Phillip Schneider Information Services Librarian Gail Borden Public Library District Building a PC Part 3

Solving common problems Diagnosing the problem part Should I upgrade? How to purchase a new part Installing the new part Properly disposing old parts Agenda

Searching through ads Solving Common Problems

Diagnosing a problem 101 Always try the simplest solutions first  Check cords, power strip, buttons, etc. Replacing parts are expensive do this as a last resort. Replace one part at a time Solving Common Problems

My computer will not turn on! Solutions Is your computer plugged in? Is the power supply switch in the on position? Is the power supply voltage switch on 115v? Is your outlet functioning properly? Make sure all internal connections are fine. Solving Common Problems

My computer Turns on, but Windows does not boot! Solutions Is your hard drive properly plugged in? Go into bios and make sure the hard drive is being recognized Start up with a Windows disc inserted to repair Windows Solving Common Problems

My computer turns on but I get no image Solutions Is your monitor on? Is your monitor on the right input? Is your computer plugged into the monitor? Did your cord go bad? Is your graphics card plugged in properly? Did your video port go bad? Did you plug your cord into the correct computer port? Solving Common Problems

Searching through ads Diagnosing the Problem Part

Problem=Turns on Windows doesn’t boot Most likely culprits Bad Sata cord Bad Sata port Bad Hard drive Diagnosing the Problem Part

Problem=Turns on, but turns off or crashes Most likely culprits Room temperature is too high Fan died Thermal Paste needs to be replaced on CPU/GPU RAM or Motherboard is damaged Diagnosing the Problem Part

Problem=Turns on with no image Most likely culprits Bad Cable or Port Bad Graphics card Bad Ram Bad Monitor Bad CPU/APU Diagnosing the Problem Part

Problem= No power no lights Most likely culprits Bad Power supply Bad Motherboard Diagnosing the Problem Part

Narrowing down culprits Before anything visual inspect the item for damage first Diagnosing the Problem Part

Narrowing down culprits Try the “bad” part in another computer Try a good part in its place Try the “bad” part in other slots For “bad” RAM remove one at a time to determine the bad stick Diagnosing the Problem Part

Searching through ads Should I Upgrade?

Reasons to Upgrade Too slow Can not run a new program Ran out of hard drive space Want to increase the life span of an older machine Fun/Bragging rights/You have too much money

Should I Upgrade? Upgrade CPU Increase speed of your computer Check passmark.com to see if the upgrade will be significant Purchase a good CPU cooler and overclock it Speed increases up to 20% are possible Does your motherboard support Overclocking? Do you have an AMD or Intel K series processor?

Should I Upgrade? Upgrade RAM Will allow you to run more programs at once Open Task manager if Physical Memory is under 100% you don’t need more RAM

Should I Upgrade? Upgrade Hard Drive Upgrade to a SSD or Hybrid drive for up faster Windows and program start up times Add an extra Hard drive or an external drive for more storage You can always increase space with cloud storage to save money on hardware.

Should I Upgrade? Upgrade GPU Allows you to have a higher resolution monitor or multiple monitors Allows you to play higher resolution videos Increase the graphics on video games and play the newest games

Searching through ads How to Purchase a New Part

Do your Homework First! Replace with the exact same part Make sure your motherboard is compatible Make sure your PSU can handle the upgrade Make sure the new part will fit in your case How to Purchase a New Part

Fry’s Electronics Location: 3300 Finley Road Downers Grove, IL Price Match Friendly knowledgeable staff Products out to test Massive selection How to Purchase a New Part

Newegg/Amazon Great reviews for all items Great customer service and return policies Fast shipping Lower or no Taxes Lower Prices How to Purchase a New Part

Asus Gigabyte MSI Kingston Corsair Adata Western Digital EVGA XFX Zotac How to Purchase a New Part Trusted Brands

Brands to avoid Patriot (ECS)Elite-Group Biostar Lepar Logisys Super Talent Or anything you never heard of How to Purchase a New Part

Craigslist/Ebay/Amazon Good items at a discounted price Be careful of condition when purchasing Computer part longevity = 5 years Format all used hard drives to avoid viruses Look for warranty refurbished parts on Newegg.com How to Purchase a New Part

Searching through ads Installing a New Part

Tips Remember to turn off and unplug your computer Remember to ground yourself on metal Be careful and gentle Test computer before you close up your case Installing a New Part

Searching through ads Properly Disposing Old Parts

Kane County Locations St. Charles Public Works West Dundee Public Works MRK Group Event (Last Friday of every month) Elgin Recycling Or sell items on eBay or Craigslist If Functional Donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army Properly Disposing Old Parts

THANKS FOR COMING! Stay to practice replacing computer parts if you have time. Remember to check out our other great Technology classes! Questions?