Re-building my PC after a catastrophic failure.
At first, I thought it was just another day at the office, but after all was said and done, and I closed the front door, glad to be home, I wondered
There was a distinct smell of “Burning”, you know that electrical arcing smell, I went on the hunt, determined to find the source. It didn't take long, to find the source, my P.C. screen was blank, and the hard drive seek light was flashing like a strobe. I found it strange that the DVD Rom light was also flashing at an alarming rate, and as I neared the offending article, I could hear rapid “Clicking”.
O.K. don't panic, keep calm and approach it logically. First switch the machine off, and then see what's going on. When I switched on the screen, there was nothing, so I tried a forced shutdown, strange, nothing there either, no response. O.K. main power switch to off, everything went quiet. Well let's see if those hours of studying have taught you anything!
I cleared a working space, armed myself with an anti-static band, three screwdrivers, pliers, (long nosed of course), a notebook, pen, multi meter, and torch. Disconnecting the machine from the mains, I started to disassemble the side casing, and then attached my earth strap. I carried out a visual inspection of the motherboard, and although I couldn't see any obvious signs of burning, I did notice that one of the chips seemed to be a funny shape, with the top of it being curved, or bubbled. I worked methodically through the Power supply, checking voltages +5v only reading +2.1v, +3V reading +1.1v. So the power supply and the motherboard were both showing signs of damage/failure. I did some internet research, only to find that a common problem with my particular brand and model of P.C. were prone to a triple failure of the PSU, motherboard, and Processor.
I made notes as I went through, and after some research, decided that as my machine was almost 3 years old, I could replace the Motherboard, Processor, and PSU with a current model/standard, almost as cheaply as I could replace them with the old standard. I decided that as I use the machine for 3D CAD applications, a 64 bit processor, or dual core processor would be a minimum standard to apply. A trip to the local Maplin store produced an almost unbeatable offer on an AMD 64 bit motherboard and processor bundle, and the PSU was also on special offer. A few checks to ensure that memory etc was compatible, and I was soon parted from my hard earned cash.
Armed with new found confidence, a new motherboard etc, I set about the re-build. Having just completed the section on building your own, or upgrading your PC, I was confident, although apprehensive. I stripped the old unit down, and carefully checking and marking the cables to the motherboard, I was soon in a position to remove the old Board. I checked the spacers, and ensured that they lined up properly, ensured that the fan was cleaned, I started the re-build. I was able to fit the new board by sliding the DVD drive forward, but without removing it completely, and replacing the PSU first was good, with plenty of room for manoeuvre. All in all it took me just over 2 hours start to finish, for the actual re-build, but I had spend hours planning and preparing. The whole experience was slightly scary, and at times a little unnerving, but really fulfilling, and has given my confidence a great boost. I know that I wouldn't have had the guts to do this 5 months ago, but now I know I could quite happily tackle it again.
Thanks for giving me the skills I needed.
Bill Ross
-William
Ive been studying the course for a month and a half now and im acheiving around 80% in each assignment, which is a real supprise to me. what I have learnt so far has helped me to sort out problems with my home pc and friends with regards to motherboard faliures. Being able to diagnose a problem, a replace the required hardware and configure it to run again.
-Adam
Managed to read the booklets at least once a week.I can now construct a computer on my own by buying parts from shops, I installed the operating system, upgraded the system BIOS and can now understand how to check for faults in a computer.
-Tafadzwa
I THINK I HAVE REALLY ACHIEVED A GOOD RESULT AS I AM WORKING UNDER PRESSURE AND STILL GETTING GOOD RESULT WITH THE COURSE WORK.I DON'T HAVE TIME TO STUDY AT HOME AT ALL,I DO STUDY IN A BUS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND ALSO SOMETIMES MY BREAK TIMES.FOR ME IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY AT ALL AS YOU CAN IMAGINED THE DISTURBANCES AROUND ESPECIALLY IN A BUS.
-Kofi
Knowing only the basics of computers, I feel that I have surpased my own expectations in obtaining the knowledge that I can suceed in obtaing a great career in i.t .
-Graham
Since I started this course I have learn a lot about basics of PC and its intresting to learn. As I am working full time its very difficult for me to study but anyway I am trying to do my best to achieve my objective.
-Asif
WHEN I FIRST STARTED I ONLY KNEW HOW TO SWITCH A COMPUTER ON, NOW I KNOW WHATS INSIDE AS WELL.
-Mark
Getting 100% in my first TMA also with what I learnt about the trouble-shooting models. I put into practice at work when the restaurant's P.O.S network went down and when the online restaurant booking system would not work. Here I used the Comp TIA's netwok+ trouble-shooting model to fix the problem.
-Paul
After a difficult time adjusting to a new job, I have managed to get back on course and complete the A+ section of my study. I'm now well on my way working through the N+ section and revising for my exams on A+ which I know I will do well in!
-David
I suffered a left sided paralyzing stroke the next day after the london bombing in July 05. until nowI'm still desperately recovering. although my left hand and foot are still not completely ok. my mind is still doing ok and struggled and really did my best to make the most of whatI have in life henceI decided to study in this cyber college. I will make it through. I know I will.
-Rey
For managing to do up the new house up will still doing my course and then join a band as a bass player, even if it means having to learn the insturment!
Life is for living and 20 hours a day thats what I do.
-James
I GOT 95% ON MY 1st TMA I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD GET THAT SCORE. I AM REALY PROUD OF MYSELF & I FEEL LIKE I HAVE LEARN'T ALOT .& IT HAS GIVEN ME MORE CONFIDENCE.
-James
I FEEL THAT I HAVE ACHEIVED A LOT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS SINCE STARTING THE COURSE THAT I`M ON. I WORK LONG HOURS AS A CHEF AND I COME HOME LATE AT NIGHT TO DO AN HOUR OR SO STUDY TIME ,EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAD TO RESUBMIT A COUPLE OF MY TMA`S I`M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO REST OF MY COUSRE AND MY FUTURE IN COMPUTERS.
-Mark
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