Computer hardware component families

wb_incandescentOverview

Choose one of the following component families from the list of buttons above. Become a specialist in what role your component plays in the HP Compaq 4000 computer system, how it communicates with other components, ways it might fail, and so forth. Read your component section carefully: links are provided for in-depth reading and understanding.

list Group 1: Power supply & cooling

The computer power supply takes in 110 volts of alternating current power from the "wall" and converts it to direct (non-alternating) current of low voltages for the computer's electronic components.

Component caution: DO NOT UNSCREW THE POWER SUPPLY ITSELF

Here's a feature article about the 240 Watt power supply in our HP 4000 Pro

Use this wikipedia link for extensive background on this component.

list Group 2: Processor

At this early stage of the class, we're not going to remove the big aluminum heat sync on top to read the specs on the actual chip. Alternatively, here's a photo of the spec screen inside the Kali Linux settings page. You can use this to answer your questions on Canvas.

Use this wikipedia link for extensive background on this component.

list Group 3: Random Access Memory (RAM)

Start with the official wikipedia on our RAM

A RAM DIMM (aka "ram stick") just removed by your instructor:

list Group 4: Motherboard

We can use the sticker on the mother board itself to hunt down the official specs page for this component on the Interwebs:

When looking up a replacement cost, Eric used the SP# on the sticker, but you could try the other codes, too.

Resources on mother boards

list Group 5: Permanent Storage / Hard Drive

Hard Drive resources

list Group 6: Optical data storage drive

Nobody signed up for this in our class yet...stay tuned

list Group 7: Network interface

The network interface for our HP Compaq Pro 4000 is embedded on the motherboard itself. We can also install an additional Network Interface Controller (NIC) card, like the one taped to the dry erase board in the back of the room. You'll find a box containing many more of these NICs on top of the book shelf, by the window. Get a box, open it, and look up the official specs online.

list Group 8: Input/Output Peripherals

Nobody signed up for this in our class yet...stay tuned