PC Hardware LAB1 - Motherboards

Riddhesh Raval 301151187

Student name: Student ID:

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Instructions: Use pen and write your Full name and student Id on all pages.
Answer all the questions, highlight or use bold font for your answers,
attach any screenshots or files if required, and during the timeframe given
for this lab upload your lab at:
e.centennialcollege-CNET101-Asessments-Assignments-Lab 1
All our labs assume you are using Windows 10.

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LAB 1.1 Identify Computer Parts

Objectives: Identify computer parts outside and inside the case.

Activity Background: As a computer technician you must be able to identify the

hardware components, both inside and outside the case. Components are not always
labeled adequately, especially those inside the case. This lab helps you learn to recognize
these components.

Observe the physical characteristics of your system.

1. Figure 1 depicts the overall view of Asus Z97-K Motherboard.

9 1
8
10 3

7 6

2
12
5
11

Figure 1

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For the following activity, if some component is not clear on the figure use Google and
search for Asus Z97-K. You can then use the site to answer the questions.
In figure 1, use any tool, such as Word-Insert-Shapes, draw a line as shown on Figure 1,
to the side of the motherboard and label it with the corresponding number, indicated in
the table, to identify the following:

1. CPU Socket
2. Chipset
3. Memory slots
4. ATX Main Power connector
5. SATA connectors
6. USB3 connectors
7. USB2 connectors
8. PCIEe x16
9. PCIe x1
10. PCI
11. Clear RTC RAM
12. System panel connector.

PORT IDENTIFICATION
Figure 2 depicts the Back Panel I/O of the Asus Z97-K Motherboard

11 7 8
2
9 3

4
1
5

10 6
Figure 2
In figure 2, draw a line, similar what you did on Figure 1, to the side of the component
and label it by its corresponding number to identify the following ports:

1. PS/2 Keyboard
2. PS/2 mouse
3. Audio Line In
4. Audio Line Out
5. Audio Microphone
6. USB 2.0
7. USB 3.0
8. RJ-45 LAN Connector
9. HDMI
10. DVI-D

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11. VGA

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PC COMPUTER PARTS IDENTIFICATION

Most PCs include the following parts.

Motherboard

CPU

Hard Drive

Optical Drive

CPU Fan with heat sink

Case fan

Power Supply

RAM

Video Card (optional)

Expansion card (optional)

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Figure 3 shows an overall view of a tower computer system.

In figure 3, draw a line to the side of the component and label it by its corresponding
number to identify the following:

1. Motherboard
2. Hard drive(s)
3. Optical drive(s)
4. Power supply
5. CPU cooling fan
6. Case fan
7. ATX main power connector
8. SATA cable(s) 3
4

1
7

Figure 3

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LAB 1.2 Gather and Record System Information

Objectives: Gather system information by observing a system.

Use available software tools to access specific system information.

Activity Background: When working with a computer system, it’s a good idea to know
what components are installed on the system. This lab helps you identify some of the
components as you gather information by observing the system and using system tools.

Physical External Inspection of System

For the following activity use your desktop or laptop system.

1. Does the system have any identification on it indicating manufacturer, model, or

component information? If so, list this information in the space below.

It is a desktop, it has an intel i5 7th gen sticker on it, a cooler master logo on the cabinet.

2. How many optical drives does your system have?

I don’t have an internal optical drive but I have an external one from brand Lenovo.

3. Observe the front and back-panel of your system. How many USB connections does
your system support? How many are USB 2.0 and how many USB 3.0?

My system supports 6 USB connections. 4 (USB 3.0), 2 in the front, and 2 in the back. It
has 2 (USB 2.0) in the back.

4. If you are using a mouse, describe the type of the mouse the system uses. Is it USB
optical? Wired or wireless?

I am using a gaming mouse from Logitech (G502 Hero). It is a wired optical USB
mouse.

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Physical Internal Inspection of System.

5. If you are using laptop, in the space below enter “NA”.

If you are using a desktop, open the system. How many internal hard drives does your
system have and what type of connectors do they use?

I have 1 hard drive (Wd 1 TB) and 1 SSD (Kingston 128 GB). Both use a SATA power
cable for power from the power supply and a SATA data cable for data read and write.

6. Check the motherboard and report how many SATA connectors exist.
Are they SATA2 or SATA3? What is the difference between SATA2 and SATA3
speed-wise? Google it if you do not know.

There are 4 SATA connectors on my motherboard. Yes, there is one SATA2 and one
SATA3. I learned that SATA2 allows bandwidth up to 300 megabytes or 3 gigabits, and
SATA3 allows bandwidth up to 600 megabytes or 6 gigabits.

Access System Information Using Software

7. Boot on Windows 10 desktop or laptop, and make sure Windows starts with no
errors.

8. On your Windows 10 right-click on Start (windows icon on bottom left corner) and
then click System.

a) Which Windows edition is installed?

Windows 10 pro

b) According to the System properties:

i) What type of CPU is your system using?

intel core i5 7600k

ii) How much RAM is installed in your system?

8 GB (7.89 GB usable)

iii) What is the system type?

64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

iv) What is the computer name?

DESKTOP-KSKI5PT

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9. Close the System window, click in the search box that displays “I’m Cortana. Ask me
anything”, type “computer” and click on “This PC”.

a) How many devices and drives in total are listed?

5 drives and no device
b) What names and drive letters are associated with the drives?
Local Disk (C:), Multimedia (D:), Riddhesh (F:), Games (G:), Local Disk (E:),

10. On step 5 you did a physical inspection. That is you opened your system and
identified components visually.
What differences, if any, are there between the list of components derived from the
physical internal and external inspection versus the list of components derived on the
above step 9? For example, is the number of drives the same or different?
I found that the number of physical drives during the physical inspection and the
number of drives on windows are different. The drive letters were not mentioned on the
physical drive. I learned that windows make a partition of the physical drive and give
names to them.

LAB 1.3 USE SHAREWARE TO EXAMINE A COMPUTER

1. If your system is off, turn your Window 10 on.

2. Do a google search, find and download the free software SisoftSandra Lite 2016 or
any later edition. After you download it, make a shortcut on your desktop.

Launch SANDRA. You should see a screen similar to the one shown below (if it is
2016 edition, otherwise something similar).

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3. In the Home menu, open Hardware and then open Computer Overview. Let the
software run and collect the system information.

a. Who is the manufacturer and model number of the main board (motherboard)?
Manufacturer: ECS, Model number: ECS H110H4-M19

b. Who is the manufacturer of the BIOS, what is the version and date of it?
AMI (OEM) 5.12 01/23/2017

c. Which processor is installed in the system?

Intel Core i5 7600k

d. What is the total memory installed in the system? Also, state the
manufacturer, amount and type of each installed module. Then, close the
window.
It is an Simtronics 8 gb DDr4 2666Mhz with (19-19-19-44) timings.

4. In the Home menu, open Hardware and then open Mainboard.

a. Which onboard devices does the motherboard include?

Intel Graphics (Video Adapter), Realtek Ethernet(Ethernet Adapter), Realtek

HD Audio(Sound Adapter).

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 PC Hardware LAB1 - Motherboards
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b. Which type of bus is the chipset using and what is the Front Side Bus speed?
It is using CSI(QuickPath) and the front bus speed is 100MHz

c. What is the maximum memory you can install on this motherboard?

32GB

5. Close the Mainboard window and in Hardware menu, open Processors

a. What is the Processor speed?

4.19 GHz

b. What is the size of cache level1 (L1 for Data and Code)?
L1 data size: 32kB, 8-Way, 64bytes Line Size 2 Thread(s).
L1 Code size: 32kB, 8-Way, 64bytes Line Size 2 Thread(s).

c. What is the size of cache level2 (L2)?

256kB, ECC, 4-Way, 64bytes Line Size 2 Thread(s).

d. What is the size of cache level3 (L3)?

6MB, ECC, 12-Way, Fully Inclusive, 64bytes Line Size 16 Thread(s).

6. Close the Processors window. While still in the Hardware menu, scroll down find
Storage Devices run the Physical Disks application.

a. Enter below the Manufacturer, the model number, the capacity, the type, the
RPMs, and the cache amount of the hard disk. (The information displays on
the top row next to Physical Disk.
Manufacturer: WDC, Model number: WD10EZEX-08WN4A0, Capacity: 1TB,
Type: SATA600 “3.5", RPMs: 7200rpm, Cache amount: 64 MB (Found through
manufacturer’s website, it was not shown on software).

Lab 1-4 Identify Form Factors

Form factor is a standard that describes the size, shape, and features of a component.
When building a system Power Supply units, Motherboards, and cases should be of the
same form factor. As an IT technician you should be able to identify the form factors of
the components a system uses. This lab will help gain experience in identifying form
factors.

1. Use a browser and the Internet to search and list below the main differences between:

a) ATX and microATX motherboards

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Atx is bigger compared to microATX.

ATX microATX
Size: 12.0/ 9.6 inch Size: 9.6/ 9.6 inch
Ram capacity: Higher Ram capacity: lower
Pcie lanes: more Pcie lanes: less
Regular form factor Medium form factor
For Large cases For medium to small cases
More Scalable less Scalable

b) ATX and miniATX motherboards

miniATX is the smallest form factor compared to other form factors.

ATX miniATX
Size: 12.0/ 9.6 inch Size: 6.7/ 6.7 inch
Ram capacity: Higher Ram capacity: lower
Pcie lanes: more Pcie lanes: least
Regular form factor small form factor
For Large cases For small and compact cases
More Scalable least Scalable
Ram slots: 4 Ram slots: 2

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LAB 1.5 COMPARE COSTS

Objectives: Compare a preassembled system with the components that could be

assembled to build a compatible system.

Background: In this lab you compare the cost of a pre-assembled system with the cost of
a system that you will build using components of your choice but have similar
specifications to the components used in the pre-assembled system.
Both systems should be complete, with all the necessary components to be functional.
Pre-assembled and brand-name systems typically build their systems from “proprietary”
parts. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to find exact matches for brand-name
components. Try to find close match components so that you can compare the two
systems.

1. Use the Internet and find an advertisement for a recent complete, pre-assembled
system. You may select one of the following manufacturers: http://www.dell.com,
www.tigerdirect.ca, http://www.canadacomputers.com, or anything else.

2. List the following specifications of the pre-assembled system. If the component is

integrated on the motherboard, under the Description column enter “integrated”

Component Description
Motherboard B450 Gaming Motherboard
Processor type and speed Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz
RAM size and type 16 GB Ram / DDR4
HDD type/capacity / speed SSD, 1TB, 2400MB/s (r) and 950MB/s (w)
Monitor No monitor
Video card Nvidia RTX 3070
Sound card / Speakers Integrated sound card/ no speakers
Optical drive No optical drive
Keyboard No Keyboard
Mouse No mouse
Network Interface card (NIC) integrated
Case and Power Supply MACUBE 310 white/ 700 W power supply
Operating System Windows 10 Home
TOTAL SYSTEM COST 2099 CAD

3. Build your own system.

Find comparable components to the ones listed in the above complete, pre-assembled
system. Check several sources, and in the next table enter the cheapest source. The
price between the two systems should only vary from $100 to $200.

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 PC Hardware LAB1 - Motherboards
Riddhesh Raval 301151187
Student name: Student ID:
Component Description Source Cost
Motherboard GIGABYTE B450 Link 117.08 $
AORUS M (AMD
Ryzen AM4/Micro
ATX/)
Processor type and speed Ryzen 7 3700X/ 3.6 Link 459.88 $
GHz
RAM size and type 16 GB(8*2)DDR4 Link 109.99 $
Cl 16
HDD capacity / speed 1 TB/ 2000MB/s (r), Link 135.99 $
1700 MB/s (w)
Monitor n/a
Video card Nvidia RTX 3070 Link 679.99 $
Founder’s Edition
Sound card / Speakers Integrated Sound n/a n/a
card/ No speakers
Optical drive No Optical Drive n/a
Keyboard No keyboard n/a
Mouse No mouse n/a
NIC Integrated n/a
Case and Power Supply Thermaltake S100 Link / Link 75.99 $ /
microatx/SilverStone 261.99 $
SX700-LPT 700W
80+Platinum
Operating System Windows 10 Home Link 139 $
TOTAL SYSTEM 1,979.64
COST $/-

4. Which of the two systems was cheaper? The pre-assembled or the one you built on
your own?
The One I build is Cheaper and almost has the same parts as the pre-built system.

LAB 1-6: Plan an Ideal System

Objectives: Describe what you want your system to be able to do. Such as, gaming,
video editing, server, and so on. Pick components that best meet your goal and stay
within the budget.

Activity: You will be in a position to build a system to your specifications from separate
components, with a budget of $1,500.00.

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 PC Hardware LAB1 - Motherboards
Riddhesh Raval 301151187
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In the table below list the components you would like to include in your system, the cost
of each component and its source of purchase. To begin, list everything you want without
considering cost.
After you have determined the total price of all the components you want to include in
your ideal system, add up the prices and see whether you are within your budget.
You can then include additional components or better quality components if you are
under budget, or exclude components or downgrade if you are over budget.

1. What is the goal of your ideal system?

My Goal for an Idea system is that it should be able to do almost everything or I would
say it should be multipurpose. For Example it should be able to do gaming,
entertainment, Video editing, Code compilation and etc. And it should be medium to
compact and must use a micro atx.

Component Description Source Cost

Motherboard Asus TUF B450M- link 261.99 $
PLUS GAMING Micro
ATX AM4
Processor type and speed AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 link 99.95 $
GHz 6-Core Processor
RAM size and type Team T-FORCE link 90.99 $
DARK Z 16 GB (2 x 8
GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
Memory
HDD capacity / speed Western Digital WD link 134.94 $
Blue SN550 NVMe 1
TB SSD
Monitor MSI Optix G24C4 link 249.50 $
23.6" 1920x1080 144
Hz Monitor
Video card ASRock Radeon RX link 299 $
5500 XT 8 GB
Challenger D OC Video
Card
Sound card / Speakers Integrated/ JUKSTG link 15.58 $
Earphones
Optical drive Not needed n/a n/a

Keyboard Logitech MK120 Wired link 24.97 $

Desktop Combo
Mouse Logitech MK120 Wired ,, ,,
Desktop Combo

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NIC integrated n/a n/a

Case and Power Supply Cooler Master link, link 55.77 $,

MasterBox Q300L 83.75 $
MicroATX Mini Tower
Case / EVGA GD
(2019) 500 W 80+ Gold
Certified ATX Power
Supply
Operating System Microsoft Windows 10 link 139 $
Home 64-bit
TOTAL COST 1446.44 /-
$

Login to e.Centennialcollege.ca and submit your competed lab1 to:

CNET101- Assessments – Assignments – Lab 1.

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