CIS 290 Week 3 Worksheets (Appendices D & E)

Complete the following worksheets located in the appendices document on the student website:

• Motherboard Worksheet and Tech Paper (Appendix D)
• Power Supply Worksheet and Tech Paper (Appendix E)

Appendix D – Motherboard Components Identification Worksheet

The motherboard, the main printed circuit board in a computer, contains the computer’s basic circuitry and components. The motherboard carries the central processing unit and system buses, and it is equipped with sockets that connect to the computer’s memory module, processors, plug-in cards, and peripheral devices.

Computer Hardware Simulator:

https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/AXIA/cis280/Computer_Hardware_Simulator.html

Appendix E – Power Supply Worksheet

When determining the type of power supply unit (PSU) needed to run your computer and all of its components, there are certain factors to keep in mind:

• Maximum Output – This is the number of watts the power supply is capable of delivering. The higher the wattage, the more power available. By determining the amount of wattage you need to run a computer, you could avoid spending more money than necessary on the power supply.

• Efficiency Rating – This determines how much energy your power supply uses to deliver the necessary wattage to run your computer. Most power supplies have an efficiency rating of 70% or higher at full load.

• Cooling – The more wattage there is, the more heat produced. The power supply should have at least one 80 mm fan to cool the system. Power supplies with over 400 watts should have two 80 mm fans or one 120 mm fan to effectively cool the machine.

• Power Connectors – Make sure the power supply comes with enough power connectors to run your computer. Refer to Ch. 4 of your text.

Activity One, Part A: Determining Wattage

Using the chart you created in Week Two’s Comparing Computers Worksheet, determine how much power you would need to run your dream computer. In the chart below, list the make and model of your computer’s components and research online to determine how much wattage is required to run them.

Dream Computer Components and Wattage

*Several “Power Supply Calculators” are available online

Activity One, Part B: Power Supply Search

Now that you know the amount of wattage you need to run your dream computer, you can look for a power supply. Search the Internet for two different power supplies that would work with your computer and fill in the chart below. Then make a decision on which power supply you would purchase and explain why.

Dream Computer Power Supply

Justify your decision on a power supply: _______________________________________________

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Activity Two: Finding a Power Supply for Computer Hardware Simulator Computer

Refer to the computer used in the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS) and find out approximately how much wattage is required to run it. Then, search online for a power supply that is compatible with the computer and fill in the chart below. Give your reasoning on why you chose the power supply. You only have $50.00 to purchase a power supply not including shipping, so look carefully.

Computer Hardware Simulator:

https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/AXIA/cis280/Computer_Hardware_Simulator.html

Power Supply for Computer Hardware Simulator Computer

Justify your choice of power supply:__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

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