Overview
Objective
The goal is to know how to build your own basic computer, its parts, and to know how it works. You will demonstrate this by building a replica of the interior and exterior of a computer tower out of any types of materials, but you may not use real parts. You will then create a video advertising your PC (personal computer) and explaining its parts and functions. Check the class calendar for the due date and glance at the rubric overview.
Groups
You may choose to work alone on the project or choose one partner (no more than a total of two students per group, no exceptions).
Content
You must use all of the parts that are listed below to build the computer tower; will make your own parts using common items such as cardboard. You may not label the parts. You will use the information taught from the class along with additional research on your own to further develop knowledge on how to build a computer.
Each of the parts should closely resemble the actual computer part in size, appearance, but not weight. The most efficient way is to take a photo or find a picture of the part on the Internet, print it out in color, and glue it to cardboard with the appropriate shape.
The CPU can be built in any interior/exterior design but the interior of the CPU must be able to be viewable from one side.
PC Requirements
Exterior Structure & Design
§ Most students use a cardboard box for the computer case and modify the shape to fit their exterior design idea. Choose a unique design theme and decorate, color, and create that theme for your computer. One of the large sides of the computer must be accessible or open so that the parts can easily be seen.
Front view of the computer
§ CD/DVD Optical Drive
§ Power Button
§ Brand Logo
-You create your own computer name/brand logo in the program of your choice (e.g. Microsoft Word, Paint, Photoshop, etc.).
-Also, in MS Word, type "Designed and Assembled by Your Name(s)" and include a small photo of you or your group next to the text. Print it out and place it on the computer.
Computer Interior
-Each of the interior parts must relate and coordinate with the front and back of the CPU
Motherboard
Expansion Slots
o ISA slot(s) (optional)
o PCI slot(s)
o VGA slot(s)
o RAM slot(s)
o RAM slot(s)
Cards
o Any appropriate AGP card for the AGP slot
o Any appropriate PCI card for the PCI slot
Other Parts
o IDE Connector
o Power Connector
o Processor with a small fan on top of it
o Battery (Circular)
o Memory (RAM)
o Memory (ROM)
Ports
§ PS/2 Mouse Connector (green)
§ PS/2 Keyboard Connector (purple)
§ USB Ports (minimum of one)
§ Parallel Port (red)
§ Microphone Jack (pink/red)
§ Audio Out Jack (green)
§ Ethernet Network Port (for Internet)
Visible on the back of the computer
-the colors below do not have to be exact but most use these colors
-make sure that the ports line up with your motherboard
§ All motherboard ports
§ Power Connector slot & vent for power supply
§ PCI & AGP cards
Drives
§ Hard Drive
§ CD/DVD Drive
Other Required Parts
§ Power supply and fan for power supply
§ Side fan for the whole computer
§ All necessary IDE cables and power wires inside the computer
Watch the video below and don't forget to comment and thumbs up.
Optional
For those looking for more of a challenge and a way to earn more points, you can make your computer in Google Sketchup instead of a physical computer. Must email and ask for approval within one week of the start date of the project.
I
Project Grade Breakdown
Computer Tower - 66% (2/3)
Interview - 34% (1/3)
nterview
Each group will sign up to have an interview with the teacher and is graded separately. Each student in the group will be asked about 5 various questions on the parts and how it works and will be graded individually on this section. The following are a some broad sample questions:
§ What is this part called
§ How does this part work? (basic information)
§ Why is this part important?
§
All of the directions on this page will be updated Aug 16, 2010 for the 2010-11 class.How does this part effect the rest of the computer?