Beryl B's CSC231 2014 Page

Beryl's Lab Report

On 10/7/14 I took a PC apart. The lab instructions are available here.

The intention of this lab was to be able to more precisely understand the structure of a computer, be able to recognize different components by sight and to have fun destroying old computers.

Demolition

Steps taken and discoveries:

• The case of the computer before we opened it up:

• The inside of the case:

• The Motherboard

The main circuit board. The lines connect it to the other components.

• The Hard Disk

Device that reads and stores information.

(we had to take this photo from another student because we forgot to take a picture of ours. It is the same hard disk though).

• the RAM

Random Access Memory. It allows information to be written and read in roughly the same time.

• the Crystal

The gives its frequency to the processor

• the Processor

Component that reads and executes the instructions.

• the Cooling System

Regulates the temperature of the processor.

• The CD-Rom drive

Reads CDs.

• The Power-Supply

Supplies the power.

• The cabling system.

Transmits power and data.

Questions

Question 1 What is the make and model number of the computer you are taking apart?

DHM Dell , Serial Number DPQNY41

Question 2 What are the parts visible when you remove the cover?

-Power Supply

-Graphics

-Cable System

-Cooling System

Question 3 Where is the processor? What brand and model number is it? Remove it from the motherboard!

Intel 81, Pentium 4 , 3GHz , L412A851

Question 4 Where is the RAM (Random Access Memory)? How much RAM is in the PC you're taking apart? What company makes it?

2 sticks of 512, Infinium and Samsung

Question 5 Where is the CD/DVD player/burner? Is it a CD or DVD drive?

We had a CD drive

Question 6 Where is the power supply? How many watts of power can it output?

250 Watts

Question 7 What are all the cables for?

There are both data cables and power cables.

Question 8 Where is the hard disk? How many Gigabytes of data does it hold?

80GB

Optional Question 9 What is inside the hard disk?

The hard disk has a magnetic dick with a needle that reads it.

Question 10 Where is the motherboard? What are the lines you see on the board?

The motherboard is on the bottom of the case.

Question 11 On the motherboard is a crystal. Where is it? What is it for?

The crystal determines the frequency of the processor.

Question 12 You may find a small battery on the motherboard. What is it for?

The small battery is for the computer's internal clock, so that i may be running even when the main power supply is cut off.