Mod 04 Lecture Notes
Mod 04 Lecture Notes
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Module 4 Objectives
The following objectives are addressed in this module:
1. Describe the methods and devices for keeping a system cool
2. Select a power supply to meet the power needs of a system
3. Demonstrate an organized approach to solving any computer problem,
especially hardware problems occurring during the boot
4. Troubleshoot problems with the electrical system
5. Troubleshoot problems with the motherboard, processor, and RAM
1. Provide information on the role of a cooler, which consists of a fan and a heat
sink, and explain that coolers are typically made of aluminum and/or copper.
3. Compare the benefits vs. drawbacks of thermal paste to that of a thermal pad
for cooling a computer case.
4. Note that a cooler’s fan has a separate 4-pin connector that connects to the
motherboard for power. Students should understand that the proper
motherboard header should be used, so that the system can properly control
the fan speed.
5. Explain that larger case fans are often preferable to small fans, in that they
produce less noise and greater airflow.
7. List options for cooling other devices in the computer, such as RAM coolers
and expansion slot fans.
Pro Tip
9. Emphasize that while this solution produces less noise than system fans,
liquid is cooled be fans either inside or outside the case.
1. List some of the factors that should be considered when buying a power
supply, such as:
a. ATX or microATX Form factor
b. Wattage ratings
c. Number and type of connectors
d. Fans inside the PSU
e. Dual voltage options
f. Extra features (warranty / quality)
11.Explain that video cards draw the most power from a power supply and draw
from the +12V output of a power supply.
13.Discuss some typical power usage ratings for various internal components,
such as hard drives, processors, and graphics cards. Use Table 4-2.
Pro Tip
http://images10.newegg.com/BizIntell/tool/psucalc/index.html
16.Review the 13 rules for troubleshooting system issues as they relate to and
support the six-step method.
a. Rule 1: Approach the Problem Systematically
b. Rule 2: Establish Your Priorities
c. Rule 3: Beware of User Error
d. Rule 4: Keep Your Cool and Don’t Rush
e. Rule 5: Make No Assumptions
f. Rule 6: Try the Simple Things First
g. Rule 7: Become a Researcher
h. Rule 8: Divide and Conquer
i. Rule 9: Write Things Down
j. Rule 10: Don’t Assume the Worst
k. Rule 11: Reboot and Start Over
l. Rule 12: Use the Least Invasive Solution First
m. Rule 13: Know Your Starting Point
17.Discuss the list of questions that can help students learn as much as possible
about a problem and its root cause.
19.Discuss the process students can follow to form their best guess and test it:
a. Reproduce the problem and observe for yourself what the user has
described
b. Decide if the problem is hardware or software related
c. Make your best guess as to the source of the problem, and don’t forget to
question the obvious
23.Review the suggestions that students should follow in order to plan their
solution and fix the problem.
25.Discuss the importance of verifying all is well with the system once the fix
has been applied.
26.Point out that after the user has verified all is working, ask “Could this
problem have been prevented?”. Instruct the user on what should be done to
prevent future problems.
4. Note that a computer that has collected too much dust will probably
experience overheating issues due to the lack of proper airflow. Dust can also
clog system fans and prevent them from operating properly.
6. Discuss proper airflow for computer cases and cover various methods used to
guide airflow, such as: replacing a fan, managing slot openings, maintaining
adequate space around the case, ensuring the cooler is properly connected,
updating the motherboard’s firmware, etc.
Pro Tip
1. Discuss how laptops receive power from an AC adapter and store it in lithium-
ion battery packs.
2. Point out that some mobile users like to keep an extra battery on hand in
case the first one uses up its charge.
3. Discuss some of the problems students might encounter with laptop power
systems along with solutions.
5. Note that drivers should be updated if they are out of date and if the problem
seems related to a specific piece of hardware, such as the video card.
1. Introduce students to the Startup Repair utility, which can be used to restore
many of the Windows files needed for a successful boot after continuous
restart errors.
2. Explain that Windows will try to automatically run the Startup Repair process.
Demonstrate how to manually run Startup Repair from the Windows 10/8
setup DVD or USB drive.
4. Explain how a POST diagnostic card can be used to help identify issues during
the POST phase of booting a computer.
Key Terms
AC adapter: A device that converts AC to DC and can use regular house current to
power a laptop computer.
auto-switching: A function of a laptop computer's AC adapter that enables it to
automatically switch between 110-V and 220-V AC power.
blue screen of death (BSOD): A Windows error that occurs in kernel mode, is
displayed against a blue screen, and causes the system to halt. The error might be
caused by problems with devices, device drivers, or a corrupted Windows
installation. Also called a stop error.
case fan: A fan inside a computer case that's used to draw air out of or into the
case.
cooler: A cooling system that sits on top of a processor and consists of a fan and a
heat sink.
discolored capacitor: An indicator of a failing motherboard; such capacitors might
have bulging heads or crusty corrosion at their base.
driver store: The location where Windows stores a copy of the driver software
when first installing a device.
Event Viewer: A Windows tool useful for troubleshooting problems with Windows,
applications, and hardware. It displays logs of significant events, such as a
hardware or network failure, OS failure, OS error messages, a device or service that
has failed to start, and General Protection Faults.
expert system: Software that helps to troubleshoot problems. It uses a database
of known facts and rules to simulate a human expert's reasoning and decision-
making processes.
lithium ion: Currently the most popular type of battery for notebook computers; it
is more efficient than earlier types.
Memory Diagnostic Tool: A Windows utility (mdsched.exe) used to test a
computer’s memory.
modular power supply: Also called a modular cable system, which includes
detached power cables that you can plug into connectors on the side of the unit.
processor thermal trip error: A problem in which the processor overheats and
the system restarts.
Additional Resources
Internet Resources
Example of a Mineral Oil Cooled PC:
https://www.pugetsystems.com/submerged.php
How to Build a Custom Water Cooled PC: Beginner's Guide to Your First Open
Loop:
https://www.build-gaming-computers.com/custom-water-cooling-pc.html