Assignment Three - Beep Code Build Up
Once again we are going to tear down our computers and reassemble them. However, this time we are going to record what happens when certain key elements are not connected when we turn on the power. We are doing this in a controlled environment so you will know what it looks like when it happens to you as the result of a malfunction.
YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY, SO DISCONNECT THE POWER BETWEEN EACH STEP:
  • POWER OFF
  • DO WORK
  • POWER ON
  • TEST RESULT
  • POWER OFF
  • DO WORK
 Turn on your computer to verify it is in a working state. Always do this first!
Open the case. Remove the following parts and place them on your area of the center table:
(As you are removing them use post-it notes to record where they go and where to plug them in)
  1. All Expansion Cards
  2. All Storage Devices
  3. RAM Memory
  4. The Power Supply
  5. The Motherboard
  6. The CPU - Yes, remove the CPU
  7. All internal cables
Ask me to come over and check that you have removed all of the items requested.
Use this opportunity to record information about the Manufacturer and model number of the internal components. In a future lab you will need to look up Datasheets on the Motherboard and other parts.
In the next part of this assignment we will attach elements one by one and see how the computer reacts to its sub-optimal reality.
Follow along with me in the lab:
  1. Plug the power supply in by itself
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
  2. Disconnect the power
  3. Plug the motherboard into the power supply. Plug in the power supply.
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
  4. Disconnect the power
  5. Plug the CPU into the motherboard. Plug in the power supply.
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
    • Why does it do that?
  6. Disconnect the power
  7. Plug the Video Card into the motherboard. Plug in the power supply.
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
  8. Disconnect the power
  9. Plug the RAM Memory into the motherboard. Plug in the power supply.
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
    • Why does it do that?
  10. Disconnect the power
  11. Plug the Hard Drive into the motherboard. Plug in the power supply.
    • Does it do anything?
    • Record what it does
    • Why does it do that?
  12. Disconnect the power
Reassemble your computer. Turn it on and make sure it works.
Submit Your Assignment --
Create a document which includes all of your answers to the second part of the assignment. Send it to me as an attachment to an email
(Please don't copy and paste anything into the body of the email.)

You can use Microsoft Word, Open Office Write or the LibreOffice Word Processor to do this assignment. (Both Open Office and LibreOffice are free).
If you are using a Mac, please make sure to convert your documents to a format I can read -- .rtf works the best
Attach your documents to an email with 'CIS 120 - Lab 3 ' as the subject. Don't forget to include your name in the body of the email.
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