab.

Q: LAB 4-3> What type of heat sink could be attached to this CPU?

Q: LAB 4-3: What markings are ON the processor itself? Record them here.

Q: LAB 4-3: Why shouldn’t you use a screwdriver to remove a heat sink?

Q: LAB 4-3: Why would it be important to check the bottom of a heat sink before attaching it to the CPU socket?

Q: The objective of this lab is to find important information about RAM that you need when upgrading memory.

After completing this lab, you will be able to:

- Find documentation on your system’s motherboard and the memory requirements
- Read documentation about RAM specifications
- Search the Internet for RAM prices and availability

In the past, RAM was literally worth more than its weight in gold. When building a system most people made do with the minimum amount of RAM needed for adequate performance. These days, RAM is less expensive, which means you can probably buy all of the RAM you need to make your system perform at top speed.  Graphics-editing software, in particular, benefits from additional RAM.

In this lab, you research how to optimize RAM on a graphics workstation with a memory upgrade budget of $100.00.

Determine the motherboard manufacturer and model. Use the documentation from the website to answer these questions.

1.     What type of memory does your classroom work PC motherboard support? Include categories like manufacturer, speed, physical type, and whether it is interlaced.

Q: How many slots for memory modules are included on your motherboard?

Q: What is the maximum amount of memory your motherboard supports?

Q: What is the price to upgrade the memory of your workstation?

Q: OBJECTIVES-

Review different Memory websites. Use one site and type to:

- Identify types of RAM
- Determine appropriate memory types for a system

Activity Background-

RAM comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and speeds. Not every type of RAM works with every system. Use one of the following websites ( major RAM manufacturers) to learn about RAM and see how to make sure you have the right memory modules to upgrade your system.

Open your browser and go to www.kingston.com. Next review www.pny.com.  Now try www.crucial.com.

1.       Which site do you prefer? WHY do you prefer this site?

Q: OBJECTIVES-

Using your classroom workstation, and working with your team members or partner, open the case

and disconnect the cabling to reach the memory slots.

This is one time where you need to be sure to ground yourself, or wear an anti-static bracelet.

Remove the memory from the workstation, and pass it to the team to your left.

Then answer the questions:

1. Is the memory from the other TEAM the same?

Q: What type of memory is it and will it work in your workstation? (need TWO responses for full credit)

Q: What features are used on the memory slots and modules to prevent modules from being inserted incorrectly?

Q: What commercial tools are available for troubleshooting Memory errors or failures?