Specifications

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Real Problems, Real Solutions
3
PROJECT 3-7: Labeling the Motherboard
Figure 3-66 shows a blank diagram of an ATX motherboard. Using what you learned in this
chapter and in previous chapters, label as many components as you can. If you would like
to print the diagram, look for “Figure 3-66” on the CD that accompanies this book.
Figure 3-66 Label the motherboard
Courtesy of Intel Corporation
>>
REAL PROBLEMS, REAL SOLUTIONS
REAL PROBLEM 3-1: Troubleshooting an Unstable Motherboard
Mary is responsible for all the PCs used by herself and her 10 coworkers in a small real
estate firm. When a problem gets too complicated for her, she packs up the PC and sends it
off to a local computer store for repair. For the last couple of weeks, Adriana’s computer
has been hanging at odd times. Last week, Mary reinstalled Windows XP, but the problem
has not gone away, so now Mary suspects a hardware problem. The next thing she wants to
do is reinstall the drivers for the motherboard. To practice this skill, locate the CD that
came with your motherboard and explore what’s on the CD. Then install all the drivers
stored on the CD that pertain to your system, along with any updates to these drivers
published on the motherboard manufacturer’s Web site. Answer these questions:
1. What is the brand and model of the motherboard?
2. What chipset does this board use?
3. What troubleshooting utilities are found on the CD that came bundled with the board?
4. What manuals (most likely in PDF format) are found on the CD?
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