1. Nick Sims http://www.novatech.co.uk/

2.  Task 1: in pairs discuss and make a list of all the components that a computer system may require (Deadline: 40 seconds).  Videos – how to build a PC

3. Here is a motherboard specification. MSI G41M-P25 Intel G41 (Socket 775) Motherboard Intel Core 2 Support, Micro ATX, DDR3 (max 8GB), Intel Graphics, 6 x USB2, 4 x SATA 3Gb/s, 1 x DVI, 1 x VGA, 5.1 Audio. Work in pairs and write down what you can tell from this specification for the motherboard?

4.  Choosing your computer case seems pretty straight forward.  There are a few different factors (the physical size and shape of a device) that you need to be aware of.  Is your motherboard ATX or BTX?  For example the new BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) format cases are not as common, but it is important to point out that almost all motherboards which are ATX will not fit inside this BTX case.BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)

5.  ATX means (Advanced Technology eXtended)  This is a motherboard de facto standard developed by Intel in 1995.  De facto means the wide spread use of /or standard use of (but not necessarily implemented via law...) ... By having a standard means that different manufacturers’ components (i.e. the computer tower chassis/case) can be used with this type ATX standard

6.  The fundamental component of the motherboard is the chipset and this determines which CPU can work on the motherboard (there must be compatible socket)  It also determines the type of RAM to be used (DDR2, DDR3 or DDR2 / DDR3)  http://en.kioskea.net/faq/1876-choosing-the- right-motherboard http://en.kioskea.net/faq/1876-choosing-the- right-motherboard  http://www.build-gaming-computer- guide.com/correct-ram-for-your- motherboard.html http://www.build-gaming-computer- guide.com/correct-ram-for-your- motherboard.html

7.  A poor quality PSU with unstable and fluctuating power output can cause all sorts of problems with your computer ◦ Such as damaged components due to a power surge, to crashes and reboots due to power levels falling too low

8.  How much Ram will I need to purchase? ◦ 4GB is very cheap to buy these days  What happens if I do not have enough RAM ◦ The less RAM you have, the more likely Windows will have to start swapping out pages of memory to your hard drive, drastically cutting your system's performance.

9.  Checking your system's user manual to identify the types of RAM your PC's motherboard supports is a good place to start  Or visit the manufacturer's Web site and search for downloadable manuals  Check your RAM and connector types: ◦ Determine which of the four types of RAM your system uses:  DRAM (EDO or FPM), SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, or RDRAM. All four types are mounted on one of three module types: SIMM, DIMM, or RIMM.

10.  The frontside bus carries data between the central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge  If your system comes with say PC66 SDRAM, you can use PC100 SDRAM to replace it and get the quicker speed, as long as your PC's frontside bus supports the higher rate.  But if you mix RAM of different speeds, all RAM will operate at the speed of the slowest chip. Memory speed: SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and RDRAM are rated to match or exceed the PC's frontside bus speed, which is the speed at which data moves between the CPU and RAM.

12.  The most basic DDR2 memory then adding 2GB to a PC could cost you under £30 online, even including postage and packing.

13.  Microsoft says that 32-bit Windows 7 requires 1GB of RAM at a minimum, rising to 2GB if you've opted for the 64-bit version. Microsoft says  A 32-bit microprocessor can process data and memory addresses that are represented by 32 bits (8 bits to a byte, so how many bytes are used?)memory addresses  64-bit therefore refers to a processor with registers that store 64-bit numbers

14.  Selecting either Intel or AMD will pose an interesting dilemma.  Right now, Intel is the considered the best. Its “Core i7” range is very fast and, is thought to outperform anything most AMD processors.  However, you have to take into account the price, therefore looking for value for money an AMD processor may offer a much better deal.

15.  The graphics card is becoming far more than just a luxury for a gamer player.  The architecture of a graphics card improves every year, and  GPU can enable 3D graphics to be seen, it can now be used to enhance your web browsing experience and as well as enable the enjoyment of high-definition media

16.  Assignment 4 – see the VLE Assignment 4  BTEC IT Games and Interactive Systems Level 3 Yr1 folder  Unit 2 - Computer Systems folder  Assignment 4 – Specification folder

17. MSI G41M-P25 Intel G41 (Socket 775) Motherboard Intel Core 2 Support, Micro ATX, DDR3 (max 8GB), Intel Graphics, 6 x USB2, 4 x SATA 3Gb/s, 1 x DVI, 1 x VGA, 5.1 Audio. What can we tell from this specification for the motherboard?

18. MSI G41M-P25 Intel G41 (Socket 775) Motherboard Intel Core 2 Support, Micro ATX, DDR3 (max 8GB), Intel Graphics, 6 x USB2, 4 x SATA 3Gb/s, 1 x DVI, 1 x VGA, 5.1 Audio. What can we tell about this motherboard? Supports micro ATX standard chassis. Supports DDR3 RAM – maximum of 8GB RAM can be used. Supports a SATA hard drive Supports an Intel Core processor (Socket 775 means Socket 775, also known as LGA 775 or Socket T, is an Intel desktop CPU socket) Supports Digital Visual Interface (DVI) which is a video interface standard covering the transmission of video between a source device Supports VGA which is Video Graphics Array is a three- row 15-pin DE-15 connector. The 15-pin VGA connector is found on many video cards, computer monitors, and some high definition television sets Supports audio

19.  http://www.techradar.com/news/computing- components/how-much-ram-do-i-need-- 721332 http://www.techradar.com/news/computing- components/how-much-ram-do-i-need-- 721332  http://www.techradar.com/news/computing- components/best-computer-how-to- choose-the-right-one-935053 http://www.techradar.com/news/computing- components/best-computer-how-to- choose-the-right-one-935053  http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techti ps-01july06.htm http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techti ps-01july06.htm  http://www.pcworld.com/article/113460/har dware_tips_choose_the_right_kind_of_memor y_for_your_system.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/113460/har dware_tips_choose_the_right_kind_of_memor y_for_your_system.html