Lesson Plan

Course Title: Computer Maintenance

Session Title: Motherboards
Lesson Duration: 180 minutes

Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will understand the importance of the
motherboard, how it functions, and the many types of motherboards in the market today.

Specific Objectives:
• Describe the function of the motherboard.
• Identify the different types of motherboards and their functions.
• Identify the main components of the motherboard
• Determine the capabilities and limitations of the system.
• Identify the considerations when purchasing a motherboard.
• Recognize Expansion Card Architecture
• Recognize the relationship between CPU and Bus speeds and how to control them.
• Recognize the hardware configuration using DIP switches, jumpers, and CMOS.
• Identify the components of a typical board system layout.
• Identify the characteristics of various other motherboard layout types.
• Describe troubleshooting techniques and maintenance tips.
• Remove and install a motherboard in a PC.
• Sketch and label the components of a motherboard in a PC.

Preparation

TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.

130.273(c)(1)
The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, employability, and
successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:
(A) identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job
advancement such as regular attendance, promptness, attention to proper attire, maintenance
of a clean and safe work environment, appropriate voice, and pride in work;
(B) identify and demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness,
initiative, listening attentively to speakers, and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills;
(C) employ effective reading and writing skills;
(G) identify and implement proper safety procedures;

130.273(c)(3)
The student applies academic skills to the requirements of computer technologies. The student
is expected to:
(D) interpret appropriate documentation such as schematics, drawings, charts, diagrams,

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technical manuals, and bulletins.

130.273(c)(4)
The student acquires an understanding of computer technologies. The student is expected to:
(A) explain the fundamentals of microprocessor theory;
(D) explain proper troubleshooting techniques as related to computer hardware;
(F) explain the relationships relative to data-communications theory;
(G) describe the architecture of various computer systems;
(H) describe the function of computer components such as central processing units, storage
devices, and peripheral devices; and
(I) explain computer system environmental requirements and related control devices.

130.273(c)(5)
The student knows the proper function and application of the tools, equipment, and materials
used in computer technologies. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate safe use of equipment in computer technologies such as hand and power
tools;
(B) employ available reference documentation such as tools, materials, and Internet sources to
access information as needed;

130.273(c)(6)
The student applies the concepts and skills of the trade in simulated work situations. The
student is expected to:
(C) identify the operational features and proper terminology related to computer systems;
(D) identify the various components of a computer system such as the central processor, basic
input and output system, read-only memory, and random access memory; and

130.273(c)(7)
The student uses hardware design, operation, and maintenance knowledge and skills to provide
computer support. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the purpose and function of computer components in the operation of the computer
system such as central processing unit, mother board, sockets, chipsets, basic input and output
system and their drivers, memory, hard drive technologies, video cards, input and output
devices and ports, and modem and network interface cards (NIC);
(D) assemble and install a basic computer system; and
(E) install and configure computer components and peripherals.

125.46(c)(8)
The student uses troubleshooting skills with hardware knowledge to solve client problems. The
student is expected to:
(A) understand the rationale behind error messages and symptoms of hardware failures;
(D) test system using diagnostic tools and software;
(J) repair malfunctioning hardware systems;

Instructor/Trainer
References:
Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers 4th Edition, Lesson 2: Standard Methods of Input
PC Upgrade and Repair Simplified 2nd Edition
Comp TIA’s A+ Certification Handbook
www.Intel.com

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Instructional Aids:
1. Motherboard PowerPoint Presentation
2. Motherboard PowerPoint Presentation – Handouts
3. Motherboard Organizer
4. Motherboard Exam
5. Motherboard Exam Key
6. Motherboard – Lab
7. Motherboard – Lab Scoring Rubric

Materials Needed:
1. Copies of the Organizer (1 per student)
2. Copies of the Lab Assignment (1 per student)

Equipment Needed:
1. A projection system to play the PowerPoint presentation
2. Computers that the student can take apart and work with

Learner
Students should read the appropriate curriculum material on motherboards, depending on the
text/ curriculum being used for this course. This lesson can be taught with only the PowerPoint
presentation, and the equipment outlined above.

Introduction

MI Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):

SAY: The motherboard houses the CPU and allows all other devices to
communicate within the PC.

SAY: The motherboard is also called the system board and is the most complex
component in the computer.

ASK: Has anyone ever seen the motherboard inside the computer? It is the single
largest printed circuit board inside the computer and is either green or gold.

SAY: There are several factors that should be considered when selecting a
motherboard, such as the form factor, power management, processor socket,
chipsets, memory, buses, and BIOS. We will go over these factors in further
detail.

Outline

MI Outline (LSI Quadrant II): Instructor Notes:

Lesson Introduction and Overview (PPT Slides 1-4) Note: Instructors can use
I. Describe the function of the motherboard the PowerPoint slides,
(PPT Slide 5). handouts, and note pages in
II. Identify the different types of motherboards conjunction with the following
and their characteristics (PPT Slide 6). outline.
III. Identify the main components of the
motherboard (PPT Slide 7).

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 Note: The teacher should
IV. Determine the capabilities and limitations of handout 1 Motherboards
the motherboard system (PPT Slide 8). Organizer per student.
V. Identify considerations when purchasing a Display the PowerPoint
motherboard (PPT Slide 9). presentation, Motherboards,
1. Information provided on the system using a computer and
clock and chipset (PPT Slides 10-14). projector. Students will fill in
2. Information provided on the bus the organizer during the
systems and expansion slots (PPT presentation.
Slides 15-17).
VI. Recognize Expansion Card Architecture
(PPT Slides 19-23).
VII. Recognize the relationship between the
CPU and Bus speeds and how to control
them (PPT Slides 24-26).
VIII. Recognize hardware configuration using
DIP switches, jumpers, and CMOS (PPT
Slides 27-29).
IX. Identify the components of the typical board
system layout (PPT Slide 30).
X. Identify the characteristics of other types of
motherboard layouts (PPT Slides 31-36).
XI. Describe troubleshooting techniques and
maintenance tips (PPT Slides 37-38).

XII. The students remove and install a The teacher should hand out
motherboard on a PC (refer to the lab the Lab Assignment 1 sheet
assignment sheet for the steps). to the students and review
the instructions.
XIII. Sketch and label the components of a
motherboard in a PC (refer to the lab Using a PC, the teacher
assignment sheet for the steps). should now demonstrate how
to properly remove and install
a motherboard by following
the steps listed on the lab
assignment sheet. Allow the
students to make notes that
will help them during the lab
activity on the lab sheets.

Application
MI Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. The teacher demonstrates each lab principle.
2. The teacher maintains direct supervision in the lab, providing guidance when
warranted.

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MI Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Students work individually on lab assignments, demonstrating their skills in
identifying and discussing the various lab requirements and results.

Summary

MI Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):

Checking for understanding (Q&A Session)
Q: What is the main function of the motherboard?
A: The motherboard houses the CPU and allows all other devices to
communicate within the PC.

Q: What is another name for the motherboard?

A: System board.

Q: Name the four types of motherboards?

A: ATX, Baby ATX, AT, and mini AT.

Q: What are some of the components found on the motherboard?

A: CPU, system clock, buses, expansion slots, BIOS, memory, CMOS.

Q: What are some of the things you should look for when choosing a
motherboard?
A: Form factor, Power management, processor socket, chipset, memory,
buses, and BIOS.
Evaluation

MI Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):

Monitor student progress during independent practice and provide independent re-
teach/redirection as needed.

MI Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):

Use the Lab Assignment Scoring Rubric
Use the Motherboard Exam and Exam Key.

Extension

MI Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):

▪ Students that have mastered the lab assignments can peer-tutor students (one-
on-one) that are having difficulty performing the lab.
▪ Students demonstrating mastery of the lab assignments may also be called
upon to apply learning by assisting the Campus Technologist in maintaining,
repairing, or upgrading campus equipment.

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 Personal Development
Icon MI Teaching Strategies
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal Reading, highlighting, outlining,
Verbal/ writing, cooperative learning, teaching others, reciting information
Linguistic word origins
Problem-solving, number Organizing material logically, explaining
Logical/ games, critical thinking, things sequentially, finding patterns,
Mathematical classifying and organizing, developing systems, outlining, charting,
Socratic questioning graphing, analyzing information
Mind-mapping, reflective Developing graphic organizers, mind-
time, graphic organizers, mapping, charting, graphing, organizing
Visual/Spatial color-coding systems, with color, mental imagery (drawing in
drawings, designs, video, the mind’s eye)
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs Creating rhythms out of words, creating
Musical/ or raps, use musical rhythms with instruments, playing an
Rhythmic language or metaphors instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Use manipulatives, hand Moving while learning, pacing while
signals, pantomime, real life reciting, acting out scripts of material,
Bodily/
situations, puzzles and board designing games, moving fingers under
Kinesthetic games, activities, role- words while reading
playing, action problems
Reflective teaching, Reflecting on personal meaning of
interviews, reflective listening, information, studying in quiet settings,
Intrapersonal KWL charts imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Cooperative learning, role- Studying in a group, discussing
Interpersonal playing, group brainstorming, information, using flash cards with
cross-cultural interactions others, teaching others

Natural objects as Connecting with nature, forming study

Naturalist manipulatives and as a groups with like-minded people
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life Considering the personal relationship to
situations, global the larger context
Existentialist
problems/questions

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Motherboards PowerPoint Outline
Objectives
• Describe the function of the motherboard.
• Identify the different types of motherboards and their functions.
• Identify the main components of the motherboard.
• Determine the capabilities and limitations of the system.
• List the considerations when purchasing a motherboard.
• Identify the typical board system layout and variations in layout of other
motherboard types.
• Identify motherboard troubleshooting techniques and maintenance tips.

I. Function of a Motherboard

A. Houses the ______________

B. Allows all devices to ______________ with the motherboard and with

____________________ _________________________

C. Determines the ______________ and _________________ of the system

II. 4 Types of Motherboards

Type of Description
Motherboard
• Oldest type of motherboard

• UsesP8 and P9 ________________

• Measures ______ inches X ______ inches

• Smaller version of above

• UsesP8 and P9 ________________

• Measures ______ inches X ______ inches

• Developed by Intel for _________ systems, and more

convenient than above

• Includes a power-on switch that can be

________________

• Uses a _____ connector

• Measures ______ inches X ______ inches

• More compact than above

• Measures ______ inches X ______ inches

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III. Main Components on a Motherboard

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

IV. Selection of a Motherboard Determines

A. CPU ________ and speeds

B. Chip ____ on the board

C. Memory cache ______ and ________

D. Types and number of ______________ _________

E. Type of ___________. Examples: ______, _______, ________,

_________, or _________

F. Type of _______________. What ____________ and how ____________

________________________ and ______________________

G. Type of ______

H. ROM ______

I. Type of ________ connector

J. Presence/absence of proprietary _______, local _____ _______, _______

adapters and _______ controller, ______ports, LPT ______, and ______

port

V. Considerations when Selecting a system board

A. Circle only the letters A-J in section IV above that you need to consider

when choosing a motherboard.

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VI. The System Clock

A. Keeps the ______ for motherboard activities

B. Frequency is measured in _________

C. Wait state occurs when

_________________________________________________.

VII. The Chip Set

A. Set of chips on the motherboard that collectively ________ the memory

________, external __________, and some ______________________

VIII. Buses Types

Bus Type Description

This is a ____-directional pathway, which means that

information can flow ______ ______.

This is a ____-directional pathway, which means that

information can flow ______ ________________.

This carries the __________ and __________ signals

needed to coordinate the activities of the entire computer.

IX. Buses and Expansion Slots

A. Today’s PCs have _____ or ____ buses.

B. A bus carries ___________ __________, ___________ signals,

____________ addresses, and data.

C. On-board ports.

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X. Relationship of CPU Speed to Bus Speed

A. When the multiplier is large, overall performance of system is ________

than when it is small.

B. Change the speed of a computer by changing __________ of the system

______, or by changing ______________ that determines ________ of

______________________.

XI. CPU and Bus Speeds

A. CPU speed is determined by _________________________ X

____________.

1. Typical speeds are ___________, _____________ and

_____________.

2. Controlled by ___________, ____________, ____________

B. Memory or system bus speed is based on ___________________

1. Typical values are ____________ to ______________

2. Controlled by: ____________, ______________, ___________

C. PCI bus speed: ____________ by 2

1. Setting the speed of ________________________ sets the speed

of the PCI bus.

D. ISA bus: runs as ______________ speed: ___________.

XII. Hardware configuration

A. Tells the CPU what hardware ________________ are present and how

they are ______________ to interface with the CPU.

B. Provided on the motherboard by ________________,

_________________, and _____________

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XIII. A Typical System Board Layout:

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

XIV. How does the Dual Processor Motherboard differ from the typical layout?

_____________________________________________________________

XV. On the typical system board layout above, mark the ISA slot and the battery.

XVI. Troubleshooting and Maintenance

A. If the motherboard is not working properly, the problem is often caused by:

___________________________________________________________.

B. What should you do first in the troubleshooting process?

____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________.

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 C. If this doesn’t work, what should you do next?

___________________________________________________________.

D. What should you do if no components are found to be faulty?

_____________________ ________________ or a _________________

____________________.

E. What type of software can be purchased to test the motherboard?

__________________________________

F. Always check the ____________________ that is included with your

motherboard to determine the proper __________________.

G. To prevent the computer from overheating check the _____ for proper

function.

H. Many motherboards have built-in ______________________ that will shut

down the computer before it overheats.

I. To clean your motherboard, you can use a can of __________________

____________ to blow away the dust.

Additional Notes:

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Student Name:

Computer Maintenance - Motherboards Lab

Part 1 – Replacing a Motherboard

Step 1
Before replacing a motherboard, turn off the computer and unplug the power cable.
Remove the cover from the computer case and ground yourself.

Step 2
Disconnect the cables from the back of the computer and remove the expansion cards from
the expansion slots.

Step 3
Disconnect all cables from the motherboard.

Step 4
Remove the screws that are holding the motherboard to the computer case.

Step 5
Slide the motherboard a bit sideways to release the small plastic spacers, and lift the board
out of the computer case.

Step 6
If necessary, add the plastic spacers from the old motherboard to the new motherboard.

Step 7
Place the new motherboard into the computer case, slide the board into position, and
secure it with the screws. Reconnect all the cables, re-install the expansion cards, and
place the cover on the computer case.

Part 2 – Identifying the Components on a Motherboard

Step 1
Look carefully at the motherboard you removed from the PC.

Step 2
Sketch the layout of the major components of the motherboard onto the grid sheet
provided.

Step 3
Label the major components listed as 1-9 on your sketch.

Step 4
Identify the type of motherboard in your layout sketch: ____________________

Step 5
Justify your answer to step 4 above: _________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

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1. Power Supply connections 6. System bus with expansion slots
2. System clock 7. CMOS chip and battery
3. CPU / chip set 8. Ram
4. Jumpers and DIP switches 9. Ports mounted on the board/ list type
5. ROM BIOS

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Computer Maintenance
Name _________________________________ Date ______________________________

Motherboards Exam
Multiple Choice

1. The motherboard does all of the following EXCEPT

a. Houses the CPU
b. Allow all devices to communicate with each other
c. Determine capabilities and limitation of the system
d. Converts AC power to DC power

2. What are the four different types of motherboards?

a. AT, Baby AT, ATX, and Mini ATX
b. AT, ATM, ATX and Mini ATX
c. ATV, ATX, AT, and Baby AT
d. None of the above

3. All of the following are main components of the motherboard EXCEPT

a. CPU
b. System Clock
c. Hard drive
d. RAM

4. When choosing a motherboard, the following should be considered

a. Form Factor
b. Memory
c. Processor Socket
d. All of the above

5. The following are Bus types in a computer EXCEPT

a. Address bus
b. Data bus
c. Control bus
d. Tether bus

True/False

6. _____ When a motherboard is not working properly, a malfunctioning component may

be causing the problem.

7. _____ Diagnostic software allows you to test your motherboard.

8. _____ Checking the documentation included with your motherboard could determine
how much space is available in your hard drive.

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9. _____ To prevent your computer from overheating, remove the cover while using the
computer.

10. _____ A can of compressed air can be used to blow away the dust and dirt on the
mother board.

Short Answer

11. Briefly describe the function of the motherboard.

12. List at least 5 components found on the motherboard.

13. What can be done if the motherboard is not working properly? Explain.

14. How can you prevent your computer from overheating?

15. List at least five things that should be considered when choosing a motherboard.

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Computer Maintenance
Motherboards Exam - KEY
Multiple Choice

1. The motherboard does all of the following EXCEPT

a. Houses the CPU
b. Allow all devices to communicate with each other
c. Determine capabilities and limitation of the system
d. Converts AC power to DC power

2. What are the four different types of motherboards?

a. AT, Baby AT, ATX, and Mini ATX
b. AT, ATM, ATX and Mini ATX
c. ATV, ATX, AT, and Baby AT
d. None of the above

3. All of the following are main components of the motherboard EXCEPT

a. CPU
b. System Clock
c. Hard drive
d. RAM

4. When choosing a motherboard, the following should be considered

a. Form Factor
b. Memory
c. Processor Socket
d. All of the above

5. The following are Bus types in a computer EXCEPT

a. Address bus
b. Data bus
c. Control bus
d. Tether bus

True/False

6. _____ When a motherboard is not working properly, a malfunctioning component may

be causing the problem. T

7. _____ Diagnostic software allows you to test your motherboard. T

8. _____ Checking the documentation included with your motherboard could determine
how much space is available in your hard drive. F

9. _____ To prevent your computer from overheating, remove the cover while using the
computer. F

10. _____ A can of compressed air can be used to blow away the dust and dirt on the
mother board. T

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Short Answer

11. Briefly describe the function of the motherboard.

 Houses the CPU
 Allow all devices to communicate with the motherboard and with each other
 Determine capabilities and limitations of the system

12. List at least 5 components found on the motherboard.

 System clock
 CPU and its chip set
 System bus with expansion slots
 Jumpers and DIP switches
 ROM BIOS
 CMOS configuration chip and its battery
 RAM
 RAM cache (L2) (optional)
 Ports directly on the board
 Power supply connections

13. What can be done if the motherboard is not working properly? Explain
 If the motherboard is not working properly, the problem is often caused by a component
that is not functioning properly.
 One should remove a component not required for basic operation and then start the
computer to see if the problem is still exists. Repeat this with different components until
you find the one that is causing the error.
 If no components are found to be faulty, the computer may have a loss of power or a
computer virus.
 Diagnostic software may be purchased at most computer stores to test your
motherboard.
 Always check the documentation that is included with your system board to determine
proper settings.

14. How can you prevent your computer from overheating?

To prevent the computer from overheating, verify that the fan is working properly. Many
motherboards have built-in thermometers that will shut down the computer before it
overheats

15. List at least five things that should be considered when choosing a motherboard.
 Type of case
 ROM BIOS
 Type of keyboard connector
 Presence/absence of proprietary video and/or proprietary local bus slots
 Presence/absence of IDE adapters and SCSI controller
 Presence/absence of COM ports, LPT ports, and mouse port
 Form factor
 Power factor
 Processor

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 Motherboards Lab Assignment Scoring Rubric
Total possible points: 80

9-10 Points 6-8 Points 4-5 Points 0-3 Points Awarded

TECHNICAL

LAB REPORT
SKETCH: DRAW
ALL 4-5 2-3 0-1
the LOCATION
COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS
OF the
components
LAB REPORT
ALL 4-5 2-3 0-1
SKETCH: Identify
COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS
THE components
DISCONNECTED
ALL 4-5 2-3 0-1
ALL
COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS
COMPONENTS
REMOVED
REMOVED REMOVED
REMOVED WITH DID NOT
WITHOUT WITH VERBAL
MOTHERBOARD PHYSICAL REMOVE
ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE
ASSISTANCE
REPLACED
REPLACED REPLACED
REPLACED WITH DID NOT
WITHOUT WITH VERBAL
MOTHERBOARD PHYSICAL REPLACE
ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE
ASSISTANCE
RETURNED ALL
COMPONENTS
ALL 4-5 2-3 0-1
TO THE PC IN
COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS
PROPER
LOCATION
WORK AREA
SUPERIOR SUITABLE MEDIOCRE INADEQUATE
CLEAN
FOLLOWED
SAFETY SUPERIOR SUITABLE MEDIOCRE INADEQUATE
GUIDELINES

Total points
awarded

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