Objective:

• I can demonstrate my understanding of PC Hardware fundamentals by disassembling a PC and successfully reassembling the PC so that I can better understand the internal hardware architecture of a common PC.

Standards:

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Objective:
2.2 – Explain the purpose of common internal computing components.

• Motherboard/system board
• Firmware/basic input/output system (BIOS)
• Random-access memory (RAM)
• Central processing unit (CPU)
• Graphics processing unit (GPU)
• Storage
• Network interface card (NIC)
  • Wired vs. wireless
  • Onboard vs. expansion card

Resources:

• How to Take Apart, Clean, Reassemble Dell Optiplex780 (Video) 
• How to Apply Thermal Paste (Video)

Assignment:

1. Follow along with the in-class demonstration to disassemble, inspect, and reassemble the internal components of a Dell Optiplex 780 PC workstation.
2. Each student will open up their PC, remove and inspect the Hard Drive, RAM, Video Card and CPU, and identify and inspect the Motherboard, BIOS chip, Network Interface hardware and Expansion Slots.
3. Acquire a philips head screwdriver from the front table and follow the in-class demonstration to carefully remove the heatsink assembly, exposing the CPU. Inspect the CPU and return it to its original socket. Then replace the heatsink assembly according to the provided in-class demonstration.
4. Reassemble the PC and have Mister inspect it to complete and receive credit for today’s Lab Activity.

Posted: January 27th, 2026